Dylan Doherty helps fire St Mary's past FAI Intermediate Cup holders College Corinthians

St Mary’s continued their remarkable progression under manager Craig Hurley last weekend as they booked their place in the FAI Intermediate Cup semi-final with an emphatic 5-1 victory over holders College Corinthians.

They are joined in the last four by another Cork side, Cobh Wanderers.

Facing the reigning champions was always going to be a major test, but St Mary’s produced a performance that underlined just how far the club has come in recent seasons. Rather than simply edging past the holders, Mary’s did it in style, producing a comfortable victory and announcing themselves as genuine contenders for silverware.

The star of the show was undoubtedly 21-year-old striker Dylan Doherty, who helped himself to a superb hat-trick in a performance that showcased both his quality in front of goal and his growing importance to Hurley’s side.

For Doherty, scoring three times in such a huge game was a special moment, but typically, the young striker was quick to credit those around him.

“It was a great feeling to score a hat-trick in a huge game but a lot of credit to the lads for their service today,” said Doherty.

His comments summed up the attitude within the St Mary’s camp. Despite the individual brilliance of Doherty, this was very much a team performance, with every member of the squad playing their part in dismantling the cup holders.

“The team were excellent. Everybody played their part, from the keeper to the subs. Everyone was excellent from the start.” 

That togetherness has been a major feature of St Mary’s progression under Hurley. The manager has developed a squad where competition for places is intense, with those coming off the bench capable of making just as big an impact as those who start.

Doherty believes that strength throughout the squad could prove crucial as the season progresses.

“The squad is very competitive and the subs who come on are just as good as the players who get the 11 jerseys. It’s really balanced.” 

The victory means St Mary’s now face St Mochtas in the semi-final, with Mary’s handed the advantage of a home draw. Doherty knows they will face another difficult test, but insists the focus remains firmly on what they can control.

“We’re into the semi-final now, with a home draw, so we’re happy with that one. It’s against St Mochtas. They’ll be good, but we only focus on ourselves week in, week out.” 

The Northside native has been part of the St Mary’s setup for three years, having also represented the club at underage level. His footballing journey began with Castleview before progressing through the ranks and into senior football.

“I’m only 21 but this is my fifth season senior, so I’m around a bit,” he laughed. 

We’re a youthful team with hunger, so we look forward to the season ahead.” 

That youthful hunger is evident in St Mary’s ambitions. Reaching the semi-final is an achievement in itself, particularly after eliminating the holders, but the club clearly has its sights set higher.

“Our aims for the season are silverware and consistency.”

ON THE RISE 

Much of the credit for the club’s rise must go to Hurley, whose influence has been significant since taking charge. Doherty speaks highly of a manager whose dedication behind the scenes has helped create an environment where the players can thrive.

“Craig’s a great gaffer. He works endlessly to make sure everything is in order for us. His dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, and we’re just happy we can give him days like today.” 

Hurley spoke glowingly of Doherty.

Dylan is one of my favourite players I’ve ever worked with as his attitude is sensational

"He’s a team player and always puts the team before himself. He’s doesn’t always get the goals his performance deserves but he did here.

“He’s a handful to mark and one of the best players in the league in the air.

He got a very well-deserved hat-trick that his performance deserved. He got the important equaliser to settle the team and put us 2-1 up and then got fourth to put us in a commanding position.” 

Now, with a semi-final against St Mochtas on the horizon, St Mary’s have every reason to believe that a cup final is within reach.

The 5-1 demolition of College Corinthians was more than just a memorable afternoon. It was another statement of the progress being made under Hurley and a demonstration of the talent, depth and ambition within the squad.

At the centre of it all was Doherty, whose three goals ensured his name will be remembered from a famous cup victory. But the striker is clearly thinking beyond personal accolades.

For St Mary’s, the target is simple: consistency, silverware and continuing the remarkable upward trajectory that has developed under Hurley.

The semi-final now awaits — and Mary’s will go into it believing they belong there.