Spirited performance from St. John’s in Abbott Cup

Spirited performance from St. John’s in Abbott Cup

Abbott Cup: St. Johns 0-8 St Mary’s 3-9

St. John’s had the brighter opening in this Abbott Cup tie against near neighbours St. Mary’s in sunny Stenson Park today.   St. John’s were on top at midfield with Killian Sweeney & Mark Rooney stamping their authority in the middle of the park.  Upfront Brian Harris & Ian Rossitor threatened at almost every opportunity while in defence Paul McDonnell & Paul McLean snuffed out a dangerous and ever threatening St. Mary’s forward line.   

 In what was the best 30 minutes of play seen from the seniors this season the team tore into an St. Mary’s team that appeared shell shocked from the onslaught from St. John’s in the opening half.   St. John’s were full value for their 0-6 to 0-1 interval lead.

Early in the second half and playing into a stiff breeze St. John’s were dealt with a double hammer blow the first when Killian Sweeney who was having an exceptional at midfield was sent off.  With the extra man St. Mary’s opened up the play and gradually reduced the lead.   St. Mary’s used the extra man smartly in defence thus starving the St. John’s forwards of any worthwhile possession.

St. John’s suffered the second hammer blow soon after when Paul McLean was forced off with an injury. St. Mary’s rallied and quickly struck for two decisive goals to finally break the spirited resistance by St. John’s.   Best for St. John’s were Paul McDonnell, Fiachra Grennan & Ian Rossitor.

(Report with thanks to John Reilly)

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