Coláiste Iognáid prove too strong

Athenry VS 5 Coláiste Iognáid 30:DESPITE A battling display from first-time semi-finalists Athenry Vocational School, Coláiste Iognáid booked their place in another Connacht Senior Schools' final with a comprehensive victory at a wet Castle Grounds in Monivea yesterday.

Favourites Coláiste Iognáid built a fully deserved 13-0 lead in the opening quarter, yet they struggled to maintain that pace for long periods despite running in four tries.

Athenry acquitted themselves well, especially after a strong start from the visitors.

Robert Butler kicked two penalties before the Jes scored their first try when number eight Conor Murphy crashed over after strong forward play and a quick pass from the base from Paul Power.

Butler’s touchline conversion added to the score and seemed to indicate an easy afternoon ahead.

But Athenry fought back before the break with Colm Mannion bursting through a gap from a quick tap penalty.

Athenry, led by James Connolly at eight and outhalf Caolin Blade, caused the Jes some problems with their high-tempo game, but an early second-half score settled the visitors.

Outside centre Fiachra Bourne stretched the lead to 18-5 six minutes into the second half.

In the closing minutes tries from Bryan Dixon and replacement Robert Browne ensured the Jes advanced to this year’s final, where they will meet the winners of Marist College versus holders Sligo Grammar.

ATHENRY VOCATIONAL SCHOOL: P Flaherty; M Hession, K Divilly, C Lane, C Mannion; C Blade, G Kennedy; D Keary, D Fahy, M Burke; C Dolan, J Joyce; B Keane, D Maher, J Connolly. Replacements: D Hurney for Kennedy (26 mins); C Morrissey for Joyce (51 mins); P Cooley for Burke (68 mins). Yellow card: Caolin Blade (62 mins).

COLÁISTE IOGNÁID: N Murphy; R Butler, F Bourne, B Dixon, S Knight; D Cunnane, P Power; D Wilkinson, R Murray, S Fallon, J Healy, J O'Donnell, M Burke, J Kennedy, C Murphy. Replacements: R Browne for N Murphy (55 mins), G Hanley for Fallon, S Fahey for Knight (both 65 mins), C Davey for Kennedy, D Byrne for Wilkinson (both 67 mins).

Referee: Dave Connolly(CBIRFU).