Brave Críost Rí revival just falls short

COLÁISTE Chríost Rí’s return to Dr Harty Cup action may not have got off to a successful start in Ballyagran yesterday, but they contributed greatly to an extraordinary Group B clash as their stunning second-half fightback almost produced an improbable victory.

At the interval, last year’s Kinnane Cup winners were facing a heavy beating. St Caimin’s, finalists two years ago and semi-finalists last season, maintained the high standards of recent campaigns in the opening 30 minutes. They harnessed the benefits of a strong wind to open up a commanding 3-12 to 1-3 advantage by half-time. The power and poise of St Caimin’s early play suggested it was impossible for Chríost Rí to bridge the yawning gap.

But the Cork school showcased tremendous battling qualities and, despite trailing by 15 points when the ball was thrown in for the second-half, had shaved the deficit to just two with five minutes left. St Caimin’s were clinging to a 3-14 to 4-9 advantage, but they pounced for a crucial goal when Alan Mulready’s sublime long-range pass was whipped to the net by substitute David Ryan. Then Aaron Cunningham popped over two frees in quick succession to bring his scoring return for the day to a dazzling 3-8. Despite Enda Dennehy knocking in a late goal for Chríost Rí, time ran out on their revival and wing-back Shane Kelleher arrowed over an injury-time point that crowned St Caimin’s success.