Russell stars as spirited Shannon surprise Spioraid Naoimh
Short five regulars, it was left to St Caimin’s, one half of the Clare combined side, to make up the shortfall. Twelve of the starting 15 were from Caimin’s, as was substitute Jamie Egan, who came on after 18 minutes for injured full-back Niall Breen of St Patrick’s. All were magnificent, midfielder David “Rasher” Reidy especially, ably assisted by corner-forwards Garry Leahy and Seamus Farrell. Also outstanding were the only two St Patrick’s players on duty for the hour, central forwards Kieran Cahill and Stephen Monahan.
But the real star for Shannon was keeper Peter Russell. Without him there would have been no upset, just another tale of heroic endeavour that fell short. Russell’s heroics began in the 15th minute. Stephen Monaghan and Sean Collins had wind-assisted Shannon two points clear when Spioraid Naoimh were awarded a penalty after a foul on Kieran Corbett. Corbett took it himself, but Russell saved his effort and the rebound. Inspired by that Shannon added five points (Kevin Cahill, two, Farrell and Leahy, Monaghan with his second) to two for Spioraid Naoimh from Alan O’Neill and Denis Maher.
