Late goal takes Magherafelt into MacFarland final

Danske Bank MacFarland Cup semi-final
St Mary’s Magherafelt 3-11 St Columba’s Portaferry 3-9
AN INJURY time goal from Diarmuid Mulholland settled this excellent Danske Bank MacFarland Cup semi-final tie in Rathmore yesterday.
Both goal-keepers were the stars for their team, with St Mary’s captain Sean McAuley bringing off a string of top class saves particularly during the second half. His opposite number Pearse Smyth not only copied that, but also stroked over three points from 65s to keep his team in touch.
St Columba’s probably edged the first half in terms of play, but goals from Ciaran Mc Kenna and Jamie Wilson gave St Mary’s a one point lead at half time, 2-3 to 1-5. Michael Doran scored the Portaferry goal.
It was score for score for the duration of the second half punctuated by those outstanding saves from both goalkeepers. However goals from Kirk Eccles and Ethan Savage had pushed St Columba’s into a 3-9 to 2-11 lead with the clock ticking down.
Still there was just enough time for Diarmuid Mulholland to find the net and set up a final with St Colman’s Newry for the start of the week.
St Mary’s : Diarmuid Mulholland 1-4, 0-3 frees, Ciaran McKenna 1-1, Jamie Wilson 1-0, Michael Murray 0-3, Benen Kelly 0-1, Conor Johnston 0-1
St Columba’s : Kirk Eccles 1-3, 0-1 free, Michael Doran 1-0, Ethan Savage 1-0, Pearse Smyth 0-3 frees, Declan Mallon 0-2, Piaras Sweeney 0-1.