Another Tipperary school qualifies for Munster hurling final with win over Cork opposition!

TUS Corn Risteard Ui Mhathuna (U19C) Semi-Final

St Joseph's College, Borris-Ileigh 1-17

Colaiste An Piarsaigh,  Glanmire 0- 10

St Joseph’s College booked their place in the Corn Ui Mhatuna final following a hard-fought victory over a very strong Glanmire outfit last Friday afternoon in Kilmallock.

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The Cork side made the early running, with a point from Sarsfields young star Finn O Connor opening the scoring, and they were soon denied a goal chance by some resolute St Joseph's defending. That moment set the tone for a contest in which every possession was fiercely contested.

St Joseph's edged in front thanks to two fine points from half-forwards Cathal Kennedy and Liam Hackett before the key score of the game arrived. Toomevara’s Cody Quirke rifled a thunderous shot past Finín O'Donovan in the Glanmire goal to swing momentum firmly in the Tipperary side’s favour. St Joseph's raised the intensity thereafter, rattling off a succession of scores from frees and play to surge into a 1-5 to 0-3 lead. 

Glanmire responded well and battled back to reduce the deficit to three points approaching half-time, but inspirational scores from Borrisoleigh duo Eoin Ryan and Shane Ryan saw St Joseph's take a seven-point advantage into the break.

Facing a breeze and a determined Cork challenge in the second half, St. Joseph's were forced to battle for every ball. With centre-back Tom O Flynn pushed forward and the always-dangerous Jack Tierney of Coláiste an Phiarsaigh leading the Glanmire charge, the pressure was sustained. 

However, outstanding teamwork, exemplified by captain Micheál Collins of Templederry and Silvermines stalwart Mark Hoare, ensured St Joseph's remained in control. Scores were traded at both ends, but crucially, goalkeeper Oisin Ryan’s net was never breached.

At the other end, the defensive unit of David Rabitte at six and Daniel Groome at three, well supported by Cormac Frend and Adam Whyte, repeatedly frustrated the Cork attack. As the clock ticked towards full-time, a series of late St Joseph's frees stretched the margin to ten points.

The final whistle sparked scenes of celebration among the boys in maroon and their large, vocal travelling support. St Joseph's now march on to a Munster final clash with Dungarvan CBS on the last weekend of January, and will take plenty of confidence from this impressive display.

Scorers: St Joseph’s: Michéal Collins (0-6, 0-5f), Cody Quirke 1-2, Shane Ryan 0-3, Liam Hackett 0-2, Eoin Ryan, Billy O’Brien, Cathal Kennedy, Michael Ryan all 0-1 each.

St Joseph’s College, Borris-Ileigh: Oisin Ryan (Borris-Ileigh); Cormac Frend (Toomevara), Daniel Groome (Borris-Ileigh), Adam Whyte (Toomevara); Ciaran Troy (Toomevara), David Rabbitte (Borris-Ileigh), Mark Hoare (Silvermines); Michéal Collins (Templderry Kenyons), Michael Ryan (Borris-Ileigh); Eoin Ryan (Borris-Ileigh), Cathal Kennedy (Borris-Ileigh), Liam Hackett (Toomevara); Shane Ryan (Borris-Ileigh), Billy O’Brien (Toomevara), Cody Quirke (Toomevara).

Colaiste An Piarsaigh,  Glanmire: Finín Ó Donnabhain (Sarsfields); Ríán Ó Baoill (Sarsfields), Tomás Ó Riordáin (Erin’s Own), Riain Mac Cormaic (Midleton); Dónal Ó Riain (Sarsfields), Tomás Ó Floinn (Sarsfields), Jack Mac Craith (Erin’s Own); Cullen Ó Condúin (Sarsfields), Caoimhin Ó Murchú (Sarsfields); Billy Ó Mathúna (Sarsfields), Jack Ó Tiarnaigh (Sarsfields), Dáire Ó Cuimín (Russell Rovers); Finn Ó Conchubhair (Sarsfields), Cuan Mac Mathúna (Sarsfields), Cillian Ó Longáin (Sarsfields).

Referee: Sean Carey (Limerick)

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