Portarlington survive late Rathvilly fightback to progress
A dramatic late goal nearly overturned an early advantage as the Laois champions secured a one-point victory in the Leinster senior club football quarter-final. Liam Gavin led the Carlow side’s resistance at a wet Netwatch Cullen Park.
Portarlington held off a determined Rathvilly comeback to win their AIB Leinster senior club football quarter-final by 1-13 to 1-12 at Netwatch Cullen Park on Sunday.
Colm Murphy struck an early goal after collecting Ronan Coffey’s long pass, helping the visitors to a 1-3 to 0-1 lead by the 12th minute. Liam Gavin responded with two two-point frees as the Carlow champions fought back in wet conditions, leaving Portarlington ahead by 1-5 to 0-6 at half-time.
Conor Doyle narrowed the gap from a free after the restart, but Portarlington rebuilt their advantage. Coffey and Murphy each added two points as the visitors moved six clear with seven minutes remaining. Rathvilly also lost Padhraig Bolger to a second yellow card in the final quarter.
Gavin landed further two-point frees, taking his tally to four, while substitutes Sean Moran and Keith Bracken scored for Portarlington. Six minutes of added time followed an injury to Carlow player Colin Byrne.
Brandon Kelly’s pass then sent Gavin through to squeeze a shot past Evan Grattan, leaving a single point between the sides. Portarlington secured the ensuing kick-out and held on.
Murphy finished with 1-6 for the winners, while Gavin scored 1-9 for Rathvilly.