Michael Glavey’s are through to the draw for the Hodson Bay Hotel SFC quarter-finals, but they were made to fight all the way by a gritty Elphin side who came close to causing another championship upset in their preliminary quarter-final.
Glavey’s looked comfortable in the opening half at O’Rourke Park and led by 0-10 to 0-4 at the break.
However, second-half goals from Evan Gunn and Shane Killoran brought Elphin right back into contention and the sides were level at the end of normal time.
Points from Niall Heneghan and substitute Bradley Lynch in extra-time eventually saw Glavey’s over the line on a final score of Michael Glavey’s 0-14, Elphin 2-6.
Meanwhile, the great survivors of Roscommon senior football, Western Gaels, produced a superb second-half display to overcome St Faithleach’s in their relegation play-off in Tulsk.
A Dave Rooney goal helped St Faithleach’s into a 1-9 to 0-10 lead at half-time, but, inspired by Cathal Cregg, Western Gaels took control after the restart.
Goals from Oran Hester and David Higgins helped the Gaels to a 2-16 to 1-14 victory, ensuring that they survive their fifth successive relegation battle.
St Faithleach’s now have one final chance to preserve their senior status when they face Clann na nGael.
