A more economical Aughnamullen deservedly booked their place in the semi final of the intermediate championship at the expense of Tyholland in this entertaining and free flowing contest that was played in excellent conditions in Castleblayney on Saturday evening.

At the end of an entertaining first half Aughnamullen who opened their account with a goal by Colin Clerkin in the 9^th minute to wipe out Tyholland’s early three points lead, went on to lead at the break by 1-8 to 0-6, although it took a combination of the cross bar and an upright to deny Tyholland full forward Brian McArdle a three pointer in the 26^th minute.

Kevin Sheridan extended Aughnamullen’s lead to 6 within 30 seconds of the resumption but Tyholland then hit a purple patch and by the 5^th minute they had the margin down to 2 with points by Shane Treanor, Padraig Finnan, Karl O’Connell and Brian McArdle.  That though was as good as it got as Aughnamullen struck immediately for their seconds goal by Kevin Sheridan to open a 5 points lead. Tyholland tried manfully but were somewhat wasteful in their use of possession and chances while Aughnamullen, with Micheal Bannigan pulling the strings up front, could always respond any time the St. Patrick’s men threatened. And while Tyholland got the margin down to three in the final minutes they never looked like turning it around completely as Aughnamullen closed it out with a point by man of the match, Micheal Bannigan.

Teams and Scorers: Aughnamullen: Thomas Marron, Colin Fox, Thomas Finnegan, Dinny Hamilton, Alan Sheridan, Stephen Ward, Alan Markey, Sean Sheridan, Pete Dooney 0-2, Colin Clerkin 1-3, Chris Keenan, Kevin Sheridan 1-1, Mark McArdle, Micheal Bannigan 0-6 (1f), Eddie McArdle. Subs: Paul Connolly for A Markey, Colm Flanagan for C Fox, Sam Dooney for A Sheridan, Steven Geoghegan for C Keenan.

Tyholland: Padraig Hamill, Michael McQuaid, Trevor Connolly, Gerard Treanor, Niall Askin 0-1, Joe O’Boyle 0-1, Paul Coyle, Ronan McNally, Karl O’Connell 0-1, Jamie Smith, Colm McDonagh, Padraig Finnan 0-3, Shane Treanor 0-2 (1f), Brian McArdle 0-2, Dermot Coyle 0-3. Subs: Stephen Corrigan0-1 for C McDonagh, David McQuaid for T Connolly, Darragh Treanor for G Treanor.                         Referee: Damien Boylan (Donaghmoyne).