Ardscoil Ris hold on to open Harty Cup campaign with a win

IT WAS a nervy finish but Ardscoil Ris got their Dr Harty Cup campaign off to a winning start, defeating Cork’s Gaelcholaiste Mhuire 0-22 to 1-16 in Castlelyons on Friday.

With a number of players from the successful Limerick All-Ireland minor winning team, Niall Moran's side had to defend a last-gasp dangerous ball despite leading for the majority of the game.

Shane Waters, Xavier Neligan, Gavin O’Brien and Eamon O’Sullivan from that minor team were to the fore, with county U20 man Alex Kearns also showing great leadership throughout the hour.

It was a physical and, at times, bad-tempered game with the Limerick school seemingly in control mid way through the second half.

When the impressive Callum Ó Coffaigh struck a goal for North Mon it set up a grandstand finish.

Deep into injury time with three points in it, North Mon goalkeeper Gabhán Ó Ceallacháin sent a free dropping around the 13-metre line. But the Ardscoil defence stood strong to ensure they took the points.

The opening exchanges were nervy and even. The sides were level at 0-2 apiece then 0-4 each in a stop-start first quarter. There was a long stoppage in this time with a pushing-and-shoving match taking nearly three minutes to fade out before the real action could resume.

When the ball got back in play, Ardscoil seized the initiative.

Gavin O’Brien and Eamon O’Sullivan combined for five from play in a first half where the Limerick school took a 0-13 to 0-6 lead into the break. A long range Callum Butler score another highlight for Niall Moran's young men.

For North Mon, Callum Ó Cofaigh scored five out their opening half tally.

Shane Waters was the main scorer after the break. Two frees right in front of a stand packed with Cork students that sailed over the bar particularly impressive from the Limerick minor captain.

From 0-16 to 0-9 up, the Limerick school looked like they would push on.

However, inspired by Glen Rovers defensive duo, Roibeard Ó Buachalla and Conchúir Ó Cuinneagáin, North Mon tightened things at the back and had Nathan and Callum Ó Cofaigh scoring at the other end.

Callum's goal ensured a nervy finish but Ardscoil answered the difficult questions asked of them to see themselves over the line.

The Limerick side take on another Cork opponent, Midleton CBS in round 2. The Rebel County school lost to defending champions Nenagh CBS in their opening game.

SCORERS - ARDSCOIL RIS: Shane Waters 0-8 (5f, 1 ‘65); Eamon O’Sullivan and Alex Kearns 0-3 each; David Moran and Gavin O’Brien 0-2 each; Callum Butler, Eoin Hennessy and Ian O'Brien 0-1 each; GAELCHOLAISTE MHUIRE: Callum Ó Cofaigh 1-9 (6f); Gabhán Ó Ceallacháin 0-2 (1f, 1 ‘65); Jack Ó Cathaláin, Conchúr Ó Cuinneagáin, Micheal Mac An Ghaill, Nathan Ó Cofaigh and Darragh de Barra 0-1 each.

ARDSCOIL RIS: Sam Collins (Crecora-Manister); James Canty (Adare), William Ryan (Murroe-Boher), Evan Ryan (South Liberties); Callum Butler (Patrickswell), Eoin Hennessy (Patrickswell), Rowan Collins (Adare); Tom Slattery (Clarecastle), Xavier Neligan (Kilmallock); Alex Kearns (Na Piarsaigh), Shane Waters, (Na Piarsaigh), Ian O'Brien (Cratloe); Eamon O’Sullivan (Adare), Gavin O’Brien (Kilmallock), David Moran (Ahane); Subs: Billy Gavin (Ballybrown) for Slattery (52 mins); John Ross O'Reilly (Ballybrown) for Kearns (55 mins); Cian Hickey (Crecora-Manister) for Canty (60 mins).

GAELCHOLAISTE MHUIRE: Gabhán Ó Ceallacháin; Evan Swan Kent, Stiofan Ó Laocha, Roibeard Ó Buachalla; Conchúr Ó Cuinneagáin, Ruairí Ó Caoineláin, Micheal Mac An Ghaill; Séamus Ó Meachair, Riain Ó Criodheáin, Séan De Búrca; Darragh Ó Cathasaigh, Callum Ó Cofaigh, Jack Ó Cathaláin; Subs: Tomás Ó Murchú for Ó Cathaláin (45 mins); Seamus Ó Muirí for Ó Cathasaigh (50 mins); Jamie Ó Donnabháin for Ó Criodheáin (55 mins).

Referee: Cathal MacAlister (Cork).