Final agony for St Colmans who are pipped by champions Kierans

a lead 0-6 to 0-3. In the 18th minute St. Colman’s had their goal when Eoin Carey placed Padraigh O’Leary who goaled from close range to level 0-6 to 1-3. Colman’s now played their best hurling, Padraigh O’Leary put Pat O’Flynn in for a point. Good play by Eoin Carey led to an Eoin Roche point 1-5 to 0-6. St. Kieran’s were wide by Ciaran Brennan.

In the 23rd minute James Kearney struck a well taken point opening up a goal lead. Two minute later Aaron Brennan gave a good pass to Eoin Cody who soloed through and goaled.

Brian Roche replied for St. Colman’s with Conleith Ryan pointing a free after a foul on Padraigh O’Leary. In the 28th minute Conleith Ryan added another pointed free. In injury time Eoin Cody pointed a free. Ciaran Brennan came close to an injury time goal but was denied by a good save by Ben Hogan. At the break St Colman’s looked good leading 1-9 to 1-7.

Conleith Ryan pointed a free on the resumption. In the 36th minute St., Kieran’s impressive Mark Nolan did well placing Ciaran Brennan who soloed through and belted to the net levelling at 1-10 to 2-7. Conleith Ryan pointed another free in the 39th minute edging his side in front.

St Colman’s lost their way from here to the end. They failed to score again till the 63rd minute when Eoin Carey pointed a free. Their entire second half tally was 0-3 from frees. St. Kieran’s came very strong, their defence were very solid and tight making some massive clearances. They also did well in midfield. Ciaran Brennan made a massive catch from a high delivery and was fouled. Eoin Cody pointed the free.

Entering the final quarter another foul on Ciaran Brennan led to another pointed free by Cody. George Murphy made a good attack on goal but a timely interception by Jack Scannell denied St. Kieran’s a certain score. In the 50th minute a sideline cut by Conor Kelly found Eoin Cody who pointed 2-10 to 1-11.

Two minutes later Cody opened up a goal lead with a very good point. Cody with a free in the 58th minute edged the winners four points clear. St. Colman’s tried very hard to get back in contention, they had a 63rd minute pointed free by Eoin Carey. The final whistle followed and St Kieran’s were crowned All Ireland champions for the second year in a row.

After the game Colm Hayes Secretary Munster Post Primary Schools Board presented the Niall McInerney Memorial Cup to the winning captain Conor Murphy.