St Rynagh’s took on Ballinamere in Rath and led by 0-7 to 0-4 at the break having played with the advantage of a slight breeze. They increased that lead to five points early in the second half, but a sustained Ballinamere onslaught saw them edge in front 0-11 to 0-10 after 41 minutes. A goal for each side in quick succession in the final quarter set up an exciting finish. Nigel White, who was excellent from placed balls all day, fired over the winner for |Rynagh’s in the 59th minute. Ballinamere did have an opportunity to equalise but, Gerry Spollens long range free was wide of the mark. On the other Semi-final at Lusmagh, Brosna Gaels dominated from start to finish. They led by seven points at the break 1-8 to 0-4, their goal coming from Jason Devery in the 14th minute. In that first half all Brosna Gaels forwards scored from play, while in contrast only one of the Birr’s starting forwards managed to find the target in the opening half. On the resumption, Birr did up the intensity and had the margin down to four, 1-9 to 0-8 by the 43rd minute. However, Brosna Gaels upped the tempo and soon restored a seven point advantage. A Darragh Molloy goal four minutes from time, threw Birr a lifeline, but the Brosna Gaels defence was resolute in the closing minutes and they deservedly qualified for the decider. | 
