Connelly inspires Coláiste Chríost Rí

MUNSTER COLLEGES SF A FINAL: Coláiste Chríost Rí 1-12 PS Chorca Dhuibhne 1-7:AFTER A game that had an unfortunate beginning, Coláiste Chríost Rí ended Kerry sides' four-year domination in the Corn Uí Mhuirí with a deserved win in yesterday's final in Killarney.

Chríost Ri lost their leading midfielder Eoghan Finn, after he fielded the throw-in and was the recipient of a heavy challenge from Pádraig Ó Sé (son of Páidí) which saw the Chríost Rí player receive medical treatment on the pitch for 16 minutes, before he was taken from the pitch by ambulance to hospital for observation.

Subsequently, it emerged that Finn has a broken jaw and concussion. Referee Richard Moloney red-carded Ó Sé and Chorca Dhuibhne had to play the entire game with 14 men, which proved beyond them, despite a sterling third-quarter comeback.

Prolific full forward Luke Connelly rescued Chríost Rí when they trailed 1-6 to 1-5 10 minutes into the second half and he kicked the last seven points as his team killed off the spirited comeback.

After 31 minutes Connolly’s shot was parried by keeper Gavan Curran, but Eoin McGreevy blasted the rebound to the net as Chríost Rí led 1-4 to 0-2 at the break. However, the Dingle side, with Ryan Ó Beaglaoich lording matters at midfield, battled back.

From the throw-in, Tom Kavanagh drilled the ball to the net and points from Kavanagh, Séamus Dempsey, Dara Ó Sé and Jack O’Sullivan saw the West Kerry side move a point clear (1-6 to 1-5) by the 40th minute.

However once Connelly levelled in 43rd minute, Chríost Rí took over with wing back Stephen Cronin outstanding.

COLÁISTE CHRÍOST RÍ:J Kerins; M Lyons, K Fulignati, D O'Keeffe; E Dennehy, T Lawrence, S Cronin; S OKeeffe, E Finn; A Nolan, E McGreevy (1-1), P Fitzgerald; C Dalton, L Connolly (0-9, five frees, two 45s), J Philpott (0-2 frees). Subs:C Madden for E Finn (inj 1), I Lucey for D O'Keeffe (40 mins), G Joyce for C Madden (56).

PB CHORCA DHUIBHNE:G Ó Currain; P Ó Dubhain, C Ó Luing, P Ó Conchuir; P Ó Se, C Ó Gealbhain, A Raoill; R Ó Beaglaoich, T Ó Se; D de Brun, D Ó Se (0-1), E Ó Conchuir; S Ó Diomsaigh (0-3 two frees) , T Ó Caomhanaigh 1-2 (one free), J Ó Suilleabhain (0-1). Subs:M Ó Caomhanaigh for C Ó Gealbhain (inj 36), S Ó Grifin for D de Brun (50).

Referee:R Moloney (Limerick)