This was a game St Thomas’ weren’t expected to win but it turned out to be one that they simply refused to lose.
On several occasions throughout the marathon Portlaoise encounter, which ended up being decided by a penalty shoot-out, the six-in-a-row Galway champions looked like a spent docket.
With 64 minutes and 15 seconds on the clock, for example, Conor Sheahan lofted over a point that put hot favourites Ballygunner ahead and on the cusp of an All-Ireland club final date with O’Loughlin Gaels or Cushendall on January 20/21.
Conor Cooney hit back, however, with what proved to be the levelling point that forced extra-time at 1-18 to 2-15.
