There were dramatic scenes at the conclusion of today's All-Ireland intermediate ladies' football semi-final, as Leitrim's Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins booked their place in Croke Park with the last kick of the game.
Having triumphed in the Leitrim intermediate championship for the second time earlier this year, Ballinamore progressed to the All-Ireland championship with victory over Sligo champions Eoghan Rua in the Connacht final at Markievicz Park early last month.
They came up against Ulster intermediate champion Steelstown of Derry in Saturday's All-Ireland semi-final and, despite trailing by two points entering injury-time, would prevail in the most dramatic of circumstances with the last kick of the game.
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Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins make history with dramatic last-gasp goal
A town of little over 1,000 people, Ballinamore were punching above their weight in progressing to the All-Ireland semi-finals - and the manner of their victory over Steelstown on Saturday is one of the most breathtaking finishes you're likely to see in the GAA this year.
Ballinamore were spirited throughout, but Steelstown entered injury time with a 1-08 to 0-09 lead, and looked set to progress to the final in Croke Park.
A point from Roisin McHugh drew Ballinamore to within one point in injury-time, before a defensive calamity gave them the opportunity to score the winning goal.
Steelstown attempted to see the game out with some handpassing possession, before their goalkeeper was left isolated some distance away from her goal.
Excellent pressure from the Ballinamore forwards allowed them to win back possession, and corner forward Aoibheann Flynn finished with aplomb with the last kick of the game to find the back of the net and send the Leitrim and Connacht champions to Croke Park.
Unbelievable scenes in the All-Ireland intermediate semi-final
Ballinamore, a town of only around 1,000 people, are headed to Croke Park after this insane 62nd minute winning goal 🤯
Sensational stuffpic.twitter.com/MXXn4v2xPt— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) December 2, 2023
It was an utterly heartbreaking way for Steelstown to lose out, but the jubilation of the Ballinamore players spoke volumes of the weight of their achievement.
They may be giants of the men's game in Leitrim, with the most senior county championships of any club, but Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins only founded their ladies' football team in 2003, making Saturday's win an emotional landmark momentt.
Ballinamore now progress to face the winners of Sunday's semi-final between Glanmire and Na Fianna in the All-Ireland ladies' club intermediate final in Croke Park. It has been seven years since a Connacht club won the All-Ireland crown, and Ballinamore will now be dreaming of climbing up the Hogan Stand steps.
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