Sars shake off 14-man St Pat’s

Sarsfields (Kildare)1-12 St Patrick’s (Louth) 2-6

St Patrick’s were lacklustre until the 27th minute dismissal of sub Kevin Toner seconds after his introduction following an off-the-ball incident involving Conor Tiernan. They finished the half strongly though and a goal by full-back Dessie Finnegan saw them trail at half-time by just two points (0-7 to 1-2). Sarsfields resumed control in a spiky second half, Ray Cahill, Mattie Byrne and Padraig Brennan getting on the mark by the 40th minute. Conor Duffy was outstanding in a dominant Sash defence, Gary White an effective screen and Mattie Byrne was impressive around the middle against Paddy Keenan. Byrne contributed two points and with Cahill adding two quick scores after Robbie Confrey’s 25th minute goal, the home side were in control. Colin McCann did finish well for a goal at the other end in injury time. Karl White added a point but it was not enough for the Louth men.

Scorers for Sarsfields: R Cahill 0-4(2fs); R Confrey 1-0; M Byrne, A Smith 0-2 each; C Tiernan, G White (f), D Nea, P Brennan 0-1 each