Emo’s intermediate men and mixed teams are looking forward to securing a potential All-Ireland double next weekend after semi-final success in recent weeks.
All roads led to Trim Centre of Excellence in Meath where Emo produced stellar performances in both semi-finals to book their place in both finals.
The first game of the day took place at 12pm with their Men’s team took on a strong Kilmeena side.
Having been defeated by Kilmeena in the group stage, Emo were determined to get a win this time round with a full-strength team.
Kilmeena batted first and racked up some scores, leading 5-4 and 13-8 after the first two innings. Brilliant bowling by Michael Slevin was decisive adding to Emo’s fielding which was consistent throughout.
This allowed them to keep the score tight with excellent catches by Eoin Keenan and JP Tynan. A home run by Aaron Whelan was another key moment in the game.
Emo closed the gap to three points in the 3rd and 4th innings meaning three quick outs were going to be vital.
Emo, they did just that, opening an opportunity for them to get five home in the last inning and win the game.
They face Galway City Raparees in the final in what will be a thrilling game, as the last time the two met Emo edged out the scoring by one point.
Emo will hope to get some decisive batting in the first few innings to match their fielding.
Following on from the Men’s game, their mixed team took on Galway City Raparees in what was set to be another difficult game.
Emo dominated the group stage of the competition winning all four of their matches. On the other hand, Galway had won three and lost two in their group.
Emo started slow getting one home in the first inning but made up for it in the second putting them just two points behind with a score of 7-5.
They excelled in the fourth inning with dominant displays put on, specifically a home run from Joshua Suda which cancelled out a home run from Galway just moments before.
This ended the 4th inning with Emo finally ahead for the first time with a scoreline of 12-11.
Having trailed throughout by fine margins, Emo got over the finish line in the end defeating Galway by 16-15.
Fine performances were made by Gráinne Keogh in short stop catching Galway out on a few occasions and Eoin Keenan left out field.
The leadership of Barry Ryan as captain was crucial and certainly did not go unnoticed.
This sets up a final with Erne Eagles of Cavan who won the other side of the group stage and their respective Semi-Final to Raheen by 12-10 with a bat in hand.
Both finals take place back again in Trim on Sunday August 31 where Emo will be hoping to add to the silverware already achieved by their underage ranks this year.
Emo Men’s Panel: Padraig Langford, Michael Slevin, Barry Ryan, Joshua Suda, Brendan Horgan, Sean Downey, Aaron Whelan, JP Tynan, Eoin Keenan, Eoin Keegan-Loughlin and Declan O’Mahony
Emo Mixed Panel: Gillian Keenan, Michael Slevin, Áine Dunne, Joshua Suda, Chloe Keenan, Gráinne Keogh, Aaron Whelan, JP Tynan, Eoin Keenan, Claire Suda, Anna Hanlon, Barry Ryan, Eoin Keegan-Loughlin, Padraig Langford and Sean Downey.
