Hunterstown heartbreak in dramatic Leinster semi-final loss
By ArdeePost Reporter
Heartbreak for Champions Hunterstown as Tubberclair Strike Late in Extraordinary Added Time Finish
Hunterstown Rovers’ Leinster dreams were shattered in the cruellest imaginable fashion on Saturday afternoon in Stabannon, as Westmeath champions Tubberclair struck a late penalty and an insurance point deep into chaotic added time to claim a sensational 4-16 to 4-12 victory in the AIB Leinster Club IFC semi-final.
What unfolded in the closing minutes was scarcely believable. The Louth champions, trailing by six points (3-15 to 2-12) as the clock ticked into injury time, produced an astonishing late surge. Goals from Marc Ward and Ryan Burns inside two frantic minutes brought the sides level and sent the Hunterstown supporters into raptures. With Tubberclair reduced to 13 players, momentum had swung dramatically toward the Louth men.
But sport, at its most dramatic, can be unforgiving.
From the kickout after Burns’ equaliser, Tubberclair somehow wrestled back possession. The ball found Matthew Whittaker, who tore down the left wing, evading multiple tackles. As he lost his footing in front of goal, he managed to offload to Fred Kelleher. His shot appeared to be blocked out for a ’45, but after consultation with his umpires, referee Dan Stynes awarded a hotly debated penalty for a foot block.
Kelleher stepped up with ice-cold composure to drill home his second penalty—and third goal—of the afternoon, slipping the ball under the diving Donovan Sheridan.
Hunterstown still had one final chance from the restart, but the ball was turned over in a desperate attack. Tubberclair countered ruthlessly, and substitute Oisín O’Meara slotted over a point to seal a remarkable and heartbreaking end to the contest.
A Game of Chaos, Drama, and High Quality Football
The match itself was a pulsating 67-minute rollercoaster. Hunterstown began with purpose, David Finn opening the scoring before an early Tubberclair penalty—converted by Kelleher—put the Westmeath men ahead.
But in the blink of an eye, the game flipped. Cillian Taaffe coolly finished a Ryan Burns setup, and from the ensuing kickout, Michéal Reid and Ciaran Russell combined beautifully for Russell to score Hunterstown’s second goal.
Tubberclair replied through Eoghan McCabe’s reliable free-taking and the dangerous incursions of Whittaker, who tormented the Hunterstown defence all afternoon. Hunterstown, meanwhile, continued to add scores through Ward, Burns and Finn to maintain a narrow lead for much of the opening half.
The tide began to turn after the break. Tubberclair controlled more possession and began slicing through the Hunterstown rear-guard with worrying ease. Whittaker produced a stunning solo goal on 48 minutes, pushing Tubberclair four points clear and energising their support.
Minutes later, another hammer blow followed. A sweeping move ended with Kelleher tapping in his second goal, and McCabe converted a 45-metre two-pointer to push Tubberclair into a commanding 3-15 to 2-10 lead.
At that stage, Hunterstown’s chances appeared to be evaporating.
The Comeback That Nearly Was
Yet true to their character, the Louth champions refused to lie down. With Tubberclair losing Tom Bourke to a second yellow and then McCabe to a black card, the door opened. Burns reduced the deficit with a two-point free before Ward poked home a scrappy goal to make it a three-point game.
Moments later, Burns collected a pass from Finn and drilled a low shot into the net, sparking wild celebrations as Hunterstown levelled the match at 4-12 to 3-15.
But as soon as hope soared, it was snatched away again.
A Cruel Ending
Tubberclair’s controversial penalty and O’Meara’s point sealed Hunterstown’s fate. After giving everything and producing one of the most dramatic comebacks seen in Leinster club football, the Louth champions were left devastated.
Over the course of the game, Tubberclair’s power, attacking threat, and midfield dominance ultimately proved decisive. Despite the heartbreaking ending, Hunterstown’s spirit, resilience, and never-say-die attitude earned admiration far beyond their own parish.
A Season to Be Proud Of
While the pain of this exit will linger, Hunterstown Rovers’ 2024–25 campaign remains one of immense pride. A Louth championship title and a thrilling run in Leinster have cemented this squad’s place in club history.
But on this day, in Stabannon, the story was one of heartbreak. A cruel twist in a classic match that will be talked about for years.Ardee does not fall behind in Louth’s regional transport development.