PAUL DURCAN MADE a sensational late save to help Ballyboden St Enda’s to a first ever AIB Leinster SFC, following a 2-9 to 1-11 win over Portlaoise in Tullamore this afternoon.
By Cóilín Duffy
Durcan, who joined Ballyboden from Four Masters, flew in from Doha in Qatar, where’s he’s now based, on Friday.
Photo caption: Paul Durcan, above right, with fellow Donegal goalkeeper Michael Boyle, former Donegal goalkeeping coach Pat Shovelin and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given at Donegal training at the Donegal GAA Centre of Excellence in Convoy in June 2014. Photo: Geraldine Diver
Trailing 1-10 to 2-6, the two-time All-Star winning goalkeeper got a decisive touch on a shot from Brian McCormack nine minutes from time that rebounded off the post.
Durcan produces a brilliant save to push the ball onto the post #TheToughestpic.twitter.com/h6runBwbpI
— Newstalk Sport (@NewstalkSport) December 6, 2015
A sixth minute goal from Andrew Kerin settled the nerves of the Dublin champions but at half-time their lead was a single point, 2-4 to 1-6, with Paul Cahillane palming home a goal for the Laois side before Michael Darragh Macauley finished off a fine St Enda’s move for his team’s second goal right before the break.
The scores were level in the final minute, only for Aran Waters to edge St Enda’s in front. In a tense finish Paul Cahillane missed a routine free 13 metres from goal and Conor Boyle was also off target as Portlaoise tried in vain to force extra-time.
“I’m delighted just to be part of it,” Durcan said. “I’d like to thank Ballyboden for the opportunity. I’d like to thank Four Masters too. I’ve been blessed with my clubs.”
Ballyboden will take on the winners of Tír Chonaill Gaels and Clonmel Commericals, who meet in the All-Ireland Club SFC quarter-final next Sunday at Irish TV Park in Ruislip, in the semi-finals in February.
Listen to Durcan’s interview in full with Cóilín Duffy below …
https://soundcloud.com/donegalsporthub-club-notes/paul-durcan-after-ballyboden-st-endas-leinster-sfc-win
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