Killorglin in tough battle to qualify against West Clare

INTERMEDIATE School Killorglin fought back to subdue the challenge of newcomers West Clare Colleges and qualify for the quarter-finals of the Corn Uí Mhuirí after a hard fought contest at Croagh yesterday.

Killorglin, who drew their opening game with Macroom, knew a win would see them advance, but they made heavy weather of it as West Clare dominated the opening quarter thanks to the midfield strength of Alan Dalton and Joe Downes.

While West Clare showed much improved form from their opening loss to Macroom, they failed to convert possession into scores despite a 10th minute Jack Scanlon goal.

Killorglin’s impressive corner forward Gavin Nolan kicked over a superb point from the right touch-line in the sixth minute and by the end of the opening quarter the sides were deadlocked, 1-0 to 0-3 points.

An Eoghan Donnellan free had given West Clare the lead but Killorglin struck for the crucial score, a Gary O’Sullivan goal on 23 minutes.

Thanks to points from Scanlon and Donnellan, West Clare trailed by a point at the interval, 1-4 to 1-3. Wind assisted for the second half — Killorglin kicked five wides in their first six attacks. They eventually found their range, and three frees from Gavin Nolan and a point one from play by Timmy Walsh earned their passage.

Scorers for ISK: G Nolan 0-5 (0-4 frees), G O’Sullivan 1-0, T Walsh 0-2 (0-1 free), F Hallissey, C O’Connor and E O’Sullivan (0-1) each.

Scorers for West Clare Colleges: J Scanlon 1-2, E Donnellan 0-4 (all frees), J Downes 0-1.

ISK: S Lillis; S O’Sullivan, G Nagle, K O’Sullivan; P Foley, K Courtney, S Lehane; J O’Connor, F Hallissey; D O’Sullivan, K Sheehan, C O’Connor; G Nolan, G O’Sullivan, T Walsh.

Subs: E O’Sullivan for P Foley, B O’Sullivan for C O’Connor

WEST CLARE COLLEGES: K Pender; B Moloney, C Gavin, N Capon; C McNelis, S Garry, K Looney; A Dalton, J Downes; E Brew, E Donnellan, J Scanlon; D Ryan, D Lorigan, J Downes.

Subs: C O’Mahony for E Brew, M Hoare for D Ryan, T Lillis for J Downes, E O’Connor for N Capon

Referee: S Hourigan (Rathkeale)