O'Rourke hits crucial goal as Kilmessan and Kildalkey make it into last four

Kilmessan and Kildalkey overcame their respective opponents in the SHC quater-finals at Pairc Tailteann this evening.

The Kilmessan v Killyon contest went to extra-time after Meath's football goalkeeper Paddy O'Rourke, who had come on as a substitute,  scored a goal after 63 minutes of play. The goal saved Kilmessan from what looked like certain defeat and forced extra-time.

In the end Kilmessan won by 3-21 to 1-23 with Steven Clynch tagging on a two late, brilliant points to set up a clash with Kiltale who will go into the game as warm favourites. The other two Kilmessan goals were scored by Kevin Keena and Charlie Keena. 

In the curtain-raiser Kildalkey had a relatively comforable victory over Ratoath - at least on the scoreboard. They won by 2-14 to 0-11 but Ratoath chalked up a big quota of wides and watched their chance of an upset slip past. Kildalkey now take on Dunboyne in the last four. 

The Village side's goals were scored by Sean Heavey and Paddy Potterton and while Ratoath had plenty of possession they were unable to find their way past the Kildalkey defence. 

Darragh Kelly showed the way for Ratoath with six points, five frees, but last year's IHC winners were unable to find an extra gear, or a goal, after trailing 0-7 to 1-5 at the break. After a brief melee Kildalkey's David Harmon and Ratoath's Bobby O'Brien were sent off in injurty time. 

See detailed reports and comments in this week's Meath Chronicle