Buoyant Summerhill face Maghera challenge as St Brendan’s await victors

St Brendan’s College, Killarney, will today learn their Hogan Cup final opponents as Summerhill College and St Patrick’s College, Maghera, contest the second semi-final at Brewster Park (throw-in 2pm).

The Derry college is bidding to reach a third Hogan Cup decider in four years; they played second fiddle to Pobalscoil Chorca Dhuibhne in the 2014 final, a year after winning the competition outright.

Opponents Summerhill College are chasing a first final appearance since 1985 and will be in buoyant form after ending a 31-year wait for Connacht glory when edging out St Attracta’s by 1-12 to 0-13 on the first weekend of this month — Sligo minor Cathal Herron top-scored with 1-5.

The tradition of playing the MacRory Cup final on St Patrick’s Day allowed Summerhill management the opportunity to view their semi-final opponents and they can’t have but been impressed with St Patrick’s 5-7 to 1-9 dismissal of St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook.

Shane McGuigan fired in the opening two goals at the Athletic Grounds before Francis Kearney and Paddy Quigg netted to hand the winners a 4-4 to 0-5 interval lead. Victory was sealed with a late Conal Darragh penalty.

Australian Football League-bound Conor Glass is the sole survivor from the 2013 Hogan Cup winning side and will take watching.

“I am looking forward to going to the Hawthorn club, but my involvement with St Patrick’s will stay with me forever.

“I have enjoyed every minute that I have played. We can now turn our attention to the Hogan Cup and that will be a fresh challenge, but this gives us more encouragement,” said Glass after pocketing his third MacRory Cup medal.

Meanwhile, Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew play Patrician High School Carrickmacross in the All-Ireland PPS SBFC semi-final at Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, Carrick-on-Shannon (throw-in 2pm).