Errigal Ciarán defeat Dr Crokes in thrilling All-Ireland semi-final

Michael Bolton

Errigal Ciarán have reached the All-Ireland senior football final after a thrilling 2-18 to 1-18 win over Dr Crokes after extra-time

They were brought to extra-time after they could not be separated following a 1-13 to 0-16 draw after 60 minutes.

It looked like the Kerry side were going to run out as winners after a late score from Micheál Burns, but Peter Og McCartan rescued the game for Errigal Ciarán.

The Canavan brothers had Errigal Ciarán in front after the first half, as they were 0-8 to 0-7 ahead at the interval, with Darragh and Ruairí scoring all their points

Dr Crokes were ahead early in the second half through the scores of Burns and Tony Brosnan, before Darragh Cavanagh's goal gave the Tyrone champions the lead.

Both sides exchanged the lead in the final minutes of normal time, before McCartan ensured another 20 minutes would be needed to settle the game.

In extra-time, the Ulster champions regained the lead through a point from Darragh Canavan, who went for goal but was denied by a great save.

Dr Crokes drew level, in what was a tense 10 minutes of football with the scores at 1-15 to 0-18.

The Tyrone side came flying out of the blocks in the second half of extra-time, with Joe Ougz's goal two minutes into the half.

While they extended their lead, Dr Crokes had their goal through Charlie Keating, but it was not enough as Errigal Ciarán held on for victory.

They will be joined in the final by Dublin champions Cuala, who defeated Sligo side Coolera-Strandhill 0-14 to 0-9.

The Dublin side were comfortable in the first half, as they grew into the game to take a 0-6 to 0-2 lead into the interval, with Con O'Cllaghan helping them to a four point lead.

After racing into a 0-10 to 0-03 lead in the second half, it looked as though they would be comfortable winners.

However, the Sligo side dragged themselves back into the game, as Sligo forward Niall Murphy was central to everything they did to reduce the lead to two points.

In the final 10 minutes, it was Cuala who finished stronger, with scores from Niall and Con O'Callaghan helping them to victory.