St Joseph's prove too strong

A stronger St Joseph's DoorBarefield, inspired by centre back Sean McMahon, adapted much better to heavy underfoot conditions at Dungarvan yesterday.

On a pitch that cut up badly after the opening exchanges, the Clare champions dominated in most sectors.

At the end of a low-scoring opening 30 minutes it was St Joseph's who led by 0-6 to 0-3 after they had led from the opening minute when Jamesie O'Connor, who was quieter than normal, pointed a free.

O'Connor was not his dominant self because of the excellent play of Mount Sion's man of the match, half back Brian Green. The Waterford champions had a great goal scoring opportunity midway through the opening half at a stage when they trailed by 0-3 to 0-1.

Mount Sion substitute Gary Gater pointed 60 seconds after the restart and it looked as if a titanic second-half battle was about to unfold. It was not to be, however, as the only goal of the game came five minutes later when St Joseph's full forward O'Neill rattled the net after the Sion defence failed to clear their lines.

Three unanswered points for the Clare champions in a five-minute spell midway through the half from Sean McMahon (three) Andrew Whelan and very impressive half forward Lorcan Hassett saw their side safely through to a final meeting with Toomevara next month.

St Joseph's: C O'Connor; G Hoey, D Cahill, K Kennedy; D O'Driscoll, S McMahon (0-2), D Hoey; O Baker (0-1), J Considine; J O'Connor (0-4), N Brodie, L Hassett (0-3); G Baker, C O'Neill (1-0), A Whelan (0-3). Sub: C Mullen for Greg Baker.

Mount Sion: P FLynn; S Twomey, G Harris, B Flannery; J O'Meara, T Browne, B Green; B McGrath, P Hammond (0-1); E McGrath (0- 1), K McGrath (0-2), M White (0-2); J Meaney, A Kirwan, B Brown. Subs: G Gater (0-1) for E McGrath, P Fanning for Kirwan, T Brown for Hammond.

Referee: John McDonnell (Tipperary).