Na Piarsaigh's All Ireland club SHC semi-final against Slaughtneil was an absolutely enthralling affair. The game was not without controversy with an early penalty and two red cards for Na Piarsaigh but the return of their inter-county star, Shane Dowling, proved crucial.
Dowling has not played since October when he suffered a serious knee injury, but the Limerick man came on at half-time and proceeded to score an exceptional solo effort. It demonstrated a wide range of skill, in terms of regaining the ball, the initial lift and then the strike.
Shane Dowling announces his return from injury with a cracking goal! pic.twitter.com/8Ji7aSJHDQ
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 10, 2018
It's one of the best goals you are likely to see, all the more so given it is Dowling's first piece of action since last year's county final.
Oh my god what a goal from Shane Dowling #GAABeo #TheToughest
— Gerard Dunne (@dunners23) February 10, 2018
Shane Dowling with the goal of the year and we're only in February. Cracker of a game on tg4 between Na Piarsaigh and Slaughtneil! #TheToughest #gaa
— Ogie Coen (@ogiecoen1) February 10, 2018
Some goal from Shane Dowling. @AIB_GAA #TheToughest
— Ciarán Conroy (@ciaranconroy17) February 10, 2018
The 2016 Champions saw out the game 3-15 to 3-08 despite playing with 13 men throughout the second half and will face the winner of Cuala and Liam Mellows in the final.
