Roche Emmets 1-14 Sean O’Mahony’s 2-11

The junior men fought back on Tuesday night to claim a draw with Sean O’Mahony’s at Páirc de Róiste.

Having trailed 1-8 to 0-8 at half-time, O’Mahony’s went further ahead when scoring a second goal, but James McArdle’s fine run and finish to the net sparked an Emmets comeback which saw Roche lead in the dying embers.

McArdle was in fine form from placed kicks and struck one from 50 metres, into the stiff breeze, in the second half to level the scores.

The hosts began brightly and points from each of the half-forwards – Cathal Byrne, McArdle and Dáire Reilly – had the boys in blue in the ascendency at various stages.

Dermot Carthy, playing out around the middle of the field, was picking up loose ball all over and kicked a fine point in either half as Roche remained in touch, even after Conor Mackin shot a major for O’Mahony’s.

The introduction of Seán Dawe at half-time and Kevin Callaghan later in the fixture had a significant influence over proceedings, helping Roche to move two clear coming towards the finish.

Though O’Mahony’s rescued a deserved share of the spoils – and it would have been the full complement had Evin Quigley not pulled off a stunning stop, diverting the equaliser over the bar, after the Dundalk side had intercepted a kick-out.

Emmets face local rivals Kilkerley away next Tuesday night.

Roche: Evin Quigley; Kevin Quigley, Caoimhín Reilly, Dermot Carthy (0-2); Aidan Grant, Andrew Carroll, Adam McKay; David O’Connell, Jack McKay; Cathal Byrne (0-1), James McArdle (1-5), Dáire Reilly (0-1); James Murphy, Mikey McCourt (0-1), Fintan Watters (0-1)

Subs: Martin Carroll, Paul Carroll, Seán Dawe, Kevin Callaghan (0-3), Liam Rice, John Hayden

Sean O’Mahony’s: Kevin Brennan; Seán Cassidy, Conor Murphy, Ciarán Jamison; Seán Murphy (0-3), Kian McEvoy, Robbie Clarke (0-1); Oisín Breen, Kyle Carroll (0-1); David Redmond (0-1), Conor McGailey (0-1), Barry Mackin; Mark Agnew (0-1), Conor Mackin (1-2), Seán Mathews (0-1)

Subs: Lee Byrne (1-0), Dave Tippins, Liam Dullaghan

Referee: Kevin Carroll