Cullyhanna’s Jason Duffy: ‘We’ll take massive confidence’ from last gasp draw against Silverbridge

Cullyhanna and Silverbridge played out a highly entertaining Group A clash on Sunday evening, where Cullyhanna came from six points down and rescued a draw with a superb point from Aidan Nugent deep in stoppage time.

The visitors Silverbridge were the better side in the opening 30 minutes and led 1-6 to 0-3 at the break, with Tiarnan Murphy, Jarly Og Burns and Sean Conlon on form, whilst Sean Rock hit the back of the net.

Cullyhanna kept chipping away and indeed got their noses in front at 1-8 to 1-7, but the Bridge steadied themselves and led 1-10 to 1-8 late on.

However, Nugent cut the gap to one before landing a stupendous score from out on the right wing with the last kick of the game.

Jason Duffy of Cullyhanna spoke after the game, and he agreed that it felt like a win for his side, due to the manner of the comeback.

“I suppose it does. We’ll take massive confidence out of that too,” he said.

“In the first half, we weren’t playing badly as such, but our execution and shots were terrible.

“We knew we had that in us (the ability to comeback) from last year, going the whole way to the All-Ireland final. We showed that again there today.

“Listen, they were playing really well, but we were getting opportunities, and it was just poor execution every time. We knew that if we showed more composure just to take that extra touch and strike it over, then point-by-point we will get it back.”

Duffy was involved in Cullyhanna’s goal – a crucial score in the context of the comeback – as he intercepted a Daniel McKeown pass in midfield and he, Tony Donnelly, Shea Hoey and Caolan Reavey combined with a quick passing move and Reavey drilled a shot into the roof of the net.

“I knew he was going to kick it across the pitch, so I just tried to read it as best as I could.

“Then, there was great pace by Tony [Donnelly] and a great finish by [Caolan] Reavey. It was definitely a big moment.”

Nugent’s score is certainly one that will be remembered for a long time.

“We’ll not forget that,” said Duffy.

“It was unbelievable and that’s what Aidan has in the locker. He maybe didn’t have his best day in front of the posts, but you will always back him in the last five minutes. He’s the man you want taking those scores, and he delivered today.”

The importance of the result isn’t lost on Duffy, as Cullyhanna – who have a points difference advantage of +11 over Silverbridge – know that victory over Culloville in their final group game will likely see them top the group and book their place in the quarter-final.

"That’s massive,” he agreed.

“In terms of head-to-head and points difference, that draw today is going to be vital I think. Nothing is won yet, or no group is topped yet, so we need to go out and perform against Culloville too. But it definitely puts us in a good position.”

For full match report see this week’s Newry Reporter – in shops Wednesday August 28!