Our Lady’s and Nenagh CBS advance to knockout stages
It was a result that didn’t look likely early on as the Clare college, with Frank Melody and Niall O’Connor outstanding in defence, dominated the exchanges to lead 1-9 to 0-8 at half-time, county minor Aaron Cunningham contributing an amazing 1-8 of that.
A stern talking to at the break had the desired effect on Our Lady’s and with centre back Tomas Hamill thundering into the game, the North Tipp school went on a scoring spree.
Liam McGrath led the charge and finished the game with 2-9, ably assisted by his cousin John, Liam Treacy and the Kennedy brothers Brian and Keith.
St. Caimin’s must now beat Charleville CBS in their remaining game to be sure of qualifying.
Another Tipperary school to make the last eight was Nenagh CBS, who crushed Kerry Colleges on a score line of 3-15 to 1-7 at Newcastle West.
Only two points separated the sides at half-time, Nenagh leading 0-9 to 1-4, Pádraig Boyle scoring the Kerry goal midway through the half.
However, it was all one way traffic on the change over as Nenagh scored 2-3 without reply by the 35th minute, the goals coming from Pádraig Shanahan and Mark Tuite, and there was going to be no surprise.
Kerry Colleges, without a number of first choice players due to late withdrawals, battled on and it took a great save by Nenagh netminder Kevin Flynn to deny Padraig Boyle a second goal.
The points flowed freely for Nenagh for most of the second-half and a third goal, a second by Pádraig Shanahan, put the seal on a workman like performance.
