On paper this was going to be a tough game and that it definitely was. We welcomed St Paul’s Artane to United Park on Sunday afternoon for the Last 16 Round of the Leinster Junior Cup.

We started the game on the back foot and St Paul’s took advantage and nearly opened the scoring inside the first 5 mins. They remain on the front foot and on the 13th minute we conceded from a corner kick. After that goal we settled more into the game and knew if we held them to that score we would have the wind behind us in the second half. Few more chances for both side but the score remained 1-0 at half time.

With nothing to lose we came out all guns blazing in the second half and with-in 5 minutes Thomas O’Hanrahan with a dazzling run fired us level at 1-1.

On the 66th minute we took our foot off the gas and let St Paul’s back into the game and they made no mistake and put themselves back in front 2-1.

Wasn’t long after that when we were brought down to 10 men after Brian Staunton was shown the line. Normally that would be game over but someone forgot to tell Thomastown United and that seems to put them back into 5th gear. With just 10 minutes left in normal time Aaron Kehoe let rip just inside the 18 yard box and left the keeper with no chance and again brought us back level 2-2.

Into extra time we go and it took Aaron Kehoe just 42 seconds to put us 3-2 up. St Paul’s came back at us again and with 1 minute left before half time in extra time they found the equaliser and now the game was ultimately heading for the dreaded penalties.

Thankfully we converted 4 and St Paul’s converted 3 so we advance to the Final 8 in Leinster 🔵⚪️

Many thanks to St Paul’s Artane for the game and best of luck to them in their remaining season.