Fr Murphy's remain unbeaten in this year’s championship after victory over Kilburn Gaels at sundrenched Ruislip.
Trailing by 0-8 to 1-4 at halftime, Murphys out-scored their opponents by 1-6 to 1-2 in a superb second-half performance to win by three points.
After three inconsistent outings in the preceding rounds, Fr Murphys were facing a real test of character against one of the form teams of this year’s championship.
A comprehensive victory over St. Gabriels in the previous round as well as a resounding league victory over their opponents earlier this year saw Kilburn Gaels approach the game in optimistic mood.
But as has been proved so often before, Murphys have the ability to raise their game when the chips are down.
After a shaky opening 10 minutes in which they trailed by three Mick Hayes’ points to two, Jim Howlin’s team began to assert themselves — beginning with a well-worked Dara Smith goal.
Kilburn were rattled by the speed of the Murphys counterattack that led to Smith’s goal but they continued to keep pace and by the 20th minute had drawn level through two Conor Sherlock pointed frees.
Murphys missed a good opportunity to go ahead from a free before Francis O’Dwyer put Kilburn back in front four minutes later. A Simon Byrne free restored parity as half-time beckoned but another Sherlock free gave Kilburn the slimmest of advantages at the break.
Fr Murphys clearly had a distinct advantage in the second period, defending the pavilion end with the sun on their backs.
Within a minute they were level but Kilburn kept their noses in front with another point from Mick Hayes.
Yet the game would suddenly change from the resulting puck out. Mossy O’Connor won possession and swiftly despatched to Dara Smith. Mick O’Hara took a pass and scored the decisive second goal for Murphys.
Another point within a minute from Eric Kinlon appeared to open some daylight between the sides.
A rare blunder in an otherwise superb Murphys defensive formation allowed full-forward John McGuckian to score an equalising goal 10 minutes into the second half.
The game ebbed and flowed without either team scoring before two inspirational long-range points within a minute from midfielder Mossy O’Connor turned the tide in favour of Murphys.
Although a Conor Sherlock free pegged the deficit back to the minimum after 50 minutes, Murphys kept their composure under pressure — epitomised by defender Tom Simms who sent over a long-range point two minutes from time for the best score of the game.
Paddy Dowling had a chance of a third goal a minute into injurytime but sent his effort over the bar.
Kilburn Gaels will be disappointed with the result but are still well in contention for the title and can be pleased with the impressive performances by centre-back Brian Forde, midfielders Shane Linnane and John Walsh and Tom Fahey in attack.
Fr Murphys also had many fine performers including recent recruits Mick O’Hara and Paul Butler.
