IN a very entertaining all Ireland vocational schools senior football, semi final replay at Cusack Park in Ennis, Co Clare, on Saturday, Rathmore post primary school from Kerry fought back from a nine point deficit to beat Carrick-on-Shannon.

This was a game which produced some excellent scores and while the Leitrim school will be disappointed at allowing such a big lead to slip, credit must go to Rathmore for the manner in which they recovered from that bad start.

The opening half belonged to Carrick on Shannon and after just nine minutes they were 1-4 to 0-1 ahead. With Ian McGreevy totally dominant at midfield, the Connacht champions launched attack after attack, but they failed to turn many good opportunities into scores.

They went 15 minutes without a score and then they struck for their second goal from Pat Caslin to open a nine point lead with five minutes to go to half time.

Rathmore hit back in the remaining time and after Tim Cronin had goaled, they added a point from Liam Murphy to leave just five points between the sides at half time.

A magnificent goal from Liam Murphy two minutes into the second half brought the Munster champions right back into contention and within a matter of minutes the sides were level.

Another turning point came with 11 minutes remaining when Carrick-on-Shannon full back Donal Kennedy was sent off for a tackle on Murphy. After this Rathmore had the upper hand and they finished with points from Mike Fleming and two from Michael Cahill to seal a place in the final.