ST PATRICK'S ............................................................... 2-12

IRVINESTOWN ............................................................... 0-7

Judging by this 11 point reversal, promoted Irvinestown would seem to be facing another arduous struggle in their attempts to survive for more than a season in the first division. They were always chasing the game at the Donagh ground where the home side were considerably more forceful in all that they did and a two goal flurry in the middle stages of the second half killed off whatever lingering hopes Irvinestown might have entertained.

The losing side were, however, a little hard done by to be beaten by such an extensive margin. They had little luck up front, a number of scoring attempts coming back off the woodwork but overall it was a decisive enough defeat handed out to them.

The St Patrick's goal burst knocked all hope from the Irvinestown cause and the game fizzled out to a tame finish.

A somewhat more competitive affair in the first half, only three points separating the sides at the interval in what was a low scoring tussle. Irvinestown had a three points tally, scores coming from Gary Maguire and Conor McGuigan, Maguire's shot unhappily rising a shade too quickly as it scorched over the St Patrick's crossbar.

St Patrick's had a six points tally, Pat Cadden contributing three of these from placed kicks, other scores coming from Gary and Eamon Maguire.

Still, a reasonably even game as the third quarter got under way but around the three-quarter mark it all changed dramatically as St Patrick's thundered their way in for two rapid fire goals.

Paul Cosgrove drove his way in from the middle of the park, was involved in a couple of one-two's and duly slammed home his shot. Irvinestown were then sent packing with a second St Patrick's goal a few minutes later, Eamon Maguire clipping in a nicely judged lob expertly.

Second-half scores for Irvinestown had come from Shane Goan, who had worked exceptionally hard throughout with Conor McGuigan also shooting an excellent score and with Manus O'Kane also showing well, Irvinestown had been there or thereabouts until the bodyblow of the two goal burst.

For St Patrick's, Ronan McCaffery was sound in defence and Pat Cadden was lively up front and Paul Cosgrove was an effective presence in the middle of the park.

Referee: Martin McBrien, Derrylin.