WOLFE TONES of Shannon caused a surprise on their home ground yesterday when they overcame favourites Patrickswell in the semi-final of the Munster club SH championship. This was a fully merited win for the Clarechampions who led from the start and dominated in most departments.
The winners, however, must have been a little worried at half-time when they were only four points clear having played with the assistance of a fresh breeze. However, in the second half they raised their game considerably and Pafrickswell never looked like getting through for the goal they so badly needed.
The game's only goal, scored by Ciaran O'Neill, was scored 19 minutes into the opening half. Patrickswell goalkeeper Natal O'Grady must take some of the blame, however, as he allowed the sliotar to slip through his hand to the net. Wolfe Tones went on to establish a 1-6 to 0-5 half-time lead.
Patrickswell managed to cut that lead to two points entering the last 10 minutes, but Wolfe Tones dug deep, defended vigorously and finished with two superb points from Paul O'Rourke to seal a place in the final for the first time in the club's history.
Outstanding for the winners were the Lohan brothers, Brian and Frank, the O'Rourke brothers, Pat and Paul, Finbarr Carrigg, Ciaran O'Neill and Martin Hnitigan.
