Patrician Academy make case for defence with strong second-half display

The Mallow side rallied after the break to see off St Flannan's.

Wed, 18 Oct, 2023 - 16:17

Patrician Academy Mallow 3-13 St Flannan’s College Ennis 1-13

A strong second-half performance from Patrician Academy Mallow saw them overcome Clare side St Flannan’s College. After trailing by two at the midway point the north Cork school shut the back door and only conceded four second-half points.

This was played simultaneously alongside the Castleisland and Abbey CBS clash with Mallow returning to the top table after a lengthy spell in the lower tier. St Flannan’s have legendary Clare footballer Gary Brennan as a teacher and coach.

In a lively opening, the sides exchanged goals as Harry Doherty and Dylan O’Connell raised green flags. By half-time, there was a second goal for Mallow, with Cathal Mullins finishing to the net.

By half-time it was 2-4 to 1-9 with the dual ‘A’ school, Flannan’s holding the advantage. Captained by talented hurler Fred Hegarty, they failed to keep their momentum going in the second-half. This was stunted by a red card on the 40 minute mark.

Despite also losing a man, this time to a black card, Mallow kicked on. They found a third goal, this again through Mullins. Dylan O’Connell’s brother, Alan, chipped in with frees while the lively Padraig Britton kicked a brace of scores for the winners.