Finely balanced: Lismore's Chris O'Gorman controls the sliotar against De La Salle's Darren Russell. | Photos: Sean Byrne
De La Salle 1-15 Lismore 1-14
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A point from James Quirke one minute into stoppage time secured De La Salle a first Sargent Cup in two decades, as they overcame the challenge of Lismore at Cappoquin on Sunday evening last.
While the game lacked the ferocity of a championship clash it was keenly contested nonetheless and with the inter-county players not playing, it gave an opportunity to a number of those who are on the verge of the senior teams the opportunity to get some much needed game time under their belts.
After an even first half, Lismore went in at the break leading 0-9 to 0-8, with former Waterford player Dave Bennett their scorer in chief, hitting seven points, and three from play, in the opening period. De La Salle’s scores were spread between James Quirke, David Greene, John Keane and Jake Dillon.
There could be no disputing that De La Salle were the better team after the change of ends. A goal midway through the half from the stick of Dillon (set up by a crossfield delivery from Greene) gave the city men a three-point lead and it looked like they were going to coast to victory.
However, Lismore refused to let them pull away and matched their opponents almost score for score over much of the next 15 minutes. With time ticking down and De La Salle still in front, referee Tommy Sullivan awarded Lismore a free at what seemed a relatively safe distance from goal, but following some dissent it was moved forward to a much more favourable position for Lismore.
Dave Bennett stepped up to take the free and unleashed a ferocious shot to the back of the De La Salle net to level the scores.
See The Munster Express newspaper for full match report.
