St Flannan’s dig deep to edge gutsy Rathmore

St Flannan’s College, Ennis 1-9 Pobalscoil Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore 1-8: St Flannan’s stunned a fancied Pobalscoil Sliabh Luachra, Rathmore at Rathkeale yesterday in an absorbing Corn Uí Mhuiri quarter-final.

On an afternoon when two of their key forwards, Brian Friel and Dean Fitzgerald, were black carded, Rathmore led by a point, eight minutes from time. Half-time sub Mark Ryan had kicked two inspirational scores, while Jamie Brosnan also put over a brace as the Kerry school upped their game after half-time.

St Flannan’s showed resolve when most needed. They were rewarded three minutes from the end of normal time when Maurice Nugent put away a penalty won by Ian Molloy to open a 1-9 to 1-6 lead. Rathmore refused to wilt and two injury-time John O’Leary scores left just a point between the sides, but time ran out on the Kerry side.