Conran still a winner

Slow-starting Rathnure kept the Wexford cause alive in Leinster with a workmanlike win over Craobh Chiarain of Dublin at Enniscorthy yesterday.

The Rathnure defence, built around the commanding presence of 41-year-old former All Star John Conran at full back, were the key factor in this win.

Craobh Chiarain started well, but Rathnure took control late in the first half and led 1-5 to 0-3 at halftime. Their goal came on 27 minutes when Colm Byrne fired a ground shot past Craobh Chiarain goalkeeper Ger Ryan after Joe Mooney's sideline cut was delivered to the edge of the square. Connie Ring's expertise with the placed ball kept Craobh Chiarain in the game after the break. And, with 50 minutes played and five points still between the sides, the Dubliners were given an opportunity to haul themselves back into serious contention.

Full forward Kevin O'Donoghue was levelled by Rathnure goalkeeper Jim Morrissey and referee Pat Horan awarded the penalty. Morrissey's opposite number, Ger Ryan, trotted the length of the pitch; but set his sights too high, garnering a point rather than the much-needed goal. Thus reminded of their mortality, Rathnure proceeded to compile a solid finish, with their freetaker Paul Codd, who had missed chances in the first half, splitting the posts three times and Larry Somers pointing from an Austin Codd pass.

Rathnure: J Morrissey; S Somers, J Conran, D Guiney; M Redmond, J Mooney, L Somers (0- 1); R Guiney, M O'Leary (0-2); A Codd (0-1), M Byrne (0-2), P Codd (0-5); M Morrissey, C Byrne (1-1), B O'Leary. Subs: R Codd for B O'Leary; J Holohan for M Morrissey.

Craobh Chiarain: G Ryan (0-1); S Keely, A O'Toole, C McGuirk; S McDonald, D Finn, S Carlton; C Ring (0-5), D Shanley; J McGuirk, K Hetherton (0-1), D Wyse; G Ennis, K O'Donoghue, R Farrelly. Subs: A McCord for Shaley; S Philips for Wyse, M Ryan for O'Donoghue.

Referee: P Horan (Offaly).