Late goal sees Clough-Ballacolla continue their quest for fourth successive Senior championship

They needed extra time, but Clough-Ballacolla are through to the semi-finals of the Senior Hurling Championship. They overcame Castletown in O'Moore Park on Sunday afternoon, after a dramatic goal from Conor Phelan in the 63rd minute levelled the game in normal time.

Castletown looked to have gotten the better of extra time, but a goal in the 82nd minute from Robbie Phelan sent the crowd into elatious raptures. 

Clough-Ballacolla 2-25

Castletown 2-24 (After Extra Time)

Clough-Ballacolla centre back, Lee Cleere had the game of his life. He was immensely physical and controlling in a game that could have gone either way right until the very end.

Clough-Ballacolla were the top-scoring side in the championship after the group stage, where they missed out on top spot to Rathdowney-Errill. Castletown had won only once in their group, but proved there is absolutely nothing between the top teams in the county, giving a tremendous account of themselves here.

In the end, however, they simply could not keep Clough-Ballacolla at bay for the last 60 seconds and Phelan made sure when he got that all-important shot at goal.

The first half was as end-to-end as it gets, with neither side able to build a lead. Castletown moved four points ahead inside the first 20 minutes, but Clough-Ballacolla kept tagging on scores throughout and drew level just before the break.

Brendan Reddin landed a late free, however, sending Castletown in at half time leading by 0-11 to 0-10.

It was more of the same in the second half, with the sides tied at 0-15 apiece after 45 minutes. The first goal of the game came moments later when Willie Dunphy hit the net to put Ballacolla in front.

The goal was the difference right up until the end of full time, when Conor Walsh prodded the ball towards Conor Phelan who turned it home. The first half of extra time was equally back-and-forth, with the sides neck and neck.

Martin Phelan - who was outstanding for Castletown - then raised another green flag and looked to have won the game. Castletown's talismanic Dylan Conroy landed another score to move his side two clear, but with absolutely no time left, Robbie Phelan made himself the hero, scoring the match-winner.

Clough-Ballacolla will now face Camross in the semi-finals.