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A report from CBS The Green on the Munster Schools Under 18 1/2 Corn Uí Mhuirí Final on Saturday at Austin Stack Park…
Tralee CBS 0-11
St Brendan’s Killarney 2-20
Captain of St Brendan’s, Dara Moynihan, lifts the Corn Ui Mhuiri on Saturday evening. Photo by Dermot Crean
The Tralee CBS Corn Uí Mhuirí dream was destroyed by a second half masterclass from a St Brendan’s side who, on this performance, will take some stopping in their quest for back to back All-Ireland Hogan Cup success.
The Green, playing in their first final in almost ten years, would have been pleased with an opening half in which they went toe to toe with the Killarney men.
Indeed they led early on three points to one, with two Michael Kelliher frees and a point from the excellent Tomas O’Connor as he and Joseph O’Connor dominated midfield.
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The Sem were always threatening to open up however and they reeled off six further points to a solitary one from Tom Hoare to open up a three point lead, seven to four.
Resilience has been the hallmark of Tralee’s campaign and two further points from Kelliher and the outstanding Daire Keane reduced to deficit to one, before the Sem added the last point of the half to put the gap at two at the break.
Tralee CBS’ Michael Scanlon is challenged by Jack Griffin. Photo by Dermot Crean
Optimism reigned among the large vocal Tralee support at the interval, but this vanquished in the opening twelve minutes of the half as the Sem moved into a different gear.
They hit 2-6 to the Green 0-2 to put the game to bed in ruthless fashion. Two brilliant goals from David Shaw and Billy Courtney were the standout moments as the game ended as a contest.
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The remainder of the game was played out at a pedestrian pace as both teams emptied the bench.
The Green could only muster two more points from substitute Sean Quilter and Niall O’Mahony as the game wound down to an inevitable outcome.
A fifteen point deficit reflects poorly on a Green performance that was full of endeavour and no little class, albeit only in the opening period.
The Sem will be delighted with their 22nd Corn Uí Mhuirí title, but they will see this victory as just a stepping stone to the big prize in Croke Park in April. SCROLL DOWN FOR LOADS OF PHOTOS…
Scorers: St Brendans: David Shaw (1-4), Donnchadh O’Sullivan (0-7, 4 frees), Billy Courtney (1-1), Jack Griffin, Mark O’Shea (0-2 each), Niall Donohue, Cian Gammell, Dara Moynihan and Barry Keane (0-1 each).
Tralee CBS: Michael Kelliher (0-4, 3 frees), Tomas O’Connor (0-2), Kieran Dwyer (free), Tom Hoare, Daire Keane, Sean Quilter, Niall O’Mahoney (0-1 each).
Teams
St Brendans: Robert Osborne (Legion); Lorcan MacMonagle (Dr Crokes), Chris O’Donoghue (Glenflesk), Sean O’Leary (Kilcummin); Jack Griffin (Dr Crokes), Michael Potts (Dr Crokes), Niall Donohue (Firies); Billy Courtney (Dr Crokes), Cian Gammell (Legion); Dara Moynihan (Spa), Donnchadh O’Sullivan (Firies), Barry Keane (Listry); David Shaw (Dr Crokes), Mark O’Shea (Dr Crokes), Ciaran Flynn (Firies).
Subs: Mark Hartnett (Dr Crokes) for Keane (44); Mark Fitzgerald (Dr Crokes) for Griffin (56).
Tralee CBS: Shane Foley (Kerins O’Rahilly’s); Brandon Patterson (Austin Stacks), Tommy Lynch (St Pat’s), Jack Myers (John Mitchels); JohnWalsh (Knocknagoshel), Kieran Dwyer (St Pat’s), Niall O’Mahoney (Na Gaeil); Joe O’Connor (Austin Stacks), Tomás O’Connor (Ballymacelligot); Sean Donnellan (Churchill), Tom Hoare (Kerins O’Rahillys), Michael Scanlon (Castlergregory); Daire Keane (Ballymacelligott), Gearoid Fitzgerald (Austin Stacks), Michael Kelliher (John Mitchels)
Subs: Sean Quilter (Austin Stacks) for Donnellan (41); Aaron Roche (Kerins O’Rahillys) for Scanlon (49); David Fitzmaurice (Austin Stacks) for Kelliher (54); Sean Hamilton (Churchill) for Hoare (58).
CBS’ Tom Hoare attempts to speed away from Niall Donohue. Photo by Dermot Crean
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David Shaw celebrates his goal. Photo by Dermot Crean
Gearoid Fitzgerald looks for a teammate. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Cian Gammell in control with Niall O’Mahoney on the chase. Photo by Dermot Crean
Michael Kelliher tries to dispossess Niall Donohue. Photo by Dermot Crean
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St Brendan’s Sean O’Leary attempts to block Michael Kelliher’s shot. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sean O’Leary again blocking, this time it’s CBS’ Tom Hoare taking a shot. Photo by Dermot Crean
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Midfield action during the game. Photo by Dermot Crean
Michael Scanlon attempts to break away. Photo by Dermot Crean
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St Brendan’s players celebrate their victory. Photo by Dermot Crean
