Louth champions Stabannon Parnells had victory snatched from their grasp in a thrilling finish to the Leinster Club football quarter-final clash at Pearse Park. The deadly accurate Pat Butterly looked to have clinched Stabannon a place in the semi-final against Erin's Isle when he was on target from a tight angle in the final minute of normal time, leaving his side two points in front.
However, Father Manning Gaels refused to accept defeat, and after Michael Mulleady blazed the ball over the bar with the goal at his mercy, the Longford champions earned a second chance when snatching the equaliser in the fourth minute of injury time.
Roving corner back Pete McWade was fouled as he surged forward into the Stabannon half of the field and up stepped Padraig Davis to fire over a pressure free, much to the delight of the home team's supporters.
The sides were also level, 0-4 to 04, at the break. They will meet again in Drogheda on Saturday.
Fr Manning Gaels: D Roughan; Pete McWade, G Brady, P McCormack; S Gallagher, F McNamee, Martin Mulleady; J Tully, D Hannify (0- 1, free); C Hannify (0-1), J Breslin (0-1), Michael Mulleady (0-3); D Gallagher, P Davis (0-5, three frees), Pat McWade. Sub: M Kane for D Gallagher (50 mins).
Stabannon: B McConnon; D Hurst, F Bell, M Butterly; G Hoey, D Reilly, I Quinn; K Reilly, J Donaldson; Peter Donnelly, John Prendergast, N Butterly (0-1); Paudie Donnelly (0-1), Patrick Butterly (0-8, five frees), B Murray (0-1). Subs: B Reynolds for Paudie Donnelly (53 mins); S Gorman for N Butterly (58 mins); G Reynolds for Peter Donnelly (60 mins).
Referee: J Woods (Dublin).
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