O'Mahonys survive before pushing on to win engrossing encounter

Brave Rathmolyon denied in the closing stages

Navan O'Mahonys...0-28

Rathmolyon...4-13

What a IHC semi-final this was. What a journey we were brought on by these two teams who produced what is now one of the top nominations for the 'Game of the Year' - if there was such an accolade in Meath hurling.

Since there isn't we just have to be grateful to both sets of players for the manner in which they went about their business. In 80 minutes of full on hurling engrossed spectators at Pairc Tailteann witnessed quality scores, super saves, well-structured moves and much else besides.

There was a one or two yellow cards handed out but this contest was played in a very sporting manner with O'Mahonys showing an admirable depth of resilience to win. Referee Bernard Heeney should take a bow too for the manner in which he kept a firm control of the contest.

The Hoops looked out for the count a few times but they dug in, stayed in the game and were ultimately rewarded.

They had to rely on a last-gasp Conor O'Dwyer point to force a draw at the end of normal time (that ended 0-21 to 3-12), the substitute showing real composure and courage to shoot from distance. It was a brave shot at redemption. If he missed his team would surely have lost as time was just about up.

He didn't and the Hoops pushed on to win in extra-time and finally subdue a brave, battling, tenacious young Rathmolyon side who surely will be back.

Rathmolyon led 3-5 to 0-13 at the break in normal time and they were in front, 4-13 to 0-24, at the break in extra-time. They were in front nearly all the way in the second-half of normal time but still lost.

The Boys in Green just couldn't put the physically strong, streetwise O'Mahonys side away despite the fact they were behind several times. Jack Walsh was one, just one, of O'Mahonys' pantheon of heroes, slotting over 12 point ( 11 frees, one '65) his marksmanship unerring.

The tireless Jack McConnell, Finn Malone, Paddy Dillon, Jack Flynn, Tom Dondorn, Cormac Keyes, Sean McDermott and that man O'Dwyer making up the lengthy list of players who contributed scores.

Goalkeeper John Foley also played his part executing a few classy saves including one in the second-half to push Cathal Regan's net-bound shot around the post.

At times O'Mahonys looked very vulnerable in defence and Rathmolyon were not slow in making hay with Darren Hennessy, Kevin Mulligan, Arthur Doyle and Stephen Mulligan all showing awareness and skill to finish off chances to the net.

In all nine Rathmolyon players got the scoresheet, an indication of how much of a threat they were, urged on all the way as they were by animated manager Andrew Dermody along the sideline. The also missed a few decent second-half chances, as did their opponents.

However, it was Pat Nolan's O'Mahonys who kept battling away and were ultimately rewarded. Richly rewarded - as were the spectators who attended this fine spectacle.

Navan O'Mahonys - John Foley; Evan Cully, Ben McEntagart, Finn McNally; Cormac O'Shea, Cormac Keyes (0-2), Mark Usher; Jack McConnell (0-3), Paddy Dillon (0-2); Jack Flynn (0-2 one free), Sam Formosa, Jack Walsh (0-12, 11 frees, one 65); Finn Malone (0-2), Shane McCarthy, Tom Condron (0-2). Subs - Conor O'Dwyer (0-2) for McCarthy, Dermot McKenna for Cully both 38m, Sean McDermott (0-1) for Condon 47m, Evan Brady for Usher 56m, Eoghan Nugent for McConnell 73m, Usher for O'Shea 76m.

Rathmolyon - John Harnan; Robert Ennis, Sean Mulligan, Trevor Healy; Ciaran Regan, Sean Howley, Arthur Doyle (1-0); Simon Ennis (0-1), Jarlath Ennis (0-1); Cathal Regan (0-1 free), Kevin Mulligan (1-3), Vincent Ward (0-1 free); Joey Christie (0-4 one free), Darren Hennessy (1-1), Stephen Mulligan (1-1). Subs - Eoghan Grehan for Cathal Regan 42m, Gary Doherty for Stephen Mulligan 50m, Ben Morgan for Ward 56m, Ward for Howley 64m, Jamie Doonan for J Ennis 73m.

Referee - Bernard Heeney (Clann na nGael).