Late Byrne point earns dramatic victory for Ballinlough

Peadar Byrne popped up with a late point to earn Ballinlough a dramatic victory over Oldcastle in the IFC semi-final at Pairc Tailteann this evening. 

Then with 60 minutes played Ballinlough won a line ball underneath the stand and when referee Martin Griffin deemed an Oldcastle player had infringed, the ball was brought infield and within range of the posts. 

Upstepped Byrne to direct the ball between the posts from about 30 metres out in what was a real pressure kick. 

Ballinlough played for most of the second-half with 14 men after Ronan McGuinness was sent off. 

With the help of a Johnny Reilly goal Ballinlough led 1-4 to 0-5 at the interval but Oldcastle dominated the third quarter and worked a goal themselves that was skilfully finished by Jason Scully. 

With less than nine minutes to play Ballinlough trailed by three and looked out of it but two points from Byrne left the minimum between the sides. 

Then in the 60th minute Ballinlough got their free and from about 30 metres out Byrne directed the ball between the posts. Oldcastle were unable to create a score in the closing minutes and instead Ballinlough held on for a famous win much to the joy of their followers. 

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