Pat's best in shortened tie
ST. PATRICK'S reached the semi-final with a comfortable twelve-point victory over a weak St. Mary's side in this Jack O'Leary Intermediate football 'B' championship game at Ferns on Thursday last.
St. Mary's were never in touch in this game as St. Patrick's dominated from the outset, so much so that their interval lead could have been far greater, with their misses including three glaring goal opportunities.
Given the dreadful conditions and late start coupled with St. Patrick's total control, it came as no real surprise when referee John Carton played just 24 minutes in the second-half, as there was always only going to be one result.
Just five minutes into the game, Gary Curley shot the opening goal. They led by 1-2 to nil at the end of the opening quarter, with St. Mary's eventually opening their account with a Paul Hillis pointed free on 21 minutes.
One minute before the break, Curley had his second goal which left his side leading by 2-5 to 0-1 at the interval.
St. Mary's opened the second-half with points from Tommy Furlong and a Paul Hillis free, but the St. Pat's dominance continued, with Curley completing his hat-trick on 42 minutes, leaving no way back for a very poor Wexford town outfit.
Naomh Éanna were due to play St. Martin's in the same competition on Friday last but received a walkover from the Wexford District team who were demoted from Senior ranks at the end of last season.
With no relegation from the Intermediate championships this year, it means that there is even less interest than usual in the 'B' grades and this was reflected in the fare on offer in Ferns on Thursday last as both teams simply went through the motions of fulfilling a fixture.
It's a sharp contrast to the Senior ranks where the teams in the 'B' ranks are currently fighting for their lives.
- BRENDAN FURLONG in Ferns
