ST BRENDAN’S COLLEGE, the record winners of the Corn Uí Mhuirí (Munster PPS U19AFC) remain on course to add a 23rd title but they were made to work for victory against St Flannan’s College at Ballyagran on Wednesday.
The Killarney school trailed by 1-8 to 0-4 at half-time having played against the wind, but made the most of the elements in the second period, with Ryan O’Grady leading the way for them. However, it wasn’t until the 58th minute that ‘the Sem’ hit the front and though a two-point lead was established, a point from Mark McInerney gave Flannan’s hope.
Ultimately, an equaliser would remain elusive for the Ennis side, who were excellent in the first half. Killian O’Connor’s opening-minute goal gave them a platform and McInerney and Diarmuid Cahill weighed in on the point-scoring front as they retired with a seven-point advantage.
The second half was a different affair, though. William Shine cut the deficit slightly and O’Grady was to the fore as Brendan’s ate into the lead point by point, with Flannan’s denying them goalscoring chances. While the Sem levelled with ten minutes left, McInerney put Flannan’s back in front but they couldn’t weather Brendan’s storm.
In the semi-finals, Brendan’s will play St Francis College, Rochestown or Clonakilty Community College, who play on Thursday on the Páirc Uí Chaoimh all-weather pitch after their scheduled clash was called off.
The other last-four tie will be an all-Kerry tie between Tralee CBS and Pobalscoil Siabh Luachra after both saw off Cork opposition.
Tralee were resounding 4-13 to 0-7 winners over Hamilton High School of Bandon at Fitzgerald Stadium, the game initially set for Dr Crokes.
Seán Quilter’s fifth-minute goal set ‘the Green’ on their way, with Conor Hayes a constant threat for them. Frees from Eddie Kenneally kept Bandon in it until half-time, 1-5 to 0-5 the Tralee lead, but Cian Purcell struck for a goal on 35 and another from Fergal O’Brien on 43 removed any doubts. Jordan Kissane added a fourth goal near the end.
At Mallow, Pobalscoil Sliabh Luachra also had things their way, beating Ballincollig’s Coláiste Choilm by 2-16 to 0-6.
The Rathmore outfit led by 0-7 to 0-3 at half-time, scoring the game’s first five points despite playing against the wind, with James Darmody and Cathal Ryan leading the way up front.
Ryan’s goal ten minutes into the second half made it 1-10 to 0-4 and another from Darmody ensured they ran out convincing winners.
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I suppose a natural development since Kilkenny’s physicality in the air has evolved the game into more of a physical battle. Hope there’s still a place for a Joe Deane or eoin Kelly type player in the modern game, hurling would be much poorer otherwise
There are not enough hardy lads in Tipp for the kind of game Ryan wants to impose .
I’d like to think you still need to be able to hurl to succeed tho. It’ll be interesting to see how Clare do with their pace and skill based game. I think it would be good for hurling to see them in croke park again. Hopefully Tipp can get the balance of brain and brawn right tho
Just because lads are after getting big and strong it does not mean that we after loosing a type of player.I think lads like TJ,Richie Hogan,JJ Delaney,Joe Canning and Callanan are just as skillful and class as Deane and Kelly.Just look at the player of the year nominees this year…….all three are like Houdini when they have a sliotar in their hands.Its the way the game is being played is changing.I think Kilkenny just brought more intensity rather than physicality,as the game was much more physical just as far back as 20 years ago.And more again 40 and 50yrs ago
For too long now ,Tipp have thrown away Munsters and all-Irelands due to their non physicality….
As Tommy Docherty once said when describing a Ladies team ” their lovely to look at,, but they wont hurt you ”
Maybe its time to bring back Hells Kitchen !!
I’m still scratching my head trying to figure out why maher was centre forward last year. I think right half back is his best position , in midfield he goes in and out of games. He’s more solid than Barrett.
Just as long as he doesn’t throw the baby out with the bath water. EOS was on the cusp of cracking it but his team lacked a bit of edge, not helped by injuries to the like if Mahony, Cahill, Stapleton etc. who add a bit of bite to the team. I would nearly prefer lose than sacrifice EOS’s hurling philosophy in favour of that sweeper system/ Donegal tactic that other teams are employing. Also if Michael Quinlivan can hurl he would be well worth a try.
That’s the worry Johnny, but I hope with the likes of bubbles, Callanan and Noel McGrath you have the bones of a hurling front 6 as opposed to a blunt battering ram. Galway even uppe’d the physicality stakes this year as well. Where’s it all going to end.. in puke football territory maybe? I like you still want to retain our nice brand of hurling identity if possible
Tipp need to find a few more players. No Denis Maher? The question you need to ask as a fan is how many of this squad would start on a Kilkenny first 15? 4-5 at a push, this is the bench mark for Tipp unfortunately.