St Colmcille's and Dunderry make it through to IFC showdown

They got there in very different ways but St Colmcille's and Dunderry will contest the IFC showdown after today's semi-finals at Pairc Tailteann. 

While Dunderry had a relatively comfortable 1-12 to 0-10 victory over Ballinabrackey the favourites for the title St Colmcille's took the scenic route defeating Walterstown 2-19 to 0-16 but only after extra-time. 

Colm Nally's side had to depend on a last-gasp point from James Conlon to save them from defeat and force extra-time. 

Yet Walterstown will know only too painfully they threw this game away. They led for most of the way, played the most enterprising football and were ahead, with the help of a superb point from Richie Barry, by the narrowest of margins going into the closing seconds. 

Then with the last kick of the game Conlon equalised for St Colmcille's to force extra-time. 

At the end of normal time the sides were level at 1-10 to 0-13 with Ciaran Kelly getting the St Colmcille's goal in the second-half from the penalty spot after David Sheerin was fouled. 

Up until that goal Walterstown looked in control however, they spurned a number of excellent opportunities for goals and points. Twice Brian O'Connell had shots saved by Jordan Brown in the St Colmcille's goal. 

St Colmcille's second goal arrived in the first-half of extra-time when Graham Reilly powered his way through the middle of the St Colmcille's defence to find the net. After that score there was a real sense St Colmcille's were on an unstoppable path to victory. 

O'Connell, David Donnellan, Ruairi O'Dowd, Tom Walsh and Alban Crosbie were among those to shine for Walterstown who will feel that this was one game that slipped through their grasp. 

Conlon was St Colmcille's outstanding player. 

In the curtain-raiser at Pairc Tailteann Dunderry got the better of Ballinabrackey with the help of a Stephen Coogan goal from a penalty kick. Paddy Kennelly was also prominent for Kevin Dowd's side, scoring four points from play. 

Damien Carroll topscored for Ballinabrackey with four points however they were unable to make enough inroads in the Dunderry defence to secure a place in the final. 

Instead Dunderry progress where they will face the favourites in what promises to be an intriguing contest.