14-man Coláiste na nDéise seal final slot

Coláiste na nDéise cruised into the Dr Harty Cup final with victory in the all-Waterford affair which started bizarrely at Fraher Field, Dungarvan on Saturday.

For the second consecutive game the winners were reduced to 14 men before the throw-in. On this occasion full-forward Kevin Daly was red-carded by Cathal McAllister following an altercation with defender Paul Coughlan, who received his marching orders before the interval.

But Coláiste na nDéise, an amalgamation of Dungarvan CBS and St. Augustine’s College, made light of that early numerical disadvantage and superb points, coupled with goals in the 5th and 15th minutes, had them 2-9 to 0-1 clear by the break.

Cathal, Patrick, and Cormac Curran were the point scorers in chief for the victors while Michael Kiely and Michael Harney netted the goals.

De La Salle refused to drop their heads on the restart and introduction of Jack McCarthy and Austin Gleeson’s switch from midfield to centre-forward helped the cause. McCarthy chipped in with three second half points while Gleeson hit 1-2 from placed balls.

But their efforts were not enough to deny Coláiste na nDéise this famous victory and a place in the Harty Cup final for only the second time.

They had many impressive players on the day, none more so than the Curran brothers, Cathal and Patrick, in attack while the goalscorers, Michael Kiely (until forced off injured after the interval) and Michael Harney, also did invaluable work.

Cormac Curran was a revelation too when he moved to attack while Colin Dunford at midfield and the left flank defensive duo of Sean O’Donovan and Tadgh Burke, together with full-back Tom Tobin and a confident goalkeeper in Eoin Kearns all played their parts.

Scorers for Colaiste na nDéise: Cathal Curran (0-6, 2f); M. Kiely (1-1); M. Harney (1-0); Cormac Curran (0-3); P. Curran (0-2); C. Dunford (0-1).

Scorers for De La Salle College: A. Gleeson (1-3, frees); J. McCarthy (0-3); A. Farrell, B. O’Sullivan(0-1) each.

COLÁISTE na nDÉISE:E. Kerins; K. Looby, T. Tobin, S. O’Donovan; E. Collins, T. Devine, T. Burke; C. Dunford, Cormac Curran; Cathal Curran, M. Harney, R. Donnelly; M. Kiely, K. Daly, P. Curran. Sub: J. Gartland for Kiely (inj, 52).

DE LA SALLE COLLEGE: M. Sheridan; C. Fleming, P. Coughlan, K. Walsh; A. O’Sullivan, A. Gleeson, B. O’Keeffe; C. Breheny, S. McNulty; M. O’Brien, B. O’Sullivan, T Mullally; D. Flynn, P. Flynn, D. Hutchinson.

Subs: J. McCarthy for O’Brien (22); A. Farrell for Hutchinson (ht); E. Power for Sheridan (39); C. Sheehan for P. Flynn (42); R. Hurley for Mullally (50).

Referee: Cathal McAllister, Cork.