Cronin powers CFE to final

Cork CFE 2-11, Sligo IT 2-8

The Glen Rovers player scored 2-1 and was ably assisted by the free taking of Ciaran Murphy against a highly-rated Sligo side.

Cork enjoyed a dream start when Cronin's speculative shot was defected past the Sligo keeper by the full back for a goal after two minutes.

Cronin rifled over a point three minutes later and with Murphy and Pat Tobin hurling superbly, Cork deserved a 1-1 to 0-0 lead after ten minutes.

The incessant Sligo pressure soon yielded a goal through Declan McKillop after the Cork keeper failed to hold his initial effort.

The teams were level twice before the break when before Ciaran Murphy pointed a long range free for a one point interval lead (1-6 to 1-5).

After the break, Brian Lane and Alan Guilfoyle took command in the Cork defence while up front former minor Brendan Barry and Murphy shared four points to give the Munster men a three point lead (1-10 to 1-7).

Sligo had more than their share of possession but faulty shooting cost them dearly and when Don Cronin slipped home his second goal there was no way back for the westerners.

Cork Colleges of Further Education will face St Pat's Drumcondra in today's decider at Athlone IT, (1.30pm). The Dublin College defeated Tipperary Institute, (2-17 to 0-7).

Scorers Cork: D. Cronin 2-1, C. Murphy 0-5 (0-4 frees), C. O'Leary (0-1 free) 0-2, B. Barry, N. O'Tuohig and G. O'Sullivan 0-1 each.

Sligo: D. McDonagh 1-3 (1-2 frees) D. McKillop 1-1, P. Burke 0-2 (0-1 '65), R. Hayes and N. Qualter 0-1 each.

CORK COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION: P. Waters, D. Desmond, B. Lane, A. Guilfoyle, P. Tobin, J. Grace, D. Collins, K. Murphy, A. Lane, B. Barry, J. Lynch, D. Cronin, C. O'Leary, R. Quigley. Sub. C. Sheehan for Lynch.

SLIGO IT: P. Mulry, S. Coyne, E. Callanan, S. Connell, V. Comerford, N. Qualter, S. Melia, B. Gantley, B. Lawless, D. McDonagh, D. McKillop, P. Burke, C. Crowley, R. Hayes, K. Higgins. Sub. J.Minnock for Gantley.

Referee: F. Smith (Meath).