Fanning penalty ends Rathnure resistance

DESPITE enjoying an early six-point lead it still took a 41st-minute Mark Fanning goal from a penalty for GlynnBarntown to haul in Rathnure with a 1-19 to 1-16 victory in their crucial group game at Chadwicks Wexford Park.

With both sides pointless going into this game, it was a case of winner take all, and it was the south Wexford side who eventually put the squeeze on their opponents, sending the once-mighty hurling stronghold out of the title race.

Before the game few were predicting the outcome, but it was GlynnBarntown who had the brighter start leading 0-10 to 0-4 after 20 minutes, with the accuracy of Rowan White, John Leacy and Gary Moore crucial.

In the group of death, Faythe Harriers showed the more clinical finishing power as they fashioned out a comfortable 1-14 to 0-11 victory over Fethard, securing their quarter-final spot, while the victory assured Ferns St Aidan’s of second spot with Fethard pointless and bowing out.

While Lee Chin continued to lead his side with a 0-8 haul (0-6 frees), it was a splendid goal from senior panellist Conal Clancy after 21 minutes that set up the town side, who led 1-9 to 0-5 at the interval with former Waterford manager Derek McGrath happy with the progress of his young side.

Oulart-The Ballagh set out their quarter-final stall during a comfortable 3-14 to 1-13 win over a disappointing Cloughbawn, having led 3-7 to 1-5 at the interval, the first-half goals from Peter Sutton (2), and Murtagh Doyle, while Éanna Doyle goaled for his side.

With both Naomh Éanna and Shelmaliers already through to the knockout stages, it was a question of playing for place, as the game turned into a real thriller with the Gorey side coming out on top by 2-13 to 1-12.