Two first-half goals paved the way to victory for Wexford champions St Anne's in a closely contested encounter at St Loman's, Mullingar yesterday. Thanks to a Gary Briody goal, Westmeath champions Lough Lene Gaels were still within striking range at half-time (2-5 to 1-2), Richie Doyle and David O'Connor having scored the goals for St Anne's. Defences dominated the third quarter, but St Anne's still managed to move into a 2-8 to 1-5 lead.
Lough Lene Gaels put in a strong finish with points from Gary Briody and Paul Williams (2). But despite being under pressure, they did not concede the goal that would have given Lough Lene the platform to pull off a famous victory. St Anne's now meet Dublin champions UCD in the semi-finals.
ST ANNE'S: P Parel; G Barry, Donal Berry, C White; P French, D Ryan, K Byrne; J Simpson, R Stafford; R Barry (0-5, frees), G Berry, R Doyle (1-2); F Simpson, Diarmuid Berry, D O'Connor (1-2). Subs: N Ryan for F Simpson, R O'Connor for Donal Berry.
LOUGH LENE GAELS: M Briody; M Williams, M Murtagh, M Kennedy; B Williams, C Murtagh, C Williams; M Shaw, P Williams (0-3); D Carthy, J Gavigan (0-1), J Williams; G Briody (1-1), G Kennedy (0-2, frees), D Cunningham.
Referee: J Guinan (Kilkenny).
