Munster Boys Senior Final, Cahir Park, Tipperary
CBS Sexton Street, Limerick 4 - 0 St. Paul’s Community College, Waterford
A four goal blitz in the first half of this Munster senior schools soccer cup final secured a historic four-in-a row for Limerick CBS.
The Sexton Street Secondary School now advance to meet the Connacht champions next week as they bid to defend their All-Ireland crown.
In the splendid surrounds of Cahir Park in South Tipperary, the Limerick goal scoring heroes were Kevin Barry, Jamie Richardson, Captain Shane Clarke and Craig McMarlow.
In truth after the opening goal on seven minutes, Limerick CBS were rarely troubled. Solid at the back, industrious in midfield and razor sharp up front, the men in maroon were dominant against a Waterford side that were never allowed to settle.
That was of course, until CBS took the foot off the pedal in the second 45 minutes.
By half time the silverware was secure.
It was St Paul’s that needed the good start, but all the early pressure came from Mike Molyneaux’s men.
A series of early free-kicks was the result.
One splendid delivery from Eoin Hanrahan from the left beat all in the box, except Kevin Barry, who was unmarked towards the back post and stooped low to head to the net from close range.
Just 12 minutes later came the second goal. Clarke shot from the left of the box and while his effort lacked power, the Waterford keeper spilled the save and Jamie Richardson came in from his right wing for the easiest of finishes.
Centre half Richard Mullins nearly made it three with a powerful header from a corner, but then CBS keeper Brian Collopy had to be swift off his line to save from Shane Corcoran.
Alas aside from two long range shots from Shane Nolan, brother of Blackburn’s Eddie, the CBS rearguard was comfortable.
Thirteen minutes from the break, the final was all but decided. Clarke sent a curling free kick around the wall, but the keeper appeared well positioned only to allow the ball through his hands and into the net for the third CBS goal.
With confidence soaring, Clarke and Barry both fired in further shots, but both whizzed by the post.
The in the final minute of the half came the game’s best goal.
CBS keeper Collopy gathered under pressure in the box and then delivered a huge kick up-field. Craig McMarlow raced infield from his left wing and allowed the ball to drop over his right shoulder and then without breaking his stride, he caught his half volley sweetly and sent it crashed to the far corner of the net.
Four-nil at half time, the CBS management could not have asked for more.
Alas, the goals ended there, but the CBS celebrations were never in doubt.
Limerick CBS: Collopy; Allen (Griffin, 75), B Mullins, R Mullins, Collins; Richardson, Hughes, Hanrahan (Robinson, 64), Clarke, Capt (Kelly, 81), Barry, McMarlow.
St. Paul’s: Brosnan; Phelan, Gallibert, O’Neill, Phelan; Forsey (Hayes, 45), Power, Nolan, Crowley, Rochford, Corcoran.
Report: Jerome O’Connell, Limerick Leader