O'TOOLES, the Dublin hurling champions, buried the ambitions of Carlow's Naomh Brid under an avalanche of first half scores in this Leinster club hurling tie at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, yesterday.
The main destroyer for the Dublin side was midfielder Jamesie `Shiner' Brennan. The former Kilkenny, and current Dublin senior player, had an outstanding first half at midfield and proved deadly accurate all through, which was well reflected in his personal tally of 0-11.
Brennan, and his former Kilkenny colleague Eamonn Morrissey, carried the greatest threat to Naomh Brid, well supported by Sean Kearns, Joey Morris and Mick Dunne.
Two first half goals from Paul Donoghue and one from Kevin Flynn saw the visitors storm into a 3-10 to 0-3 interval lead. It was only damage limitation for Naomh Brid in the second half, but they did have the consolation of an Andy Dowling goal.
While Johnny Nevin and Brian Lalor provided inspiration for the home side, the greater assurance, teamwork and finishing of O'Toole's gave them a clearcut victory and a place in the next round against Seir Kieran of Offaly.
