Macauley sees red but 'Boden show class to grind out place in Dublin final
Andrew Kerin was in terrific form for Ballyboden and finished with seven points to his name
Ballyboden St Enda's advanced to their first Dublin SFC final in six years after edging out Clontarf at Parnell Park yesterday.
Michael Darragh Macauley was sent off after picking up a second yellow card in the latter stages of the first half but 'Boden retained their composure to seal a two-point victory by 0-12 to 0-10.
Former Dublin hurling captain Stephen Hiney kicked a point to leave the sides level at six points apiece at the break but Andrew Kerin was in terrific form for 'Boden and finished with seven points to his name.
Clontarf went into a two-point lead midway through the second half but 'Boden stormed back and drew level through Kerin with five minutes remaining.
Clontarf's relative inexperience showed in the closing stages as points from Kerin and Dotsy O'Callaghan sealed Ballyboden's place in the decider.
They will take on holders St Vincent's after they eased their way past Na Fianna, with a 0-22 to 2-9 win, thanks to a masterclass from Diarmuid Connolly.
Connolly fired over five points from play and goals from Adam Caffrey and Odhran O Maoleidigh were scant consolation for Na Fianna who were outclassed by a Vins side who are now one game away from winning their third title in a row.
Experience
In Kerry, South Kerry had to rely on the experience of Bryan Sheehan as he kicked a brilliant long-range winning point to send his side through to the final at the expense of Kenmare District.
Sheehan combined with substitute Declan O'Sullivan six minutes from time to fire over what proved to be the winning score (0-12 to 0-11) from 45 metres out and into a strong wind.
Four first-half frees from Sheehan had his side in front by a point (0-5 to 0-4) at the break and although O'Sullivan was dismissed late on, South Kerry managed to overturn a two-point deficit.
South Kerry will now compete in their first final since 2009 on November 8 when they take on James O'Donoghue's Legion.
Elsewhere, there was a double shock in the Galway SHC semi-finals as Sarsfields knocked out reigning champions Gort, and Craughwell qualified for their first decider in 83 years.
Niall Healy was the hero for Craughwell when he drew them level against 2013 All-Ireland champions St Thomas before landing a free three minutes into stoppage time to win by 1-20 to 0-22.
Sarsfields, the All-Ireland club champions in 1993 and '94, qualified for their first final since 2002 when they sent champions Gort crashing out by 0-21 to 0-17.
County championship round-up
