Nine from St Brogan’s see red

VOCATIONAL SCHOOL finalists St Brogan’s will be well represented on the Cork Vocational hurling team for tonight’s All-Ireland inter-county semi-final clash with Offaly in Boherlahan (5.30pm throw-in).

The Bandon side, who will play St Bridget's (Loughrea) in the All-Ireland schools final on May bank holiday Monday, have nine players involved with the county.

With the All-Ireland schools football championship already won, the Brogan's players are in line for three national titles.

The vocational title has been the preserve of Galway and Cork over the years, but with the defending champions gone from this year's title race they were beaten by Tipperary in the other semi-final both Offaly and Cork will be more than keen to claim their crown.

Cork last won the title in 1999, while one has to go back to 1990 to record Offaly's last success. During the 1970s and '80s, Offaly contested 10 finals and lost them all.

Cork go into the semi-final without playing a game. However, they will field an experienced side, including several county minors from last year and this year.

The Canty brothers Brian and Kevin, Cathrach Keane, Owen Manning, Brendan Coleman and Brian Sheehan have all worn the county jersey. The team is also notable for the inclusion of Tommy Quaide, a student in Rathluirc. He is a son of the late Tommy (Limerick) and is following in his father's footsteps as a goalkeeper.

In all, 14 schools are represented on the Cork squad and, according to selector Liam Ó Laocha, have prepared reasonably well.

"St Brogan's involvement in both schools finals hasn't made it easy for us to get a full squad together, but at least all the players are actively involved with their clubs, and won't be lacking in fitness," he said.

Offaly selector Paddy Scales is a bit worried in that he doesn't know how good his side really is.

"We got it too easy in the three games we've played, but Cork will surely tell us if we are good enough," he said.

If Cork win, they'll play Tipp in the final on Sunday in Thurles as a curtain-raiser to the NHL game between Waterford and Tipp. If Offaly triumph a new date will have to be found, as the Leinster side don't have a home and away arrangement with Tipperary.