Shannon back on track

Shannon Schools 1-14, St Finbarr’s, Farranferris 1-12

Pipped at the post in their opening game by Our Lady’s, Templemore, the Shannon students looked in dire trouble when they fell six points in arrears after the opening quarter of a splendid contest.

But under the inspirational guidance of team captain Damien Browne, Shannon clawed their way back and held out in the end, after a 20-metre free attempt for a goal by Farranferris goalkeeper Richard O’Keeffe was stopped on the line in the last second of normal time.

Farranferris, with full-forward Eric Nodwell giving an exhibition of free-taking, dominated early on and a goal from corner-forward Aidan Virgo propelled them into an early 1-4 to 0-1 lead.

With skilful wing-forward Browne revelling in his move to midfield, Shannon came thundering back.

Centre-back Cathal King and centre-forward Jonathon Reidy were also impressive as Shannon hit back and a first-time strike from right half- forward Niall Breen laid the foundations for the winners’ interval lead of 1-8 to 1-5.

Because of the brilliance of both goalkeepers, O’Keeffe and Sean Hayes, no further goals were conceded.

O’Keeffe made two outstanding point-blank saves and also stopped a penalty to deny Shannon, while Hayes stymied Farranferris with two incredible blocks.

Shannon stretched their lead to four points after the break before Farranferris levelled the game in the 50th minute following a series of pointed frees from Nodwell, who scored eight in all.

The sides were all square for the third time with five minutes remaining. Another Browne point, his sixth of the match, followed by the match-clinching score from corner- forward Eoin O’Brien, restored Shannon’s advantage.

Farna’s last-gasp attempt to steal the game was scuppered O’Keeffe’s effort was unsuccessful.

Scorers for Shannon Schools: N. Breen 1-0; D. Browne 0-6 (0-4 frees; 0-1 sideline cut); J. Reidy 0-3; D. Reidy, E. O’Brien 0-2 each; E. Barrett 0-1.

St Finbarr’s, Farranferris: E. Nodwell 0-8 (0-8 frees); A. Virgo 1-0; S. Kelly, K. Walsh, I. Looney and D. Hanifin (65) 0-1 each.

SHANNON SCHOOLS: S. Hayes; E. Murray, P. Gleeson, R. McInerney; J. Roughan, C. King, S. Stack; E. Barrett, S. Kelly; N. Breen, J. Reidy, D. Browne; E. O’Brien, D. Reidy, M. O’Connell. Subs. M. Regan for Breen; F. Lawlor for Regan.

ST FINBARR’S, FARRANFERRIS: R. O’Keeffe; L. Martin, N. Fahy, I. Fleming; J. Feehan, D.

Hanifin, D. Deasy; C. O’Sullivan, S. Kelly; J. O’Rourke, I. Looney, D. Carroll; K. Walsh, E. Nodwell, A. Virgo. Sub. R. Whitty for Virgo.

Referee: N. Cosgrave (Tipperary).