GAA: ALL-IRELAND JFC SEMI-FINALS: Kildare 0-16 Lancashire 2-6: KILDARE SET up an All-Ireland final against Cork but it was very much a workmanlike performance against a gritty Lancashire in Newbridge. They could never afford to relax and an injury-time penalty from Michael Molloy left just three between them before Emmet Hyland sent over a fine point at the other end with the last act.
Lancashire began with intent and full-forward Liam Coyne diverted John O’Neill’s delivery to the net in the fourth minute. He continued to cause problems for the Kildare defence but with Eoghan Carew and Paddy Dunne gradually taking over in midfield, the supply began to dry up.
Darroch Mulhall was looking lively at the other end and contributed four points, although he also wasted a gilt-edged goal chance.
Lancashire would not go away and thanks to points from Ciarán Shields, Molloy, Stephen Sands and Coyne were level before Carew landed a 45 to give the hosts a 0-9 to 1-5 interval lead.
Ciarán Kelly, Tommy Moolick and Mulhall helped stretch that lead after the resumption.
Molloy’s point was their only score of the latter period before the John Mitchell’s clubman expertly sent Robbie Eyres the wrong way from the penalty spot.
KILDARE:R Eyres; D McEvoy, C Fitzpatrick, R Walsh; M Kelly, J Doyle, J Browne; P Dunne (0-1), E Carew (0-2, 45, free); J Lambe, T Moolick (0-2), C Kelly (0-2); D Mulhall (0-5, 0-3 frees), P Meagher (0-1), J Gately. Subs: T Archbold (0-1) for Lambe (26 mins); R O'Donoghue for Kane (45 mins); C Murphy (0-1, free) for Mulhalll (49 mins); D Campbell for Meagher (57 mins); E Hyland (0-1) for Carew (59 mins).
LANCASHIRE:J Sheehan; D Fitzpatrick, J Gibney, M Carey; A Kane, D Glennon, S Gallagher; R Gallagher, P Mulligan; M Molloy (1-3, 1-0 pen, 0-2 frees), S Sands (0-1, free), R Coss; C Shields (0-1), L Coyne (1-1), J O'Neill. Subs: J O'Hagan for Fitzpatrick (34 mins); S Goldrick for Sands (44 mins); R O'Donoghue for Kane (45 mins); D Molloy for Coss (53 mins).
Referee: S Carroll (Westmeath).
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