A GLORIOUS first half hat trick from Martin Reilly gave St Patrick's Athletic nine minutes of hope before a late equaliser by Cork City's Colin O'Brien at Turner's Cross and an injury time consolation goal by Brendan Place finally scuppered any lingering InterToto Cup ambitions.
Reilly's treble brought his tally for the season to 15. He began his scoring spree on 13 minutes following a sweeping move down the St Patrick's left. Paul Osam crossed for Ricky O'Flaherty to calmly pick out Reilly who turned and showed great composure before shooting past Robbie Forde.
He then scored two goals inside a minute just before half time. The first on 42 minutes saw him head home at the back post after Keith Long had flicked on Brian Morrisroe's corner. Willie Burke then provided the cross for Reilly to sidefoot past Forde.
Home Farm created several good chances in the second half. Gareth Byrne made two excellent saves from Liam Kelly and Robbie Farrell. John Byrne then floated over a free kick from the right and Brendan Place, as he's done four times previously this season, rose well to head home.
