Birr 2-9 St Rynagh's 1-5:A REASONABLY efficient first half performance proved sufficient for Birr to see off the challenge of a disappointing St Rynagh's in the first of the county semi-finals in Tullamore yesterday.

Birr were clearly the better team in the first half and their 2-7 to 1-2 half-time lead – courtesy of goals by Seán Ryan and Bryan Lonergan – gave them the cushion they needed to secure their final berth against Coolderry.

BIRR: B Mullins; JP O’Meara, P Cleary, M Verney; B Watkins, B Harding, N Rogers; R Hanniffy (0-1), P Molloy; T Bolger (0-2, one free), D Hayden (0-2), G Hanniffy (0-1); B Murphy (0-1), B Lonergan (1-0), S Ryan (1-2). Subs: B Whelahan for Hanniffy (44 mins), B Nolan for Lonergan (48 mins).

ST RYNAGH’S: C Clancy; D Shortt, C Hernon, P Camon; S Wynne, C Horan, S Óg Lyons; G Kelly (0-2, 0-1 65, 0-1 free), J Sullivan; G Healy (0-1), C Flannery, G Scales (1-2); N Wynne, D Tanner, G Conneely. Subs: J O’Connor for N Wynne (34 mins), P Quirke for Sullivan (42 mins), D Maloney for Tanner (49 mins), M Lyons for Healy (52 mins).