Tiarnan O’Kane’s goal on the hour powered St Columb’s College into the semi-finals of the Danske Bank Markey Cup.
Loreto Community School, Milford 0-5 St Columb’s College 1-10
By Charlie Collins at Hibernian Park
O’Kane’s goal and seven points from Fergal Mortimer meant that St Columb’s were too strong for Loreto Community School.
The goal arrived when a superb team move was driven home by O’Kane, whose powerful strike was too hot for Ryan Graham.
The first-half was characterised by a series of unpleasant incidents, which went unopposed by referee Paul Quigley, who didn’t appear in control of the tie.
However, five minutes from half-time, Loreto’s Ross Cullen saw red for striking out at an opponent.
By that stage, St Columb’s were 0-6 to 0-2 in front, with the only Loreto points in the opening period coming via a Johnny McGroddy brace.
Fergal Mortimer, at the other end, landed all six of the St Columb’s scores.
Loreto might have had a goal in the ninth minute, but Matthew Stephenson, the St Columb’s goalkeeper, saved superbly from Conor Black.
Three points in quick succession soon had St Columb’s in front by four.
Jude Óg Moore and James Lynch put St Columb’s six in front.
There were goal chances at either end, with Loreto’s Ronan Gallagher having a shot blocked by Shane McElhinney and Graham did well to deny O’Kane.
Soon, however, O’Kane wouldn’t be thwarted and St Columb’s were on their way.
Loreto Community School, Milford: Ryan Graham; Dylan Dorrian, Bobby McGettigan, Padraig McGinty; Conor Coll, Caolan Gallagher, Ross Cullen; Rory O’Donnell, Ethan Cullen; Conor Black, Johnny McGroddy, Aaron Reid; Kyle McFadden, Steve McDaid, Ciaran Moore (0-1). Subs: Ronan Gallagher for Reid (34), Stephen Black for McGettigan (36), Adam McElwaine for McFadden (60), Mark McBride for Black (64).
St Columb’s, Derry: Matthew Stephenson; Padraig Nelis, Conor McLaughlin, Michael Lynch; Tiarnan O’Kane (1-0), Shane McElhinney, Eoghan Cassidy; Cormac Mooney, Jason McAleer; Shea Brown, Fergal Mortimer (0-7, 3f), James Lynch (0-2); Cahir McMonagle, Jude Óg Moore (0-1), Ryan Brown. Subs: Caoimhin O’Connor for Mooney (black card), Jack McLaughlin for Cassidy (32), Ciaran Concannon for McMonagle (59), Niall Biggs for Brown (60).
Referee: Paul Quigley (Derry)
