Navan O'Mahonys proved too strong for Rathkenny in this SFC fixture on Wednesday at Kilberry to pip Wolfe Tones for top spot in Group A on score difference. O'Mahonys 1-14 Rathkenny 0-6 They know face the winners of the preliminary quarter-final fixture between Blackhall Gaels and Donaghmore/Ashbourne in a last eight clash. All bar one point of O'Mahonys total came from play while Rathkenny could only manage two such scores, both in the opening half. O'Mahonys were on the board within 30 seconds of the off when Henry Finnegan pointed. Sean Keating doubled their advantage with a fisted point and then added a goal in the ninth minute to leave it 1-2 to 0-0. Colin Curtis opened Rathkenny's account with an effort from play and the deficit was down to a goal when Richie Timmons landed a free from about 45 metres shortly after. Playing a neat passing game Sean Kelly's charges outscored Rathkenny by 0-5 to 0-1 in a ten-minute spell to leave it 1-7 to 0-3 after 26 minutes. Barry Regan (two), David Bray, Finnegan and Keating added to the town side's tally while Thomas Martin (free) registered Rathkenny's third score. A brace of points from Timmons (free) and Owen Elliott left Rathkenny double scores in arrears, 0-5 to 1-7, at the half-way stage. Within a minute of the restart the margin was down to four points when Thomas Martin landed a free awarded for a foul on Elliott. That proved to be Rathkenny's last score of the hour while O'Mahonys finished out the hour with seven points on the spin. They finished the round robin phase with four wins and a draw - the same as Wolfe Tones (who beat Skryne by 2-12 to 2-9 at Pairc Tailteann) - but wound up 11 points better off on score difference. David Bray (three, including O'Mahonys only score from a free), Paddy Smyth (two), Gary O'Brien and Keating added to the Brews Hill side's tally in the second period. Rathkenny 'keeper John Martin did well to keep out a goal attempt from substitute David Murtagh with seven minutes remaining. O'Mahonys - M. Brennan; D. Moran, R. Hogan, I. Matthews; S. MacGabhann, S. Crosby, S. O'Toole; B. Regan (0-2), M. Ward; H. Finnegan (0-2), R. Geraghty, G. O'Brien (0-1); D. Bray (0-4, 1 free), P. Smyth (0-2), S. Keating (1-3). Subs - C. Reilly for MacGabhann (45), S. Reilly for O'Toole (48), D. Murtagh for Ward (50), G. Brennan for Finnegan, D. Hosie for Bray (both 54). Rathkenny - J. Martin; M. Macken, D. Curtis, M. Reid; T. McKeever, M. Brien, D. Timmons; J. Donegan, B. Meade; C. Curtis (0-1), R. Timmons (0-2, frees), I. Lenihan; O. Elliott (0-1), T. Rowan, T. Martin (0-2, frees). Subs - R. Curtis for Macken (26), R. Martin for Timmons (36), D. Barron for Rowan (37), P. Courtney for Curtis (45), D. Smith for Elliott (53). Referee - C. Reilly (St Mary's). Tweet

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