Twomey’s goal provides the inspiration

stamina and resolve were required on a glorious evening in the all Duhallow clash. Credit both sides on battling tooth and nail from the first minute to the last in a tense battle before St. Johns crossed the line two points ahead and ultimately gain revenge for narrow losses to their great rivals in the past.

From a St Johns perspective, this was an efficient rather than a spectacular performance which in many ways is ideal ahead of facing Abbey Rovers or Ballypheane in the penultimate hurdle.

A nip and tuck affair had developed from the outset with the sides exchanging points.

Still, Glenlara shaded the territorial stakes with a significant impact created by Trevor Murphy, Joe Collins, Derek McNamara and John Cronin.

However Glenlara passed up on glorious opportunities, denied goals by the crossbar and a fine save by St. Johns ‘keeper Kieran Kelly.

The experienced John Cronin obliged with neat points, countered by St. Johns Eric Barrett and Tim Lehane for the latter to trail 0-6 to 0-5 at the break.

The pattern changed after the restart, St. Johns grabbing a breakthrough, a long ball by Donal Corkery created confusion in the Glenlara defence and corner-forward Twomey showed coolness personified to net.

That score lifted St. Johns to new heights, spurred on by Timothy Murphy, Denis O’Keeffe and Aidan Shine in defence with Shane Kelleher Corkery and Barrett lending assistance.

Young Barrett and his uncle David chipped in points that allowed St. Johns maintain a grip. However Glenlara weren’t going to relent without a serious fight as the tension rose and every tussle was contested with intensity.

Indeed, Glenlara might well had forced parity late on but Mattie Fitzpatrick’s drive rose over the crossbar for a consolation point.