Galway, Christopher's, and Cork Advance in the Pat O'Brien Cup

Shannon Blues 0-6 Galway 2-1

The Galway Footballers Struck Late to Advance over Shannon Blues

Shannon Blues were pipped in the last minute by a dogged Galway team that looked to have little hope with time running out in the contest.  The Blues looked strong in the first half and pointed through Andy Glennon, Shane Kavanagh, and James Feeney.  Playing tight at the back, the Blues offered Galway few scoring opportunities, and those that the Tribesmen managed to work proved fruitless. 

Shannon Blues with the Number 8 Jersey in Honour of Ciaran Maher

Galway lifted their efforts in the second period and gaps began to appear in the Blues rearguard.  Jamie Kehoe fired a warning shot off the post from inside the box, and shortly afterwards Eoghan Kavanagh fielded a ball from JJ Doyle and fired home from close range.  It was the turn of Martin O'Connell to rally to the Galway cause with a diving fingertip save from Shane Kavanagh after Glennon had pointed to give the Blues a three point lead.  Simon Sinnott saved well from Kevin Cummins at the other end, but the leveler came from Danny Reddin as Galway's nimble forwards engineered openings.  A last minute free that Doyle popped over proved the winning score.  Galway advance to the quarter finals, while the Blues meet the Gaels in the back door game Wednesday night.

Christopher's 2-7 Donegal 1-5

Christopher's pulled off an eyebrow raising win in their opening game of the season.  Fielding a side that featured Gervase Toner, Ian Foley, Pat Delaney, the 3 Kenneally's, Chris Murphy, and Murt Hunt, Christopher's looked the fitter of the two teams and led from start to end.  The first half saw Toner lively at corner forward.  The Armagh native accouted for a brace of points and the lay off the Pat Delaney for the first goal.  Donegal eventually got into the game and scores came from Christy Bell, Paul Boyce, and Pauric McLaughlin.

Holding a 1-3 to 0-4 lead to get the second half going, the winners pressed home.  Delaney fed off Toner once again for the second goal while Donegal sputtered.  A late goal from Boyce proved some consolation, but Donegal's participation in the competition ended with the final whistle.

Cork 1-6 Kerry 0-3

Cork maintained their interest in the competition with a 1-6 to 0-3 "back door" win over Kerry.

An early Mike Moynihan goal set Cork on their way, and further points from the goalscorer, Lar Barden, Colm Caffrey and John Crowley (2) left them 1-5 to 0-1 ahead at the break.

Kerry enjoyed greater possession in the second half and added points through David Clifford and Ian Whelan. However, another point from Barden helped ease the Rebels to a six-point success.

Pat O'Brien Cup Schedule

Wednesday April 24

5:30 Shannon Blues v Connemara Gaels

Sunday April 28 - Quarter Finals*

2:00 Cork v Wolfe Tones

3:00 Galway v Winners of Shannon Blues/Connemara Gaels

*Christopher's and Aidan McAnespies get bye to semi-finals