Donaghy spares Kerry's blushes

McGRATH CUP SF ROUND-UP:TWO LATE goals by Kieran Donaghy helped Kerry record a hard-earned 2-12 to 3-5 victory over Waterford at Fitzgerald Stadium yesterday.

The teams were level at 1-3 to 0-6 at the interval and early second half goals from Liom Ó Lionáin and Michael Donnelly (a penalty) inspired thoughts of an upset as Waterford led by 3-4 to 0-11 with five minutes remaining.

Barry Grogan kicked seven points as Tipperary advanced to the semi-finals by defeating Limerick Institute of Technology 2-13 to 2-6 at Morris Park, Thurles.

Tipp’s Pádraig O’Dwyer netted after a fine move in the 21st minute and at the break, they enjoyed a slender 1-5 to 2-1 advantage as goals from Ger Collins and Conor Daly kept LIT in touch.

With Grogan razor-sharp from frees Tipp established a 1-13 to 2-4 lead with five minutes to play before Donie Lynch’s goal put the icing on the cake.

A deflected goal from a shot by Cork star Paul Kerrigan was the turning point as Cork IT beat Limerick 2-8 to 0-11 at Foynes.

The Cork side led by 1-4 to 0-5 at the interval, with Kerry star Barry John Walsh scoring their goal direct from a 40 metres free.

Limerick scored five points without reply between the 46th and 55th minutes to lead by 0-11 to 1-6. But CIT’s second goal was a killer blow for Limerick as Kerrigan’s shot took a deflection off Stephen Lavin en route to the net.

UCC deservedly took the honours at Cooraclare with a 0-12 to 0-9 victory over Clare. Clare led 0-4 to 0-0 by the ninth minute but UCC hit back to lead 0-6 to 0-4 at the interval.

Clare drew level with points by David Tubridy and Laurence Healy and the sides were level at 0-8 points apiece at the end of the third quarter. But points from Paul Honohan, David Goold, David O’Callaghan and Seán Kiely sealed UCC’s win.