IT Tralee into next round, IT Sligo bow out

IT TRALEE IT SLIGO 6-20 1-9

IT Tralee sent out a warning that even without their top gun David Clifford they are a force to be reckoned with in this year’s Sigerson Cup when they comprehensively defeated IT Sligo at John Mitchels Grounds in Tralee.

IT Sligo were missing a number of players through injury while Tralee, who lost out narrowly to Ulster University the previous Sunday, were given a boost beforehand when midfielder Greg Horan had a red card from Sunday rescinded and they played with an intensity that mesmerised Sligo.

Hat-trick hero Conor Keane struck for a goal from the throwin. Horan and Liam Kearney were lording matters at midfield as Keane hit a second Tralee goal in the fifth minute.

Mark O’Shea helped set up James Duggan for a third goal as Tralee raced 3-5 to 0-3 in front by the end of the opening quarter. Donegal’s Jamie Brennan got Sligo’s only scores of the half.

Tralee pressed home their advantage in the second quarter with Kerry squad players Gavin Crowley and Michael Potts excelling.

They added 2-7 without reply in that spell with Jack Savage converting a penalty.

Then Keane completed his treble in the 27th minute as Tralee led by 5-12 to 0-3 at the interval.

Tralee outscored IT Sligo side 1-8 to 1-6 with Iarla Courtney getting a sixth Tralee goal while Foala Ayorinde got a late consolation for IT Sligo.

IT Sligo: P O’Malley, C Reape, J Bermingham, N Boyle, J O’Reilly, C McDonagh, B Walsh, D McGovern, K McBrearty, A McLean, J Brennan, S Carrabine, C Lally, F Ayorinde, K Cawley.

Subs: C Hennelley for A McClean (b/c 25), C Egan for J Bermingham (b/c 54).

Referee: D O’Callaghan (Limerick).