Ailish Morrissey put over a leveller in the 63rd minute for Kilkerrin-Clonberne, who were Connacht champions last in 2015, as the sides finished deadlocked at 5-17 to 6-14.

In an enthralling encounter, both teams had players red-carded, as Carnacon’s Claire Egan and Kilkerrin-Clonberne’s Olivia Divilly were both dismissed.

Staunton’s haul included three penalty goals and ten points from play, while Annette Clarke chipped in with 3-4 for Kilkerrin-Clonberne.

Fiona McHale, Michelle McGing, Doireann Hughes and Marie Corbett were stand-out performers for Carnacon, while Louise Ward, Clarke and Hannah Noone performed well for Kilkerrin-Clonberne.

A ding-dong battle produced eleven goals, five penalties, two red cards and was level 11 times.

At the break, Kilkerrin-Clonberne held a slight advantage, ahead by 4-4 to 2-9.

Clarke netted in the second half to hand Kilkerrin-Clonberne a 5-7 to 2-12 advantage but Staunton’s 46th minute goal hauled Carnacon back into contention.

Clarke completed her hat-trick before Staunton netted twice down the home straight.

Morrissey had the final say to salvage a replay for Kilkerrin-Clonberne, and that’s a rematch to savour, which will go ahead next weekend.

In Leinster, Dublin champions Foxrock-Cabinteely retained their provincial crown, as player of the match Amy Ring weighed in with a massive individual tally of 2-13.

Foxrock-Cabinteely led by 2-12 to 1-4 at half-time against Kildare opponents Confey, before sealing a 4-17 to 1-7 win.

On Friday evening, Cork’s Mourneabbey, managed by Tipperary’s All-Ireland intermediate winning boss Shane Ronayne, made it four-in-a-row in Munster.

Cork skipper Ciara O’Sullivan scored 2-3 as Mourneabbey saw off the challenge of Waterford opponents Ballymacarbry by 3-9 to 0-11.

Next weekend, Carnacon and Kilkerrin-Clonberne will do it all over again for Connacht honours, while in Ulster, All-Ireland champions Donaghmoyne tackle Tyrone’s St Macartans, in a repeat of last year’s provincial final.