St Thomas stay on course to retain title

Reigning All-Ireland champions St Thomas remain on course to retain their crown after surviving a do-or-die group clash with the 2011 winners Clarinbridge last evening.

With three-time All-Ireland champions Portumna having secured a quarter-final place yesterday evening, St Thomas faced an early exit. However, they were never really troubled and advanced to the last eight with a comfortable 2-16 to 0-10 win in Athenry.

Clarinbridge, who have lost several players since their 2011 All-Ireland win including the Kerins brothers, Mark and Alan, were in trouble when they trailed by 1-10 to 0-4.