Rathnew victorious in replay

Rathnew 2-16 Na Fianna 1-10 AET

Rathnew 2-16 Na Fianna 1-10 AET

Wicklow side Rathnew were crowned AIB Leinster Club Football champions for the first time in their history this afternoon when they beat Na Fianna after extra time in the replay at St Conleth's Park, Newbridge.

The match turned on a controversial goal which came at the end of the first period of extra-time. A high ball was lobbed into the goal-mouth, Tommy Gill appeared to push Na Fianna ‘keeper Stephen Gray and the ball rolled into the net.

Whether that goal was deserved or not Rathnew earned their victory in the second period of extra time as they blew Mick Galvin’s men away putting over seven more points to Na Fianna’s one.

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It had looked good for the Dublin side earlier in the match when they led 1-6 to 3 points midway through the second half, the goal coming courtesy of Jason Sherlock. Rathnew gradually chipped away at the lead of the Dublin champions until man-of-the-match Tommy Gill knocked over a free in injury-time to level the match.

Na Fianna ran out of steam in the second period of extra time and Rathnew emerged as the worthy winners.