Sceilge on course for record title run
It was a victory that was always on the cards, but the margin doesn't do justice to the Ennis side who, with better finishing, could well have had two more goals.
They rocked the champions with the game's only goal in the second minute when Martin McMahon stroked home a penalty after he was taken down going through, and should have had another when George Hannigan had only the 'keeper to beat, but he wasted the chance.
Following that early goal, Sceilge, with the strong wind to their backs, took complete control and playing some delightful football, knocked over nine points to lead 0-9 to 1-0 at the break, and only the most ardent Flannan's follower held out any hope for his side.
The champions laid the foundations for their win in attack where the twin strike force of Padraig Curran and Paul O'Connor ran riot, particularly in the second half.
To be fair to Flannan's, they defended well in the opening half against the wind with Donncha Kelleher and Jonathan Clancy hugely impressive, and given the strength of the wind, a six point half time deficit wasn't insurmountable.
Flannan's resumed with Harty Cup captain Shane O'Brien at midfield and John Keane at full forward, and after David Clancy pointed a free in the 32nd minute the Ennis college were denied a goal when Keane's effort came back off the post, and corner back Aidan O'Sullivan took Martin McMahon's effort from the rebound off the goal line.
Tightening up considerably in defence, the champions took complete control as the rot set in for Flannan's. A poor kick out was won by Paul O'Connor who put Padraig Curran in for a cracking goal. It was now very much a damage limitations exercise for the Ennis college.
Surprisingly they were forced to substitute Shane O'Brien, and it was easy to understand why. The Tipperary dual minor simply had nothing left in the tank after a week of non stop action.
Despite the best efforts of Donnacha Kelleher, John Cusack and Jonathan Clancy in defence, Flannan's were powerless to stop the rampant Na Sceilge forwards who proceeded to pick over a litany of points.
With 10 minutes to go Na Sceilge took off Padraig Curran and he was hardly missed as Kieran O'Leary rounded off another splendid move with his side's second goal. Sceilge await the winners of the semi-final between Coláiste Chríost Rí and IS Killorglin, fixed for March 7 at Carrigadrohid.
It would be a brave man who would bet against the defending champions not retaining their title for what would be a record fourth year in-a-row.
Col. Na Sceilge: P. Curran 1-4 (0-1 free); P. O'Connor 0-5 (0-4 frees); K. O'Leary 1-0; G. O'Driscoll 0-2; R. Keating, D. King 0-1 each. St. Flannans: M. McMahon 1-0 (penalty); D. Clancy (free), J. Keane 0-1 each.
L. Sheehan; W. Hunt, C. O'Sullivan, A. O'Sullivan; K. O'Shea, K. Young, E. O'Neill; C. O'Driscoll, G. O'Sullivan; G. O'Driscoll, P. Curran, K. O'Leary; D. Walsh, R. Keating, P. O'Connor; Subs. D. King for Curran; T. O'Sullivan for O'Shea; DJ Moran for G. O'Driscoll; MP O'Donoghue for C. O'Sullivan; C. Grandfield for Hunt.
B. Long; S. Talty, D. Kelleher, S. Flynn; T. McMahon, J. Cusack, J. Clancy; J. Keane, S. Hickey; S. O'Brien, C. O'Friel, D. Clancy; M. McMahon, P. O'Flynn, G. Hannigan. Subs. P. Talty for O'Brien; D. Ryan for S. Talty.
B. Mullane (Glin).
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