Allianz FL Division 4
Clare 2-14
London 0-8
CLARE’S promotion hopes remain intact after they had 12 points to spare over London this afternoon in Cusack Park in Ennis.
The victory moves Clare up to eight points on the table, the same amount as Tipperary and Offaly, while Limerick top the table on 10 points.
Clare host Limerick next Sunday in Ennis while Offaly entertain Tipperary in Tullamore in the two games that will settle the promotion race.
The Banner know that victory over Limerick will see them qualify for Division 3 as if they are tied on points with Limerick, they will progress by virtue of a head-to-head record.
While if the three teams end up on 10 points, Clare will edge out Limerick on scoring difference. They are now on +16 after today’s triumph whereas Limerick are on +1.
Clare got off to a bright start in today’s game when Rory Donnelly found the net in the 8th minute. David Tubridy and Mark McCarthy added further points before Gary Brennan raised Clare’s second green flag to help them lead 2-8 to 0-5 at the interval.
With Tubridy in starring form, and Ger Quinlan also on the scoresheet, Clare ran out victors by a comfortable margin at the finish.
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All-Ireland Colleges SAFC
St Pat’s (Navan) 2-7
PS Chorca Dhuibhne 0-11
Meath outfit St Pat’s, managed by former county legend Colm O’Rourke, reached their first Hogan Cup final since 2006 with a two-point semi-final win over Kerry side PS Chorca Dhuibhne in Nenagh this afternoon.
The winners had to withstand a strong second-half fightback from a PS Chorca Dhuibhne side, trained by Kerry boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice, who had trailed by 10 points during the opening period.
St Pat’s lead by 2-5 to 0-4 at the interval with Barry Dardis and Robert McDonnell both finding the net in the early stages.
PS Chorca Dhuibhne fought back strongly with Tom O Suilleabhain, Tomas O Se and captain Eanna O Conchuir, who registered 0-9 between them, leading the way in the scoring stakes.
However St Pat’s held on to secure a place in the decider.
St Pat’s manager Colm O’Rourke.
Pic: INPHO/James Crombie
St Pat’s (Maghera) 3-8
St Gerald’s (Castlebar) 1-7
St Pat’s (Maghera) will contest their first Hogan Cup final since 2003 after a seven-point win victory in today’s last four clash in Brewster Park in Enniskillen.
Two goals in two minutes just before half-time paved the way for the Derry school’s victory. Conor Glass and Gerard Bradley bagged the goals that helped St Pat’s lead 2-5 to 0-5 at the interval.
St Gerald’s got an early second-half boost when Eamon Regan found the net but St Pat’s pounced for the crucial third goal when Glass again raised a green flag to ensure they will contest the decider in Croke Park on April 13th.
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All-Ireland Colleges SBFC
Elsewhere Our Lady’s (Templemore) will battle against St Attracta’s (Tubbercurry) in the All-Ireland Colleges SBFC final after this afternoon’s semi-final action. Our Lady’s enjoyed a 1-11 to 0-7 win over Naas CBS in Gracefield in Offaly. The Tipperary school, who fielded All-Ireland minor winners John McGrath and Colin O’Riordan in their ranks, have now bounced back from the disappointment of their school’s hurling side losing the Dr Harty Cup final.
They will meet Sligo opposition in the decider after St Attracta’s goalscoring ability proved pivotal to their 3-10 to 0-7 success against St Michael’s (Lurgan) in Derrylin in Fermanagh. Jason Perry fired home two goals while Padraig Mitchell bagged the other.
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All-Ireland Colleges SCFC
St Augustine’s (Dungarvan) were crowned the All-Ireland Colleges SCFC champions this afternoon in Newbridge with a 2-8 to 0-10 win over Scoil Mhuire (Strokestown). It was a dramatic victory for the Waterford school with Joe Allan and Michael Sweeney netting in the second-half as they triumphed in St Conleth’s Park.
The success provides a great boost for the St Augustine’s players who will line out as part of the Dungarvan Colleges side that feature in next Saturday’s All-Ireland Colleges SAHC (Croke Cup) final against Kilkenny CBSin Semple Stadium.
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All-Ireland Vocational SAFC
Longford and Tyrone will have representatives in the final of this year’s premier vocational competition. Choc Mhuire (Granard) got the better of Cork opponents Clonakilty CC by a narrow margin, 1-7 to 0-9, in today’s semi-final in Sean Treacy Park in Tipperary Town.
While in Brewster Park in Enniskillen, Holy Trinity (Cookstown) enjoyed a 2-12 to 1-6 success against Davitt College (Castlebar).
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Allianz Division 2B HL
Meath and London will battle it out in this year’s Division 2B hurling league decider after the final round of gams were played today.
Meath maintained their 100% record after five games with a 3-18 to 1-10 success against Armagh in Páirc Tailteann in Navan. In Ruislip, London defeated Roscommon by 2-17 to 2-10.
The final game in the group today saw Down get the better of Mayo by 1-22 to 1-14 in Páirc Esler in Newry.
