THE GAME IN 60 SECONDS

MAIN MAN

Both sides had players who impacted on proceedings at different stages. Ultimately, it was Causeway’s defence both individually and as a unit which did most to influence the eventual outcome. Billy Lyons was a solid anchor, Evan Murphy neat and efficient in all aspects of play, but it was the imposing presence of JASON DIGGIN which was the most decisive factor.

KEY MOMENT

A few in the dying moments that almost produced a last gasp winning goal for Crotta O’Neills, equally Causeway’s late goal. However, the decision of the referee, who overall performed extremely well in difficult conditions, to show yellow rather than red to a Causeway player late in the first half, after consultation with the linesman, was a marginal and debatable decision and maybe crucial to the eventual outcome.

TALKING POINT

Playing a Championship hurling final with extra-time in November is certainly not suitable, and makes it extremely difficult for players to adapt and cope in the conditions. It all factors into the current and ongoing fixtures debate with the club forced to take a back seat and play second fiddle to the demands and priorities of the inter-county set up. Gavin Dooley, Joseph Diggin (1-1), Gearoid Mahony, Stephen Murphy (0-1), Mike Lynch, Eric McHale, Brandon Barrett (0-2, 1f), Gary Carey (0-7, 5f). Subs: Dan Goggin (0-1) for E McHale, Jamie Barrett for M Lynch, Nathan Dineen for G Mahony, Gearoid Mahony for N Dineen.

CROTTA O’NEILLS: Adam O’Sullivan, Thomas Quinlan, Darragh Ryan, Jeaic McKenna, John Quilter, Eamonn Shanahan, Darragh Behan (0-1), Tomas O’Connor, Adrian Mahony, Raymond Nolan, Bill Keane, Sean Hartnett, Darragh O’Donoghue (0-2), Barry Mahony (0-7, 6f), Sean O Donoghue. Subs: Darragh Kennelly for S Hartnett, Jordan Conway for R Nolan, Kieran Lyons for B Keane, Dominic Nolan for D O’Donoghue, Paudie Dillon for S O’Donoghue.

REFEREE: John Hennessy (Ballyduff)