Kerins brothers lead way for Clarinbridge

THE Kerins’ brothers, Alan and Mark, were outstanding as All-Ireland club champions Clarinbridge eased past Mullagh (2-14 to 0-10) in the Galway SHC quarter-final replay in Athenry.

Alan Kerins hit 1-1 and Mark landed 0-9 as the champions booked a semi-final date with Craughwell next weekend as they battle to put back-to-back titles together for the first time.

After a heartstopping draw last weekend, the replay never matched those heights, especially when Eanna Murphy’s long range free somehow found its way past Eric Ward seven minutes before the break.

Once again it was the sharp-shooting of centre-forward Mark Kerins that gave Clarinbridge the edge, with a super score from the right with five minutes remaining the pick of his efforts.

Pete Finnerty’s Mullagh relied largely on Niall Cahalan to keep them in touch with six frees and once Francis Hardiman was denied by a terrific stop from Galway minor goalkeeper Shane Mannion just after the break, there was no way back.