St Mary’s good form continues

Rooney for his second goal.

Mary’s responded immediately through a Coen goal.

Another Breheny free and a second point for centre back Kilcoyne extended the lead to four.

Coolera-Strandhill lost Conor McDonagh to a second yellow, and St. Mary’s took full advantage with further points from Breheny and Kyle Cawley.

Sustained pressure led to a penalty, dispatched by Coen who then pointed a free, both indiscretions having been punished with black cards for Seán Murphy and Peter Laffey.

With full time approaching, Barry O’ Mahony pointed a free before Mark Breheny brought the scoring to a close, consolidating St. Mary’s place at the top of the league table.

Although Coolera-Strandhill led at half time, they struggled with the pace and running of their neighbours.

The half back line of Paul Kilcoyne and the O’ Kelly-Lynch brothers were particularly influential, while in attack Stephen Coen, Nathan Rooney, Kyle Cawley and Mark Breheny caused the Coolera defence endless problems.

Oisín Conway in the Coolera goals pulled off a number of fine saves and was safe under the high ball.

Mark Comerford took his goals well, and Kevin Banks was to the fore in the middle of the field. These two sides must do it all again next Saturday when they meet in the Kiernan Cup in Ransboro.

COOLERA-STRANDHILL: Oisin Conway, Enda Mitchell, Peter Laffey (James Hampson), Conor McDonagh, Gary Cawley, Seán Murphy (Fionn Morrissey), Aaron O’ Boyle (0-01), Kevin Banks, Shay Doherty, Cillian McCahey (1-01), Barry Doyle, Mark Comerford (2-00), Karl O’ Neill (0-01), Barry O’ Mahony (0-04), Aaron Breslin (David Kilrehill)

ST. Mary’s: Mark Rooney, Conor Darcy, Luke Nicholson (0-01), Johnathon Martyn, Gerard O’ Kelly-Lynch, Paul Kilcoyne (0-02), Tony O’ Kelly-Lynch, Niall McManus (0-01), Cian Breheny, Nathan Rooney (Daniel Lang), Rory Guinan (0-01)(Niall McDermott), Kyle Cawley (0-01), Stephen Coen (2-05), Mark Breheny (1-05), Adam Lynch (0-01)(Mark McGoldrick). REFEREE; John Gilmartin.