Fixture headaches for Leitrim GAA after thrilling Connacht Gold SFC clash sees Ballinamore & Fenagh set for replay

Leitrim GAA have a fixture headache to unravel after a thrilling Connacht Gold Leitrim SFC Semi-Final between Ballinamore Sean O'Heslins and Fenagh St Caillins ended all square in Heartland Credit Union Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada with the replay set to be played next weekend on an already jam packed weekend of championship action.

With Heartland Credit Union Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada set to hold next Saturday's Sweeney Oil LGFA SFC Final between Glencar Manorhamilton and St Joseph's and the Smith Monumentals IFC Semi-Final between Allen Gaels and Annaduff on Sunday, it leaves Leitrim GAA in a tight situation with two Intermediate Semi-Finals, two LGFA Finals, a postponed round of the Westlink Coaches U17 Championship and other games to be fitted into a hectic schedule.

It will leave the eventual winners with just a week to prepare for a final meeting against Leitrim Gaels who prevailed 4-14 to 3-7 over Mohill in Saturday's other semi-final.

Sunday's dramatic Senior Semi-Final ended all square at 1-21 apiece after extra-time following a slow-burning contest that burst into life in the second half, Paul Honeyman converting an injury time free to draw the game 1-17 apiece at the end of normal time. 

With a strong wind blowing towards the scoreboard end, Ballinamore's 0-11 to 0-4 halftime lead didn't look enough but despite four second half two pointers from Oisin McLoughlin, it appeared as if Michael McKiernan's excellent goal nine minutes from time would secure back to back final appearances for O'Heslins.

REPORT: LEITRIM GAELS MASTER THE WIND TO REACH FIRST EVER CONNACHT GOLD LEITRIM SFC FINAL

But two minutes later, Colm McLoughlin, who was limping with a foot injury, managed to divert Oisin McLoughlin's long range ball into the Ballinamore net. Tom Prior edged Ballinamore two in front in the final minute of added time but three great points from Ruairi O'Rourke, Daniel McLoughlin and Ryan O'Rourke saw Fenagh a point to the good entering the final minute of added time.

However, Paul Honeyman's free sent the game to extra time but Fenagh opening up a three point lead in the first period of extra time only for Ballinamore to reel them in. O'Heslins also saw super sub Brian Leydon shoot narrowly wide while Honeyman put a shot across the face of the Fenagh goal only for the ball to hit the far post and rebound clear.

A second yellow card for captain Ryan O'Rourke appeared to be fatal for Fenagh as they played against the wind but an Oisin McLoughlin free edged them in front before the livewire Leydon levelled with just over two minutes left. Both sides had final chances, Donal Wrynn saw a free plucked out of the air by Wayne McKeon while the impressive McKiernan looked set to win the contest for Ballinamore only to see his shot drift wide.