AFTER a controversial ending to their League campaign, Shamrocks have shifted their focus and are set to play in their first championship final in eight years.

It was a grueling semi-final for Mick Breslin’s men as temperatures climbed to 26c in the Brisbane suburb of Willawong.

Justin Mosch took the lead, scoring the first point of the game, followed in quick succession with points from Kyle Coady and Darren Coleman. A well-taken goal by Matt Walsh gave Shamrocks an early lead, which they would hold for the remainder of the game.

Tyrone native Sean “Tin Tin” Loughran was outstanding in the full back line as the opposing side, John Mitchells, remained scoreless for the first 16 minutes of play and Shamrocks, top scorer, Darren Coleman, lived up to his reputation, scoring a total of 2-04.

John Mitchells struggled to stay in the game and although they scored two goals in the second half, it wasn’t enough to close the gap.

Donegal duo Danny Sheridan and Rory O’Gorman were relentless up front, scoring 2-04 between them in the second half and helping to send Shamrocks to their first Championship final in almost a decade.

Next Sunday’s final at the Gaelic Grounds in Brisbane is the most anticipated match of the day, as Shamrocks play old rivals Harps, having lost the league to them in a bitter dispute over points. It promises to be an exciting game. Throw in TBA.