Martin '45' gives Killybegs a second chance against Four Masters
Killybegs came from three points down with nine minutes left to force a replay in the first of the Donegal senior semi-finals in MacCumhaill Park, Ballybofey on Saturday night.
They did so thanks to a magnificent display of place-kicking from Kevin Martin, who hit 0-7, two of them from 45s. His leveller was from a '45' with three minutes of added time gone.
At that stage the Fishermen were down to 14 men as Manus Boyle was shown a straight red just over a minute after his introduction in the 54th minute as he swung an elbow after releasing the only ball he was to touch and Conor Browne hit the ground. It was straight in front of referee Robbie O'Donnell who had no hesitation in producing the red card.
Overall, though Killybegs probably deserved a draw as they showed much more desire than Four Masters, who only came to life for a period in the second half.
In a very lack lustre first half, both sides concentrated mostly on defence, which meant that chances were few and far between.
Killybegs had a one point lead at the break and it was no more than
they deserved as they showed the greater hunger for action.
Four Masters had an early chance but Stephen Keeney's first time effort was tame and easily saved. Conal Molloy had the opening point from a free on three minutes but two minutes later a Michael Doherty free from 50m was fisted over the bar by Benny Byrne.
A loose pass in defence by Karl Lacey on ten minutes was almost punished as Daniel Breslin fired first time on the ground and it went just outside the post.
Christopher Murrin, one of the best players on show, had the point of the half on 12 minutes, finishing approach work by Pauric Gallagher and Peter McGinley.
Conor Rooney levelled again for the Donegal Town men a minute later but good work by Conal Molloy saw an effort blocked but Kevin Martin edged the Fishermen ahead again.
Michael Doherty won and pointed a free on 19 minutes and then put Four Masters ahead with a magnificent free from fully 55m.
But Killybegs kept pushing forward and they were level three minutes from the break when Conor Rooney was punished (perhaps harshly) for an overcarry and Kevin Martin pointed and in added time Martin converted a '45' to send Killybegs to the dressing rooms ahead by 0-5 to 0-4.
Joel Carr did have a chance just before that when Stephen Keeney put him through in a rare Four Masters attack but when faced by Michael Mullen he opted for a point and his fisted effort drifted harmlessly wide.
Within five minutes of the restart Michael Doherty from play and a free had Four Masters in front but Paul McGinley won a free for Kevin Martin to level matters for the sixth time on 36 minutes.
Then Michael Doherty from a free and Luke Keaney pushed Four Masters two ahead, the first time any team was two in front. Michael Doherty then hit a wonder point to seemingly put the Donegal Town men on their way, but Killybegs refused to throw in the towel.
Kevin Martin pulled a point back from a free but Doherty hit another great point, from near the sideline to leave Masters three ahead with nine minutes left.
But again Killybegs responded with Christopher Murrin hitting a great score before Manus Boyle came and went just as quickly.
But Kevin Martin pointed a free with a minute left and then when given the opportunity after a Daniel Breslin effort was deflected wide, he stepped up to fire over the '45' to give the FIshermen a draw.
Four Masters had another chance but Benny Byrne fired wide after a Breslin free went astray.
The closeness of the game made it exciting, but the standard was poor overall. Michael Doherty showed that he is priceless to the Donegal Town men while Benny Byrne, Don Monaghan, Stephen Keeney and Conor Browne also impressed.
For Killybegs Christopher Mooner Murrin was excellent, as was Kevin Martin while Conal Molloy, Paul McGinley, David Conwell, Shane Baker Boyle (for keeping tabs on Karl Lacey) and Barry Cannon also played their part.
Four Masters: Paul Durcan; Conor Browne, David Crawford, Daniel McGarrigle; Conor Rooney (0-1), Shane Carr, Sean O'Kennedy; Benny Byrne (0-1), Karl Lacey; Luke Keaney (0-1), Michael Doherty (0-7, 4f), Barry Dunnion; Joel Carr, Don Monaghan, Stephen Keeney. Subs., Oisin McGinty for S Carr ht; Conor McMonagle for J Carr 54
Killybegs: Michael Mullen; David Conwell, Barry Cannon, Kevin Fallon; Pauric Gallagher, Shane Boyle, Shane Molloy; Christopher Murrin (0-2), Peter Boyle; Ronan Boyle, Mark Boyle, Paul McGinley; Kevin Martin (0-7,4f, two '45s', Conal Molloy (0-1,f), Daniel Breslin. Subs., Louis McNern for Peter McGinley 49; Manus Boyle for Mark Boyle 54
Referee: Robbie O'Donnell (N Mhuire)
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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