Kilkerrin-Clonberne go the extra mile to find gap in Stillorgan traffic

Kilkerrin-Clonberne resemble the Globetrotters. They turn the leather into Galway crystal. They lace their attacks with pace.

They needed every last ounce of guile to get past Kilmacud as Sunday’s pulsating Parnell Park All-Ireland semi-final stretched to extra-time.

Shane Walsh was among old friends. He felt the warmth of winter's embrace. The king of Leinster, Robbie Brennan, was also in the crowd.

Nicola Ward is an inspirational leader. Her opposite number 6, Kate Murray, was also outstanding.

The tussle produced two saves-of-the-season. Rachael Fleming denying Chloe Miskell.

And Murray bringing the best out of Lisa Murphy. Murray struck two porcelain points. Julia Buckley curled over a mince pie.

Mia Jennings made the catch-of-the-match. Lauren Magee brought off the tackle of the game.

Kilkerrin-Clonberne had much possession. Finding a gap in the Stillorgan traffic wasn’t easy. It was so intriguing. Kilkerrin’s Claire Dunleavy grew taller as the hour progressed.

It was level at half-time, 1-4 to Crokes, 0-7 to Clonberne. Grace Kos’s left foot brought the goal at the score-board end.

On came the lights. Down came the rain. Niamh Cotter’s high-pressure ensured saw extra-time – 1-9 to 0-12.

The champs were a point ahead at half-time in extra-time, 0-14 to 1-10. Olivia Divilly’s free concluded the scoring, 0-15 to 1-10.

Before throw-in, there was a minutes’ silence for Peter Rice. He served the sport so well. Such a magnificent offering would have pleased him greatly.