Caimin’s ease past Carrigaline

St Caimin’s, Shannon 0-13 Carrigaline CS (Cork) 1-5

The Shannon college need a point from their final group game against Nenagh CBS to be certain of progression, while the Cork school must defeat St. Flannan’s — and depend on other results — to make the last eight.

On a perfect day for hurling, Carrigaline were 1-1 ahead after 12 minutes, but a litany of wides — 14 in total — should have had them further in front before Caimin’s settled.

Carrig hit three wides in-a-row inside the opening two minutes and opened their account when Mark Kenefick pointed a free after 11 minutes before Simon O’Brien cracked home a goal 60 seconds later.

Both defences were excellent. The half back line of Enda Boyce, Liam Markham and Kevin Lynch were superb for the victors while Carrigaline duo Daniel Bagnall and Cathal McGuinness also impressed.

Sean Collins opened the winner’s account with a point after 15 minutes and the Clare men — inspired by Liam Markham and Conor McGrath — struck five points in-a-row, and were full value for their 0-7 to 1-2 half time lead. With so much at stake the second half developed into a hugely entertaining contest. Carrig endeavoured to keep their unbeaten run going with a brace of points by O’Brien to tie the game for the second time. The sides were still locked together at the end of the third quarter after Sean Hynan and O’Brien exchanged points.

A draw would have suited both teams, but Caimin’s were not content with a share of the spoils. With Liam Markham driving them forward from centre back and Conor McGrath showing marvellous skill at wing forward, they struck five points in succession, to lead by the same margin coming up to the finishing line.

Credit Carrigaline. They went in search of a goal which might have turned the game around, but there was no way St Caiman’s would be denied.

Scorers for St Caimin’s: C. McGrath 0-3 (0-1 free); C. Treacy, D. Duggan, L. Markham (frees) 0-2 each; S. Collins, S. Hynan, B. Deasy, T. Crowe 0-1 each.

Scorers for Carrigaline: S. O’Brien 1-3 (0-2 frees); M. Kenefick (frees), J. Sheppard 0-1 each.

ST. CAIMIN’S: I. Mullany; S. O’Connor, J. Conroy, N. Frawley; E. Boyce, L. Markham, K. Lynch; S. Collins, S. Hynan; K. O’Connor, C. Treacy, C. McGrath; P. Collins, T. Crowe, D. Duggan.

Subs: D. Gallery for K. O’Connor; B. Deasy for P. Collins.

CARRIGALINE CS: M. O’Neill; S. Noonan, M. O’Callaghan, T. McGuinness; D. Bagnall, C. McGuinness, C. Barry; S. O’Brien, D. Drake; J. Sheppard, M. O’Sullivan, J. McCarthy; M. Kenefick, D. O’Regan, B. Twomey.

Subs: S. Conlon for Sheppard; S. Gorman for Kenefick.

Referee: M. Meade (Ballyanders)