Late O’Dywer point sees Knockbeg defeat Ardscoil Athy in local derby

Knockbeg have secured their place in the knockout stages of the Leinster Senior A Football Championship after a late point from substitute Pierce O’Dwyer sealed a one point victory over Ardscoil na Trionoide Athy in SETU Carlow this afternoon.

Athy looked like they would snatch victory in the second-half as they used the strong wind to their advantage but couldn’t break down the Knockbeg rearguard.

Knockbeg College 1-8

Ardscoil na Trionoide Athy 0-10

It was Ardscoil who opened the scoring as Jack McCabe spilt the posts with a free off his trusty left-boot before Jeremy Kelly replied with a free of his own for Knockbeg. Ardscoil had a huge goal chance soon after as Ross Harris player a one-two with McCabe only to see his powerful strike saved by Sean Browne in the Knockbeg net.

Knockbeg had to withstand a lot of early pressure but their defence were well able to deal with it especially full-back Cian Cashman, who had a superb game for the eventual winners. It was Knockbeg who got the game’s next score as Cialan Brady was first to react to a defensive mishap as the half-forward tucked the ball into the bottom corner. Jeremy Kelly added to his earlier free with a point from play.

McCabe was proving his worth to Ardscoil as he pointed two more scores, one from a free, to take his and Ardscoil’s tally to three points. Ennae Byrne and Jeremy Kelly both raised white flags for Chris Conway’s side before Ardscoil repeated the trick before the end of the half. Points from Ronan Kelly and McCabe (free) left the score at 1-4 to 0-5 at the break.

It was Ardscoil who kicked the first score of the second-half as Cian Keaveney kicked the ball over the black spot. The next four scores were traded as Josh Brady (free) and Ruaidhri Lawlor pointed for Knockbeg while Colm Moran and McCabe (free) scored for Ardscoil to leave one between the side’s approaching the last 15 minutes. McCabe levelled the game shortly after with his sixth score of the contest.

Athy needed to win or draw the game to advance to the next round while Knockbeg could afford to lose by five points so their passage looked to be under no threat. A second free from Brady coupled with a score from Harris left the sides level heading into injury time.

Former Ardscoil player Calum McElroy was on hand to rob his former school of possession before setting up O’Dwyer to raise a white flag and send the large Knockbeg into raptures. Joey Walsh received his marching orders late on for Ardscoil as Knockbeg ensured they would top the group having beaten St Peter’s College in the first round.