St Kieran’s College returned to the throne of colleges hurling they claimed our first Croke Cup since 2004 following a gutsy and determined comeback against Ard Scoil Rís, Limerick.

With 10 minutes remaining, Kieran’s trailed by 5 point however, Kieran’s scored 1-5 without reply to finish out the game.

Contesting their first All Ireland, Ard Scoil Rís lay down a marker early and led by 0-3 to no score, Kevin Downes and John Fitzgibbon scoring. John Power opened Kieran’s account after 10 minutes before Paul Buggy bagged a goal. Fitzgibbon landed his third point to level the game after 24 minutes. Both teams were guilty of missed chance but it remained level at the break. 1-2 to 0-5.

Michael Brennan and Paul Buggy edged Kieran’s in front off the restart but Ard Scoil fought back. Goals by Brendan O’Connor and Fitzgibbon and a point from Mark Ryan in a three minute spell put Ard Scoil in charge with 11 minutes remaining. Kieran’s never say die spirit kicked in and Michael Brennan netted in the 51st minute. Scores from Willie Phelan, Padraig Walsh and Thomas O’Hanrahan pushed the Kilkenny school ahead with 5 minutes left. Padraig Walsh and Phelan sealed the win with further points and Kieran’s were champions for a 17th time.

St Kieran’s Scorers: Michael Brennan 1-2, Paul Buggy 1-1, Padriag walsh 0-3, William Phelan 0-2, Cillian Buckley, Thomas O’Hanrahan, John Power (0-1 each).

St Kieran’s College Team:

Michael Donnelly (Thomastown), Cathal O’Neill (Danesfort), Robert Lennon (Bennetsbridge), Sean Phelan (Lisdowney), Aidan O’Dowd (Blacks and Whites), William Phelan (Dunnamaggin), Donal Brennan (Conahy Shamrocks), James Gannon (St Patrick’s, captain), Cillian Buckley (Dicksboro), John Power (Carrickshock), Ben O’Conor (Danesfort), Padraig Walsh (Tullaroan), Paul Buggy (Tullaroan), Michael Brennan (St Patrick’s), Thomas O’Hanrahan (Thomastown).

Subs: Richard Reid (Ballhale Shamrocks) for O’Connor, Conor O’Shea (Clara) for O’Hanrahan.