South West suffer defeat in final MacRory group game to St Michael's, Enniskillen

South West College were confirmed to fourth place in their group of the MacRory Cup after a five point defeat to St Michael’s, Enniskillen in Tempo on Thursday night.

Defeats to Castleblayney and fellow Donegal side Abbey Vocational School left them without a point going into the game.

And while they suffered an early setback with a Tomas Cathcart goal, they responded well through a Joey Coll goal and superb two pointer from Leon Gallagher McDyer.

But the Fermanagh side led by six at the break, a two pointer from Callum MacInnes and three more scores from Cathcart helping them to that lead.

Goalkeeper Ronan O’Donnell’s two point free and scores from Rian Ó Gallachóir and Danny McCready gave them hope as they cut the deficit to four, but they couldn't narrow the gap further as Cathcart got a final point as they face a group topping St Pats, Dungannon side in the knockouts next week.

In the early stages, St Michael’s showed intent but had three wides, while both opening scores saw the green flag raised.

The first came for the hosts, a ball in from Rian Kennedy was caught by Cathcart, who had his first shot saved, but he made no mistake with the second attempt.

But less than 30 seconds later, the game was levelled as South West broke quickly and a long ball towards Joey Coll saw the midfielder strike first time from off the ground and find the bottom corner.

St Michael’s responded with a good effort out on the right from Cathcart, quickly followed by a score from captain Michael Duffy.

South West again hit back with the score of the game, Leon Gallagher McDyer’s super two pointer with the outside of the boot, but that would be their last score of the half on 17 minutes.

The hosts hit back with a two pointer of their own through Callum MacInnes, while Cathcart added another two scores, the second from a free.

Another from MacIness and one from Dan O’Connor ended the scoring for the half, but St Michael’s had another couple of chances at goal, Cathcart’s effort was well blocked as the ‘45 from Daire Maguire went wide. 

But in added time, they got another good chance, a floated ball in was fielded by Oisin Donohue, and as he shaped to shoot, he was fouled for a penalty. 

O’Connor stepped up and fired low to the left, but O’Donnell made a brilliant save to leave it at 1-8 to 1-2 at the break. 

Ronan Prunty got things going in what was a slow start to the second half, but Rían Ó Gallachóir responded with a good score.

Danny McCready and Rian Kennedy traded scores as St Michael’s went into double digits for wides, and South West closed the gap to four with a two point free from Ronan O’Donnell.

He then fired another just wide as they looked to halve the gap with five to play, but the final score came through a Cathcart fisted effort, as he also tried to find the net from a close range free, but O’Donnell did well to punch clear.

South West: Joey Coll 1-0; Leon Gallagher McDyer 0-2,tp; Ronan O’Donnell 0-2,tpf; Rian Ó Gallachóir and Danny McCready 0-1 each.

St Michael’s scorers: Tomas Cathcart 1-4,1f; Callum MacInnes 0-3,1tp; Michael Duffy, Dan O’Connor, Ronan Prunty and Rian Kennedy 0-1 each. 

St Michael’s Enniskillen: Daire Maguire; Niall Flynn, Callum St Ledger, Emmett McGurn; Ben Palmer,  Michael Duffy, Rian Kennedy; Conal Crudden, Oisin Donohue; Oisin Morris, Callum MacInnes, Ronan Prunty; Thomas Cathcart,  Conor Simmons, Dan O’Connor. 

Subs: Daithi Mohan for Simmons (45).

South West College: Ronan O’Donnell; Daithi Molloy, Enda Gallagher, Jamie Gallagher; Daniel Byrne, Lewis Cunnea, Leon Gallagher McDyer; Cathal Mac Aoidh, Joey Coll;  Stephen McDevitt, Chris O’Donnell, Daniel Breslin; John Paul Ó Gallachóir, Ryan Gallagher, Danny McCready. 

Subs: Alan Ó Dochartaigh for Coll (10), Conor Farrell and Seamus Boyce for J Ó Gallachóir and A Ó Dochartaigh (ht), Logan Melly for JP Ó Gallachóir (38), Jamie Byrne for D Byrne (50)

Referee: Mark Loughran (Tyrone).