A place against Slaughtneil in the Ulster club final was at stake when Cavan Gaels met Derrygonnelly Harps this afternoon in a semi-final replay.
In the end, it was the Cavan county champions who advanced; a one-point margin was all that set them apart.
How they went about securing their place in the provincial decider was about as exciting as the 5-07 to 2-15 scoreline suggests however.
Cavan Gaels 5-7 v Derrygonnelly 2-15 What a game that was, with 29 scores in 60+ minutes! Fantastic entertainment on a Sunday afternoon!! #GAA #UlsterSFC #PhillysUpdates
— PhillyMc (@MoysPhillyMc) November 19, 2017
Yet, such a close run thing had seemed secure shortly after the second half began. Scoring four of their goals either sides of half-time, Cavan Gaels were 6 points ahead with less than half and hour remaining.
A break in play came immediately after this 6 point margin was established; the Derrygonnelly 'keeper Dermot Feely had to be stretchered from the field.
Although it may not have seemed likely then, it was an extended stoppage that would become crucial as the match entered injury-time.
What shape Derrygonnelly would be in at that point changed drastically however. Cutting into the 6 point deficit almost immediately, the Fermanagh club approached injury time looking like they would do the impossible.
By the third minute of injury time, they were ahead.
Cavan Gaels 4-7 v Derrygonnelly 2-14 Derrygonnelly captain & number 8 Ryan Jones kicks a superb long range point from play! 63+min #GAA #UlsterSFC #PhillysUpdates
— PhillyMc (@MoysPhillyMc) November 19, 2017
Almost unbelievably, Cavan Gaels' 4 goals looked like they would not be enough.
From 6 points ahead to 1 behind, it was 6 minutes into injury time before the decisive score came for the Cavan men.
A lobbed ball in was caught high by the Gaels #6 Barry Fortune. He made no mistake and they had their 5th. While Derrygonnelly would get 1 point back, it wouldn't be enough. The Cavan club were going to face Slaughtneil.
