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Sunday, 24 January 2010

Fermanagh earn semi-final spot

Rory Gallagher made a long awaited comeback in Fermanagh colours at the Athletic Grounds on Sunday as the Ernesiders booked their place in the McKenna Cup semi-finals.

Fermanagh's 1-8 to 1-6 victory over Armagh sets up a date with Tyrone in the last four on Wednesday night.

Gallagher was allowed to play in the game despite his commitments with St Gall's who are due to meet Corofin in the semi finals of the All Ireland Club Championship in February.

"It was good to have Rory back and we are grateful to St Gall's for that," said Fermanagh manager Malachy O'Rourke. "He did well I thought when I brought him on in the second half."

"But he hasn't played at intercounty level for four or five years so it will take him time to get up to speed.

"However it's great to have him back and his experience and leadership will help us."

O'Rourke is looking forward to the challenge of playing Tyrone on Wednesday night, admitting that Mickey Harte's team will probably start favourites.

"Tyrone are the sort of side you measure yourself against but we are in no doubt that it will be tough as they have been fielding quite experienced sides so far."

O'Rourke's namesake, Armagh manager Paddy O'Rourke, was disappointed not to have built on his side's second half comeback.

"We had enough chances to win it but didn't take them so we miss out on an extra game which is disappointing.

"We started the game well but, one again, our finishing let us down and we were left with too much work to do in the second half."

Ryan Jones' fortuitous 19th minute goal helped Fermanagh into a 1-4 to 0-3 interval lead.

The midfielder was attempting to score a point but his lob deceived Armagh 'keeper Paul Hearty and ended in the top corner of the net.

The introduction of Steven McDonnell as a second half Armagh sub had an immediate impact as the All-Ireland winner was set up by Ronan Clarke to score a goal with his first touch of the ball in the 53rd minute.

He then added three unanswered from frees to leave only a single score between the sides as the home side trailed 1-7 to 1-6 with 10 minutes left.

But Aaron Kernan's missed goal chance near the end proved costly as Fermanagh added the insurance point with a Ryan Carson free in the first minute of stoppage time.