Glen have booked their place in the All-Ireland club final, defeating reigning champions Kilmacud Crokes on a 1-14 to 2-10 scoreline in a fog filled Newry this afternoon.
With Kilmacud having won the final between those two sides in controversial fashion last year, the Derry champions had an added incentive to get over the line on this occasion.
They certainly played like a team with something to prove early on in the game, playing some excellent football as they opened up a sizeable lead after halftime.
#GAABEO #CRÓCVGLEN 24 nóim@KCrokesGAAClub 0-03@WattyGrahamsGAA 0-06
Scór inspioráideach ag Micheal Warnock!
Gleann ahead by 3 points.
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV @GAA_BEO pic.twitter.com/rsFzu3EOxd— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 7, 2024
That continued into the second half, although the Dublin club were about to launch a huge comeback to get themselves back into the game.
Having trailed by seven points at one stage, this goal set up by Shane Walsh got them back level late on.
#GAABEO#CRÓCVGLEN 54nóim@KCrokesGAAClub 1-10@WattyGrahamsGAA 0-13
An-chúl!! Tá na foirne cothrom 😱😀
Teams level with 6mins to go!
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV ⏰ @GAA_BEO pic.twitter.com/jNvUrtVhAb— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 7, 2024
Considering the weather conditions, it's crazy to think that he could even see that pass was on.
While you might have expected Kilmacud to go and win the game from that point, Glen showed some remarkable mettle to get back in front.
This goal in added time looked to seal the result and their place in the final.
#GAABEO#CRÓCVGLEN 63Nóim@KCrokesGAAClub @WattyGrahamsGAA
Cúl ag an Ghleann!! 😱😀
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV ⏰ @GAA_BEO pic.twitter.com/3nVbEci5e8— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 7, 2024
Despite Kilmacud responding with a goal of their own soon after, it was to be Glen's day.
READ HERE: Dessie Farrell Reveals Dublin Will Be Without 8-Time All-Ireland Winner In 2024
Glen man's exchange with Shane Walsh sums up mad weather conditions
This was a brilliant game of football, with the performances from the two teams made all the more incredible when you consider the conditions in Newry.
Those watching the game on television could hardly make out what was happening on the pitch due to the think fog on the pitch, with the players themselves struggling at times.
Speaking to TG4 after the game, Glen's man-of-the-match Michael Warnock summed up the farcical nature of the conditions by sharing an exchange he had with Shane Walsh during the game.
Lán Ama#CRÓCVGLEN
"It's a bit emotional aswel because of everything that happened last year"
Is é Michael Warnock Laoch na himeartha inniu!
Comhghairdeas leat Michael 👍👌
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV @GAA_BEO #GAA #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/cC65kiIFDx— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 7, 2024
There was one stage in the first half where Shane Walsh said 'where the hell is the ball at', the two of us were looking for it!
It's January time, these are the conditions you're going to get. In Ulster, we have had these conditions right the way through the Ulster championship.
We're just delighted to get over the line to be honest, we're just looking forward now to two weeks time...
The way the game is now, it's the whole team attacks and defends. My job was just picking Shane Walsh up and hopefully trying to do a job on him.
He set up the goal at the end, what a pass. Sometimes you just have to applaud that sort of stuff. I lost him for about three yards and then bang, the ball is in the back of the net and they're right back in the game.
Luckily enough we reacted quite well. We knew we were going to get a reaction, but what a reaction we got.
Not the conditions you want to see for such an important game.
Glen will now prepare for a second consecutive All-Ireland final, where they will face Roscommon champions St Brigids. Considering their performance this afternoon, they will enter that game as favourites to win a first ever All-Ireland title.
SEE ALSO: St Brigids Star Wants To Emulate Hero After Leading Club Back To All-Ireland Final
