Flannan’s into Frewan Cup semis

St Flannan’s  2-7
St Brendan’s  0-6

A storming opening quarter during which time they scored 2-2, laid the foundations for St Flannan’s merited win over St Brendan’s in the opening round of the Frewan Cup, Munster Colleges Junior A Football Championship, played at Croagh in Limerick on Monday.
As a result of this win, St Flannan’s, who are managed by Benny Duggan and Donal Vaughan, are through to a semi-final date with either Clonmel or Coláiste Chriost Rí.
Because the Ennis side includes two members of their Harty Cup team, Shane O’Donnell and Martin O’Leary, who will be in action in the semi-final this Sunday, the football tie was brought forward by two days.
Both made valuable contributions to the win, with O’Leary contributing 2-2, the opening goal coming from the penalty spot after he was fouled in the square.
St Brendan’s had the game’s first score but St Flannan’s went in front within a couple of minutes when O’Leary converted from the penalty spot and this sparked off a great spell for the Ennis college. O’Leary added a point from a free before team captain Sean Corry scored and then O’Leary struck for the team’s second goal.
St Brendan’s had the better of the exchanges for the rest of the first half but they only managed two points while a Dara Kerin effort for St Flannan’s left the Blues 2-3 to 0-3 ahead when the half-time whistle sounded.
The second half began with Kerin extending the St Flannan’s lead. St Brendan’s replied with a like score before points from O’Leary and David Clancy left St Flannan’s 2-6 to 0-4 in front at the three-quarter stage.
St Brendan’s had the better of matters in the last 10 minutes but they just could not break down a strong St Flannan’s defence. The winner’s goalie, Killian Normoyle, made a very good save before Dara Kerin sealed an impressive win with his third point of the afternoon.
This was an impressive team performance but full-back Aidan McGuane, centre-back Shane O’Donnell, team captain Sean Corry, Tadhg Lynch, who operated as a third midfielder, and top scorer Martin O’Leary deserve special mention.

St Flannan’s: Killian Normoyle (Lissycasey); Conor Dolan (Éire Óg), Aidan McGuane (Kilmaley), Rohan Raftery (Michael Cusack’s); Stephen Ward (Clarecastle), Shane O’Donnell (Éire Óg), Conor Clancy (Clarecastle); Sean Corry (Éire Óg, capt) (0-1), Ciaran McMathuna (Éire Óg); Dara Kerin (Doora-Barefield), (0-3), Barry Lynch (Lissycasey), Dara Gregan (Kilmaley); Martin O’Leary (Kilmihil), (2-2), David Clancy, (Doora-Barefield), (0-1), Tadhg Lynch (Clondegad).
Subs: David Conroy (Éire Óg) for ­Gregan.