Wolfe Tones prevail in epic drama

Where to begin? Let's start at the end.

Wolfe Tones booked their place in the SFC final with a sensational 4-11 to 0-17 extra-time victory over Skryne at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday.

Like Gladiators leaving the scene of battle both sides were applauded off by their respective supporters, appreciative of their efforts and proud to be associated with them.

What a conclusion. In normal time Wolfe Tones looked to have it in the bag before Skryne clawed their way back, tigerishly and determined, to force extra-time.

In the first period of extra-time Skryne looked faster, fitter, stronger - primed to pull away, and they tried.

Back came Wolfe Tones. Their third goal put them in the driving seat and with a three-point lead with only seconds remaining they looked home and hosed.

Looks can be deceiving.

Skryne ploughed forward in search of an equalising goal that would force a penalty shootout.

They won a free 47 metres out from the O'Mahonys clubhouse end.

Neil Burke floated the ball into the danger zone, a forest of arms rose to greet it and the ball ended in the net. Skryne celebrated, but Wolfe Tones protested there was a square ball. The referee agreed. Some say it was harsh, it's hard to disagree.

Adam O'Neill took responsibility for the free out, but for what ever reason entered his exhausted mind he turned and kicked it out over his own endline, maybe believing the game was over.

Skryne had one last chance. Darragh Campion prodded the '45' into the blinded eyes of the waiting players, but one Wolfe Tones defender rose higher than all to claim possession and win the free out.

From there Kyle Moran gathered possession and released Sean Penny on a half-field gallop that ended with him rifling the ball to the net - it was the final nail in the door that sealed Wolfe Tones win.

While what preceded those closing moments of both normal and extra-time might not have been as drama-filled, it was equally entertaining as two excellently matched sides went toe-to-toe.

Niall Finnerty excelled for Skryne as he kicked three of their first five points, with Conor O'Brien and Campion also on target in response to a score from Thomas O'Reilly as the Tara men opened up a 0-5 to 0-1 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Then it was the Tones' turn to enjoy a purple patch with Thomas O'Reilly outstanding.

He hit three of his side's next four points, while Saran O Fionnagain also got in on the act. James Reeves replied for Skryne before Oisin Martin pointed for the Tones to ensure parity at the break, 0-6 each.

Two points from Niall Finnerty (one free) edged Skryne ahead. Thomas O'Reilly replied for the Tones, and after Stephen O'Brien was black carded for a trip the Kilberry/Oristown men made hay.

Fiachra Ward was fouled by Michael Doherty in the square and Caolan Ward converted the penalty and 90 seconds later Wolfe Tones bagged their second goal with O Fionnagain capitalising on acres of space to give Ian Gillett no chance.

Adrian Crawford almost grabbed a third goal, but was denied by a brilliant block from Reeves before Thomas O'Reilly converted a free to give Wolfe Tones a 2-8 to 0-8 lead with just 11 minutes left.

Back came Skryne. Point by point.

Two frees and one from play from Niall Finnerty, one from Billy Smyth and a fine score from Campion had the deficit down to one as the hour mark struck.

Wolfe Tones were clinging on. Skryne won a late free when Harry Rooney was fouled, and Campion showed all the composure of a heart surgeon to land the 42-metre kick and force extra-time, 0-14 to 2-8.

Thomas O'Reilly edged Wolfe Tones ahead 51 seconds into the 'new game', but Skryne took the battle by the scruff of the neck with two frees from Campion and a superb point from Paddy Fox giving them a 0-17 to 2-9 lead as the teams switched ends again.

Could an exhausted Wolfe Tones respond?

Caolan Ward gave them hope with a decent free and then the drama hit epic proportions as Kyle Moran's goal raised the roof and provided the platform for the Tones to kick on to victory.

What a game!

Wolfe Tones - Ciaran O Gallachoir; Conor Sheppard, Shane Glynn, Adrian Crawford; Dan O'Neill, Adam O'Neill, Niall O'Reilly; Alan Callaghan, Sean Penny (1-0); Caolan Ward (1-1 1-0 penalty, one free), Saran O Fionnagain (1-2), Thomas O'Reilly (0-7 four frees); Cian Ward, Fiachra Ward, Oisin Martin (0-1). Subs - Brughach O Fionnagain for D O'Neill 0m, Stephen Sheppard for Penny 36m, Kyle Moran (1-0) for C Ward 53m; Sean Considine for Callaghan, Penny for Sheppard both extra-time, Tom Gavigan for T O'Reilly, Gary McFadden for N O'Reilly both 71m.

Skryne - Ian Gillett; Stephen O'Brien, Michael Doherty, Jack Swan; Shane Smyth, James Reeves (0-1), John O'Regan; James Finnerty, Harry Rooney; Oisin Keogh, Niall Finnerty (0-8 six frees), John Finnerty; Conor O'Brien (0-1), Darragh Campion (0-5 three frees), Billy Smyth (0-1). Subs - Conor Donohoe for Keogh 38m, Ciaran Lenehan for Swan 45m, Daniel Fitzpatrick for J Finnerty 47m, Patrick Fox (0-1) for O'Regan 56m; Neil Burke for O'Brien 73m, John O'Regan for Fox 75m, Padraig Finnerty for Smyth 77m.

Referee - Cormac Reilly (St Mary's).