Dublin surprise fancied Birr

Dublin Colleges caused a surprise at Portlaoise yesterday when they defeated the more fancied Birr side in a high scoring contest.

Birr, playing with the advantage of a strong breeze, led at half time by nine points, thanks to two goals from full forward Shane Browne.

A goal by Greg Bennett after 42 minutes sparked a Dublin revival and when full forward Ciaran Regan added a second and a point with 10 minutes remaining, only three points separated the sides.

Dublin piled on the pressure and with a succession of points by Shane O'Neill, David Callaghan and Regan led by three points with five minutes remaining.

However, Birr hit back and two goals by Andrew Hall restored their lead. Then deep in injury time a great goal by O'Neill levelled the contest again.

In extra time Birr had first advantage of the breeze but could only add two points. Dublin's Stephen Fee shot a goal and a point from Bennet put Dublin ahead 4-13 to 4-11 at the extra time break.

Dublin were dealt a blow when they were reduced to 14 men but in the final quarter two goals by O'Callaghan and two points from substitute Conal Rabbitte gave them a surprise win.

Dublin: K Hannafin, N O'Driscoll, L O'Heneghan, D Holden, C Casserly, I Franzoni (0-1), P Sommers, C Keaney, G Bennet (1-4), S O'Neill (1-2), S Fee (1-1), R Meade (0-1), G Dunne, C Regan (1-1), D Callaghan (2-2). Subs: T Bennett (0-1) for G Dunne; C Rabbitte (0-2) for B Meade; D O'Reilly for Casserly; T Hennessey (0-1) for Sommers.

Birr: S O'Connor, B O'Meara, S Hoctor, K O'Meara, E Scully, R Hannify, O Carroll, A McRedmond, M Corcoran (0-1), J Larkin, A Hall (2-1), P Molloy (0-6), M Dwane, S Browne (2-2), M McRedmond. Sub: D Heyden (0-1) for A McRedmond.

Referee: P Delaney (Laois).