ST COLUMBA’S, GLENTIES’ bid to make a second successive Danske Bank Markey Cup final was brought to an end by Fermanagh Vocational Schools in Irvinestown this evening.
St Columba’s Comprehensive, Glenties 0-11 Fermanagh Vocational Schools 0-14
The Fermanagh amalgamation made hay in the second half to book a final meeting against Abbey Vocational School.
St Columba’s led 0-7 to 0-6 at half-time, but Fermanagh had the greater scoring in the second half.
St Columba’s started well, but lost their way somewhat in the second quarter and allowed Fermanagh to come back into it.
With Paul McGuinness, Kieran Gallagher, Jack Flannery and Johnny Sweeney scoring, the Glenties men led 0-4 to 0-2 at the quarte-hour mark.
Fermanagh were visibly growing in confidence, but poor shooting was letting them down a bagful.
St Columba’s thought they’d had a goal in the 24th minute when Johnny Sweeney’s shot hit the bar. The ball rebounded off the back of goalkeeper Thomas Curran and bounced down. Despite the protests from the Glenties contingent, the green flag remained grounded.
Adam McHugh and Simon Breslin clipped over for St Columba’s but Fermanagh balanced the sums heading into added time when Paul O’Reilly shrugged offf two tackles to score.
However, St Columba’s led 0-7 to 0-6 at the half-time whistle as Gallagher fired over on the turn.
Fermanagh flipped the tables early in the second half with Ryan Morris, Jason Flanaghan and Conor McGann scoring.
Jack Flannery had posted three goals in St Columba’s quarter-final win over Breifne College and he was in here only for Curran to save with his feet.
Danny Walsh and Breslin kept the St Columba’s pulse beating and two frees by Stefan Boyle did likewise, but the scent was in the nostrils of the Fermanagh side.
O’Reilly burst through and Patrick Gallagher, the St Columba’s goalkeeper, turned his shot over for a point, while Cameron McBrien put three between them as they headed down the home straight.
There was one last chance for St Columba’s to save the night. Joe Melly won the ball and fed Jack Brennan, who centred for the well-placed Breslin, but he punched wide and the chance was gone.
St Columba’s were beaten by Colaiste na Carraige in last year’s final, but this year’s it’s Fermanagh Vocational Schools who’ll joust with Abbey VS.
St Columba’s Comprehensive, Glenties: Patrick Gallagher; Joe Melly, Brian Whyte, Cian Doherty; Logan Quinn, John Ross Molloy, Danny Walsh (0-1); Kieran Gallagher (0-2), Sennan Boyle; Adam McHugh (0-1), Jack Brennan, Johnny Sweeney (0-1); Jack Flannery (0-1, 1f), Simon Breslin (0-2), Paul McGuinness (0-1). Subs: Stefan Boyle (0-2, 2f) for McGuinness (40), Nathan Byrne for Sweeney (40)
Fermanagh Vocational Schools: Thomas Curran; Cathal Lynam, James McQuaid, Chris McCabe; James Toye, Enda Cassidy, Kevin Smith; Aaron Calders, Ryan Morris (0-2, 1f); Conor McGann (0-2), Cameron McBrien (0-2), Paul O’Reilly (0-3); Colm McNally, Jason Flanaghan (0-5), Conor Goodwin. Subs: Ryan Boyle for Calders (half-time), Conor McDermott for Toye (half-time), Tristan Lynch for Goodwin (42)
Referee: Conor Dorneen (Cavan).
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