Kerry rivals set for thrilling decider

COLÁISTE na Sceilge and St Brendan’s face off in a mouth watering Corn Uí Mhuirí (Munster Colleges SAFC semi-final) in Milltown tomorrow (2.30pm).

Twelve months ago these two met in a quarter-final which ended in a thrilling one point victory for the Coláiste and hopes are high of another epic this weekend.

St Brendan’s were once kingpins of this competition with 19 titles to their credit, the last in 2008, but the balance of power has shifted. Coláiste na Sceilge who hail from Caherciveen dominated the vocational schools scene before opting to compete in the Corn Uí Mhuirí and caused a stir by winning the title at their first attempt in 2001.

They went on to win the next two and last year added another. They go into tomorrow’s game looking to make it to their fifth final and given their form, are favourites to do so.

They have the huge advantage in that quite a number of last year’s players are available again. They have a number of outstanding players in Eanna O’Connor, Ian Galvin and the powerfully built Max Thiemann. All three figured with the Kerry minors last year as did full back Niall Fitzgerald.

However St Brendan’s are not without hope. They were comfortable winners in all their games including a 16-points win over St Flannan’s last time out. Losing by a point to the South Kerry men last year will be a huge motivating factor for the Sem. The outcome may hinge on how Coláiste na Sceilge cope with the towering figure of Padraig Lucey at midfield. Lucey is an international basketballer standing at 6’7” and his fielding and mobility could give his side an edge.

Jeff O’Donoghue, Tom Moriarty, captain Christopher O’Leary and Shaun Keane are all scoring forwards who will cause the Na Sceilge defence endless problems.

The champions should progress, but St Brendan’s, with their tremendous tradition and battling qualities, won’t be found wanting.

In the “B” final (Corn an Uachtarain) Midleton CBS chase a first win at this level when they play their sister school from Clonmel in Mallow tomorrow (2.30pm)

Better known for their hurling, the East Cork school is up against it: Clonmel have two titles to their credit and are one of the best football schools in the premier county, supplying players to the county minor team on a regular basis.

Midleton ousted a highly rated Carrigaline side while Clonmel knocked out Coláiste Choilm from Ballincollig, a feat which earns them the favourite’s tag in tomorrow’s final.