Martin’s turn tables
provided the platform for victory.
They did kick three early wides, including a surprise miss by Lyng from a free, but their intent was clear after Barry O’Connor (two frees) and Jamie Carty brought them level by the 41st minute.
Carty, Jake Firman and O’Connor (free) then left them 0-13 to 2-4 clear before that brief bright spell for Glynn-Barntown when Fanning kicked one glorious placed ball between the posts and then converting another more straightforward attempt.
The one-point margin with nine minutes left didn’t reflect the pattern the game had taken since half-time though, but St. Martin’s duly took care of business as five points on the trot left them with a semi-final spot for the third year running.
St. Martin’s: Tomás Hayes; Mikey Coleman, Joe O’Connor, Willie Devereux (capt.); Conor Firman (0-1), Aaron Maddock, Jack O’Connor; Daithí Waters, Rory O’Connor; Paudie Kelly, Jamie Carty (0-2), Jake Firman (0-1); Ryan Murphy (0-1), Ciarán Lyng (0-6, 1 free), Barry O’Connor (0-7, 4 frees). Subs. - Ben Maddock for Kelly, inj. (10), Joe Coleman for Murphy (46), Ed O’Byrne for Jack O’Connor (57), Darren Codd for J. Firman (60+1).
Glynn-Barntown: Richie Ryan; Jack Fenlon, Rob Tierney, Stephen Lyne; James Stafford, John Leacy, Nigel Usher; Michael Doyle (capt.), Michael O’Regan; Gary Delaney (2-1, 2-0 pens., 0-1 free), Brendan Doyle, Rioghan Crosbie (0-1); Mark Fanning (0-3, 2 frees), Craig Doyle (0-1), Robert Dempsey. Subs. - Alan Cowman for Delaney, inj. (41), Cian Neville for Stafford (45), Kevin Mahoney for Dempsey (55), Matt Doyle for Ryan (57).
Referee: Anthony Tobin (Geraldine O’Hanrahans).
ENNISCORTHY’S Festy Obosele has been included in the Republic of Ireland Under-16 soccer squad by head coach Paul Osam for two friendly internationals against Romania this week. The Irish squad members have travelled to Bucharest to face the Romanians today (Tuesday) and Thursday.
Obosele has made the step up from Jason Donohue’s Under-15 squad last season, and this will be the first chance for Osam to see his new charges in action.
While Festy started his career in the Wexford Schoolboys League, he has now moved to St. Joseph’s who are the feeder club for Bray Wanderers. He is one of three St. Joseph’s/Bray Wanderers players on the 18-strong squad.
Staying on the international theme, it was a proud moment for Ryan Delaney when he made his Under-21 international debut in a last-minute appearance for the Republic of Ireland in their 3-1 win over Azerbaijan in the UEFA Championships qualifying round game in Baku recently.
The New Ross native has been starring at centre-half for SSE Airtricity champions-in-waiting Cork City, having joined them on loan at the start of the year from Burton Albion. Delaney first shot to prominence with Wexford Youths in their promotion-winning season.