John McNally was the Clontarf hero as he guided the Castle Avenue side to a one-wicket win against North County in the League Cup semi-final.

Chasing 234, Clontarf still needed eight to win when number 11 Mick Granger joined the teenager in the middle.

The pair got two singles, before McNally finished the pulsating contest in style, striking his seventh and eighth boundaries in his unbeaten 45 to seal the win.

It looked as if it would be anything but a stroll in the North Dublin sunshine as PJ Moor hit 10 fours and a six in his 64 from just 53 balls to get the chase off to a flyer.

Makeshift opener Fionn Hand (26), David Delany (35) and Ruan Cronje (31) all joined in before the Balrothery side battled back - three wickets for Abdul Ghaffar and two for Usman Azhar.

McNally though was the coolest head amidst the tension and ensured the final berth.

Earlier, North County had battled their way to 233 for 7, with Jonno Andrews top scoring with 48, late runs from John Mooney (39*), and contributions from Malcolm Nofal (31), Niall McGovern (26) and John Devane (22).

Clontarf will face Pembroke in the decider next week at Sydney Parade.