Emo produce stunning second half to secure 2027 SFC status

Emo produced a superb second half performance to book their place in the Laois Shopping Centre SFC ‘B’ semi-final and, in the process, secure their senior status for 2027 with a deserved seven-point victory over Park-Ratheniska in Stradbally on Friday night.

It was a game which changed dramatically after the interval, with Emo turning a one-point half-time deficit into a commanding victory thanks to a brilliant scoring burst, which saw them kick nine unanswered points.

The victors eventually finished with an impressive tally of 22 points, with 15 of those coming after half-time, as Paddy Hosey and Ross Meredith led the scoring charge with seven points apiece. Hosey was particularly influential during the third quarter, while Meredith was almost flawless from placed balls. Jack Murphy also caused the Park-Ratheniska defence plenty of problems from full-forward, contributing two points and setting up ample opportunities.

Emo made the brighter start when Hosey opened the scoring, but Park-Ratheniska quickly settled and responded through Conor Headen before Simon Fingleton produced an excellent two-pointer to put his side in front. Emo moved 0-5 to 0-4 ahead after 15 minutes, but Park-Ratheniska remained dangerous and their persistence was rewarded when they found the net midway through the half.

Jimmy Langton was at the heart of the move, bursting forward with real purpose before releasing Noah Fingleton. The Park-Ratheniska forward was fouled, but referee Colin Bailey allowed play to continue, with the ball eventually finding Kieran Delaney. The forward kept his composure and fired the ball beyond Stephen Norton to put Park-Ratheniska back in front.

Emo attempted to respond before the interval, but Park-Ratheniska were able to hold their advantage, with Hosey adding another point to leave the minimum between them at the break. Park-Ratheniska led 1-5 to 0-7.

Emo came flying out after the restart and immediately put the Park-Ratheniska kickout under severe pressure. Pa Kirwan started the second half with a brilliant two-pointer to put Emo ahead.

Paddy Hosey then reeled off four points in the space of around 90 seconds. Meredith then took over from placed balls, converting a number of frees as Emo continued to stretch their advantage.

Murphy added to the pressure with two well-taken scores from play, while the Emo defence were now comfortably dealing with anything Park-Ratheniska could throw at them.

By the time Tom Fingleton finally halted Emo’s momentum, the game was out of Park-Ratheniska’s reach. Park-Ratheniska needed goals to get themselves back into the contest and they were handed a lifeline when Conor Headen's long-range effort in the 47th minute somehow found its way into the Emo net.

Darren Strong added two more points in the closing stages, including a well-taken effort from distance, to ensure there would be no dramatic late comeback.

The result means Emo progress to the SFC ‘B’ semi-final and, perhaps most importantly, have guaranteed their senior status for another year.

For Park-Ratheniska, however, attention now turns to a relegation battle as they face a fight to preserve their own senior status for 2027.

FINAL SCORE

Emo 0-22

Park-Ratheniska 2-9

SCORERS – Emo: Paddy Hosey and Ross Meredith (0-5 frees) 0-7 each, Darren Strong (0-1 45) 0-3, Pa Kirwan (two-pointer) and Jack Murphy 0-2 each, Nigel Murphy 0-1. Park-Ratheniska: Simon Fingleton 0-6 (one two-pointer, 0-4 frees), Kieran Delaney (0-1 free) and Conor Headen 1-1 each, Tom Fingleton 0-1.

EMO: Stephen Norton; Cian Langford, Eoin Montague, Eibhin Joyce; Nigel Murphy, Sean Greene, Brian Gorman; Darren Strong, Niall Gorman; Ruairi Bourke, Pa Kirwan, Tom Fennelly; Ross Meredith, Jack Murphy, Pa Hosey. Subs: Charlie Hand for Gorman (47 mins, inj), Cathal Creegan for Murphy (57 mins).

PARK-RATHENISKA: Cathal Tierney; James Newell, Colm Brennan, Benny Greene; Brian Fingleton, Richie Hitchcock, Jimmy Langton; Matt Cunningham, Aaron Fitzpatrick; Killian O’Connor, Simon Fingleton, Conor Headen; Noah Fingleton, Kieran Delaney, Tom Fingleton. Subs: Peter Conroy for O’Connor (HT), Ethan Kelly for Greene (45 mins), Stephen McCabe for Delaney (52 mins).

REFEREE: Colin Bailey (Mountrath)