Avondale dig deep

Carnew’s hurlers unbeaten SHC run was shattered as they crashed to an eight-point defeat (1-14 to 0-9) to Avondale at Aughrim.

Avondale needed the win to keep their hopes of making the semi-final cut alive and that burning ambition drove them to a 1-10 to 0-4 lead at the break, the goal scored by Liam Phelan.

Carnew fared little better in the second half as midfielder Eamon Kearns and eagle-eyed sharpshooter and free-taker Ray Nolan played starring roles for the winners, scoring five points and four points respectively.

Despite the midweek setback, Carnew are certain of a semi-final spot and received a walkover on Saturday from Kiltegan who are now out of the championship.

St Patrick’s booked their place in the last four following their one-point win (1-11 to 0-13) over reigning champions Glenealy at Aughrim on Saturday. County star Andy O’Brien was the architect in chief of the Saint’s victory, capping a brilliant display in attack by scoring all but one point of their 1-11 total.

Meanwhile in football, St Mary’s, 2011 SFC winners, are through to the quarter-finals following their 2-12 to 0-10 win over Bray Emmets at Aughrim midweek.

Full-forward Paddy ‘Smokes’ Byrne was the hero for Mary’s as he rifled two killer goals.