Champions Ballygunner needed late points from Conor Power and JJ Hutchinson to sneak past Lismore 0-18 to 1-13 in an enthralling county semi final at a muddy Fraher Field last night.
The Shanahans scored 1-10 between them as the underdogs moved three points ahead ten minutes into the second half.
Pauric Mahony and Brian O'Sullivan restored Ballygunner's lead but John Prendergast levelled the match entering injury time.
The holders dug deep to keep their four in a row dream alive.
Manager Fergal Hartley said they were pushed to the limit by Lismore but praised the character of his team to pull through.
The Gunners boss was very worried when they fell three points down early in the second half saying this victory will give the Gunners great confidence ahead of next Sunday's final in Hartley's view.
