Danske Bank MacRory Cup quarter-final
St Joseph’s, Donaghmore 5-12 Abbey CBS 1-6
AN historic Danske Bank MacRory Cup campaign for St Joseph’s, Donaghmore continued at Father Campbell Park in Coalisland last night as they eased into the last four at the expense of Abeey CBS after an outstanding display of attacking football.
It was a contest that the winners were always in control of as they set up a semi-final meeting with either St Patrick’s, Dungannon or Patrician High, Carrickmacross.
The damage was done in a 20-minute blitz in the first half as they simply tore their opponents apart, finding the net four times as they established a commanding 4-7 to 0-3 interval advantage.
St Joseph’s got off to a dream start when Joey Clarke fed Darragh Donaghy, who finished in style to the net after only 45 seconds.
Conall McGeough responded with a brace of points for Abbey but they were to score just once more in the half as the Tyrone school dominated.
Points from Noah Grimes, Donnacha O’Neill, Eoghan O ‘Neill, Joseph Corrigan and Donaghy extended the winners’ advantage, with Abbey’s sole response coming from Aaron Maginess.
The second quarter was all Donaghmore with Mattie McNally blasting to the net before a superb finish from defender Clarke.
Abbey CBS were reeling and great approach play from Grimes saw him tee up Donnacha O’Neill for a late fisted major before Leo Hughes rounded off the scoring with a point.
The winners picked up were they had left off on the restart when wing half-back Jamie McCarthy cut through to finish goal number five.
Finn Donnelly forced home an Abbey CBS goal but it was only a consolation score as Donaghmore continued to dominate.
Corrigan converted a trio of points with Jude McNally completing the scoring after a very impressive display that included stand-out performances in defence from James Rafferty and Clarke.