Carnew have too much for St. Pat’s

at Joule Park, Aughrim

Carnew did seize their opportunity to move into the lead moments later when Justin House showcased his skills in the air with a wonderful catch off a St. Pat’s puck out before finding Drew Brennan who split the posts with a well-taken effort.

Carnew were beginning to take control of proceedings, with their backline keeping things tight and getting out in front when required.

There was some valiant defending on the Pat’s side too, with Denis O’Brien and Dale Quinn combining for one particularly exhilarating block on their own 13-metre line.

However,itwasalapseinconcentration in the St. Pa’ts full-back line which lead to the crucial score of the game. A low ball forward out wide on the right wing was collected by Martin Molloy. Molloy cut in before drilling a low ball in across the face of goal which was met by the hurl of a St. Pat’s defender.

However, rather than clear the danger the sliotar was sent up into the air at the back post where Cormac Doyle was lurking. The corner-forward got his hurl up over his head and batted the sliotar into the net to give his side a commanding lead.

The next score after a goal is always crucial and it was Carnew who added to their tally, Billy Rickerby laying on for Martin Molloy to extend his sides lead.

St. Pat’s did pull a point back from a free just before the break to leave themselves trailing 1-07 to 0-03 heading into the second period.

The rain began to pour just as the sliotar was thrown in and so too began St. Pat’s efforts to claw their way back into the game. The opening score of the half went to full-forward James O’Brien after he got on the end of a long pass forward from John O’Brien.

The full-forward would go on to get his sides next two points from frees but from early on in the second half it looked as though only a goal would give the Wicklow side a real shot at hauling themselves back into real contention.

Drew Brennan came to the fore for Carnew in the second half, wielding significant influence around the middle third to create several scores for his team-mates.

Carnew always did just enough to keep their opposition at arms length, and their backs never really looked like allowing the St. Pat’s full-forward line the space to sneak in for a goal of their own. There were some fine performances throughout the field from both sides. John O’Brien was a solid presence in midfield for St. Pat’s throughout, and sent some fine balls in to his forwards when he had the opportunity.

His opponent in midfield, Sean Kinsella, was also on fine form. On multiple occasions, Kinsella showed composure and vision to get out of potentially tricky situations with his sleight of hand and clever use of the ball which allowed his side to maintain control of possession in the second half and keep their opposition at bay.

Scorers – St Patrick’s: Michael O’Brien 0-02, John O’Brien 0-01 (1f), James O’Brien 0-03 (2f), James O’Brien 0-01, Tomas Kehoe 0-01.

Carnew Emmets: Cormac Doyle 1-00, William Rickerby 0-02, Drew Brennan 0-02 (0-01f), Paul Nolan 0-01, Martin Molloy 0-03, Joseph Hughes 0-01, Sean Kinsella 0-02, Ian Clancy 0-01.

St. Patrick’s: Michael O’Brien; John O’Brien, Denis O’Brien, Andrew Conway; John O’Neill, Dale Quinn, Tomas Kehoe; George O’Brien, John O’Brien; John O’Brien, James O’Brien, Anto Murphy; Michael O’Brien, James O’Brien, Myles O’Brien.

Carnew Emmets: Edward Kennedy; Mark Collins, James Joyce, Adrian Myers; Nick Skelton, Liam Kennedy, Ian Clancy; Sean Kinsella, Justin House; William Rickerby, Drew Brennan, Paul Nolan; Cormac Doyle, Joseph Hughes, Martin Molloy. Subs: Thomas Collins.

Referee: Ciaran Fleming