St Brendan’s 0-13 HS Clonmel 1-6

Despite a spirited performance, the High School fell short against competition favourites St Brendan’s of Killarney in an exciting Corn úi Mhúirí 1/4 final at Mallow.

Odds on favourites St Brendan’s took the lead after just 10 seconds as straight from the throw in, they attacked at pace straight at the High School defense and popped over a nice point with things looking ominous for the High School lads. But the lads settled and equalised before a fine individual goal from joint captain Paul Maher put the High School in front. The High School continued to play well but St Brendan’s were much more economical with their possession and some poor shooting was costing the High School team dear as St Brendan’ s came back in to the game with some good scores. The High School were winning the midfield battle and Danny Owens and Ciarán Looney were getting on a lot of ball but a series of wides from the attackers would prove costly as the game progressed. A fine Rory Maher pointed from the right wing kept the High School in contention but following a flurry of fine scores, St Brendan’s went in at half time 0-8 to 1-2 to the good but the High School were by no means out of this game and would have the wind in the second half.

The second half started well for the lads as Paul Maher’s point brought  the gap back to 2 points. In a very even game, it went from end to end  with Paul Maher scoring another great point but St Brendan’s replied  with scores of their own. The game was evenly poised as Ross Peters  again closed the gap to 2 points. St Brendan’s extended their lead again  before Ross Peters had a legitimate point ruled out but despite this the  High School continued to pressurise St Brendan’s but 3 points in a 2  minute spell from St Brendan’s left 5 between the sides. The High School never gave up and Paul Maher and a Rory Maher free had the gap down to 3 points with minutes remaining. St Brendan’s proved their worth at this stage and closed out the game and extended their lead to 4 in stoppage time and when the final whistle blew, it was St Brendan’s who were victorious on a score of 0-13 to 1-6.

It was a brave and courageous team display from the High School as St Brendan’s included current Kerry under 21 and senior Micháel Burns and last year’s Kerry All Ireland minor winning captain Liam Kearney but the lads were in no way outclassed on the day as it was a tight game and if it had not been for the 10 wides kicked by the High School, the scoreline could have had a different complexion. This team are the first High School team to reach this stage of the competition in the modern era so progress was made and with 8 starters and many of the subs still in the school next year, the lads can look forward with hope and expectation and hope to build on this year’s progress.

Scorers –  P Maher 1-3; Rorry Maher 0-2; Ross Peters 0-1.

HS Clonmel – L Powell; G Ryan, S Ryan, D Brennan; M Kehoe, G Whelan, L Cooney; D Owens, C Looney; M Hogan, C Boland, S O’Meara; R Maher, R Peters, P Maher.
Subs: K Peters for M Hogan (44), D Roberts for S O’Meara (50), I McGrath for R Maher (58).

Ref – K Walsh (Clare)

High School Sponsorship:

The High School CBS and the football department would like to thank John O’Donoghue for his sponsorship of new jerseys and to John Owens and Pinewood Healthcare who have sponsored shorts and socks for the players.