Two late points from St Finbarrs settle this tight and keenly contested McSwiney Cup first round tie played in Togher. Both sides should be complemented for serving up a very good game given the poor weather condition. White’s Cross started the brighter with Conor Buckley opening the scoring with a fine point from play. The Barrs settled into the game and got the next two scores of the game with two well taken points. Two goals in quick succession from Conor Buckley and Dylan Burke turned the game in White’s Cross favour and having been outplayed for much of the half, now found themselves six points ahead on a scoreline of 2-03 to 0-03. St Finbarrs did manage to reduce the deficit by scoring the last three points of the half.

The second half was nip and tuck all the way through. Full forward David Scannel got the crucial goal of that half to bring the Barrs level. Scores were at a premium throughout the half as a strong defending and some handling errors due to the wet conditions meant that both defences were able to turn over possession on several occasions. Both sides both missed goal chances to win the game, the Barrs full back saved a Fergal Reid effort off the line with the keeper beaten while immediately after Glenn Arrigan pulled off a fine save at the other end of the field. With the sides level at 1-09 to 2-06, the game looked set to go to extra time. However, the aforementioned two late scores ensured that the Barrs will progress to the next round.

White’s Cross Team:

Glenn Arrigan. Robert McElhinney, Seán O Gorman, Fiachra O’Connell, Cormac Manning, Brian O’Sullivan, Donncha Murnan (0-02 – both frees), Murt Kelleher, Kevin Buckley, Max Philpott, Conor Buckley (1-03 – 02 frees), Dylan Burke, Sean Murnane, Killian Ryan, Fergal Reid. Subs: Michael Osborne for Murt Kelleher, Billy O’Hara (0-01) for Sean Murnane, Richie Sherlock for Max Philpott