Vincent’s march past Na Fianna despite Connolly’s absence

THREE-IN-A-ROW chasing St Vincent’s sealed their place in the quarter-finals of the Dublin SFC by seeing off northside rivals Na Fianna.

The Marino men were forced to play without star man Diarmuid Connolly as his absence from football continued, but they were still able to edge out the Mobhi Road outfit on a 2-17 to 1-15 scoreline.

Former Mayo star Enda Varley led the way, hitting 0-8, while the ageless Mossy Quinn contributed 1-4. Conor McHugh top scored with 1-4 of his own for Na Fianna, who lost Dublin defender Eoin Murchan to an injury late on.

Parnells lost their second game on the bounce to St Jude’s. Three points from Stephen Cluxton, who was operating in an outfield role, weren’t enough as 11 different Jude’s players scored from play to give their side their second win and a place in the quarters.

Malahide outfit St Sylvesters are also in the last eight, but looked in deep trouble as they trailed Ballinteer St John’s by six points at the break.

However, inspired by full-forward Micheál McCarthy and substitute Ed Walsh, they gradually reeled in their deficit, with Walsh kicking the pivotal score two minutes into injury-time.

Castleknock were much too strong for neighbours St Brigid’s as they won on a 1-16 to 0-7 scoreline to move into the knockout stages.

Ciarán Kilkenny scored 1-4 for the 2016 finalists against a Brigid’s side who could manage just a single point from play over the hour, after they were forced to operate without Paddy Andrews.