Game of missed chances as Na Piarsaigh comfortably through

Na Piarsaigh 1-11 St Catherine’s 0-5

Blooding three talented youngsters in Colin Lynch, James Murray and Pádraig Gould, Na Piarsaigh always looked the tastier outfit against St. Catherine’s in a game the sides amassed 31 wides between them — 17 to the winners. In the end the class of John Gardiner, Sean Óg Ó hAilpín — in the midfield berth — David Gardiner and Gould proved vital, for St Catherine’s were always struggling to cope.

Piarsaigh coach Joe O’Leary was understandably happy. “I’m glad this one is over. Since the relegation issue entered the equation it makes it a different championship. I was pleased with our performance, we were solid enough and the three young lads acquitted themselves well. We’ll get down to some hard work now, we aim to improve.” A poor opening half, but it was Na Piarsaigh who made the better start with Gould finding his feet quickly by pointing twice inside the opening four minutes. Shane Cotter, unusually off form with his free-taking, did reduce the gap, but it was city side who were playing better controlled hurling.