First-half goal blitz powers St Brendan’s to knock-out stage

ST BRENDAN’S (Killarney) advanced to the Corn Uí Mhuirí quarter-finals when they ousted Coláiste na Sceilge 5-10 to 1-8 in yesterday’s Group B clash in Cromane.

2009 champions Coláiste na Sceilge began brightly with Denis Daly, who struck 1-3, and Darren O’Sullivan impressing, and they led 0-4 to 0-2after the opening quarter.

However, St Brendan’s pounced for three goals before the break, Gavin Kelly, Gavin O’Shea and Bryan O’Shea all on target to lead 3-2 to 0-6 at the interval. St Brendan’s maintained their dominance in the second-half with Conor Keane and Kelly finding the net and despite a late Daly goal St Brendan’s sealed top spot in the group. Coláiste na Sceilge now face St Fachtna’s (Skibbereen), the winners advancing to the quarter-finals.

In Group C, last year’s beaten finalists Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne got their campaign off to a winning start, beating High School, Clonmel 0-14 to 0-5 in Mallow. The Dingle school dominated throughout and led 0-8 to 0-3 at half-time, and maintained dominance in the second-half.

Midfielder Dara Ó Sé was in excellent scoring form, registering 0-5, Tomás Ó Caomhánaigh hit 0-4 while Shane Ó hUallacháin and Eanna Ó Conchúir grabbed 0-2 apiece. Centre-forward Tom Kirwan and midfielder Bill Maher were best for Clonmel while goalkeeper Evan Comerford produced some brilliant saves.

The outcome of the group will be decided when Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne meet Tralee CBS in the final round of games with all three sides still having aspirations of qualifying.

Finally in Group A, St Flannan’s (Ennis) proved far too strong for West Clare Colleges in Milltown Malbay yesterday. They ran out comfortable winners 4-9 to 0-5.

St Flannan’s led 2-6 to 0-1 at half-time with Tadgh Lynch and Donal Conroy goaling while Conor Cleary and Darragh Kerin added further goals in the second-half.

Cleary was St Flannans’ scoring star as he hit 1-4 while this year’s Clare minor hurling captain Tony Kelly also impressed as he struck 0-2. For West Clare Colleges, Lee Madigan, Tadhg Lillis and Fergal Pyne all got on the scoresheet but they were reduced to 14 during the second-half when Eamonn O’Dea was sent-off.

The result ends West Clare Colleges hopes of reaching the knockout stages while St Flannan’s will now meet Intermediate School Killorglin in a crunch group game on November 23.