An inspired display from the Canavan brothers helped Errigal Ciaran over the line against Dr Crokes, taking the Tyrone club through to their first All-Ireland senior club football final.
The Tyrone champs were almost beaten having led for the majority of the game, with an injury time score from Micheal Burns putting Dr Crokes one point up three minutes into injury-time.
Peter Óg McCartan sent the game to extra-time, stepping up with a vital score with virtually the last kick of the game, and Errigal Ciaran took over in the additional period.
Before that, it was the Canavan show for Enda McGinley's side who had brothers Ruairí and Darragh Canavan to thank for 1-11 of their 1-13 tally in normal time.
Darragh Canavan of Errigal Ciarán celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship semi-final match between Dr Crokes and Errigal Ciarán at Cedral St Conleth's Park in Newbridge, Kildare. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Darragh hit 1-6 from play for a finish while Ruairi ended his afternoon with 0-7, 0-4 from play, linking up to brilliant effect throughout the St Conleth's Park fare.
Darragh's second half goal was the pick of the bunch with the brothers having terrorised the Crokes defence all afternoon. Ruairi found his older brother with a pinpoint pass from a free won by Errigal Ciaran centre back Niall Kelly.
So good the cameras missed it first time around.
Ruairi Canavan sets up Darragh 🔥 @SportTG4 🎥 pic.twitter.com/SIIycu4dOB
— Niall McIntyre (@NiallMcintyre) January 12, 2025
The brothers punished the Crokes defence who had switched off for a half second, Ruairi capitalising with a fine pass before Darragh finished with aplomb.
Crokes fought back with Micheál Burns in particular standing up in the final 15 minutes but come extra-time they had no answer for Enda McGinley's side, with 1-1 from Joe Oguz helping to swing the tide in their favour.
Errigal Ciaran held out to win by 2-18 to 1-18 with the game's high standard and entertainment value drawing praise from all corners.
They will take on fellow first time finalists Cuala in next Sunday's All-Ireland final, with the Dublin champs having overcome Coolera-Strandhill in the day's other semi-final.
