Subs: Martin Campion (Tipperary) (for Harrington),

Ollie Harrington (Kilkenny) (for Campion)

Match Report:

After a nine year lapse, St Kieran’s College of Kilkenny retained the position of top college in the country.  Saint Flannan’s of Claire provided the opposition and it wasn’t until the dying minutes of the game that Kieran’s took the lead.  The first three quarters of the match was somewhat one sided with Flannan’s coming out on top in all sectors. The finish however, was heartbreaking for the Claire side as a late goal proved vital.

Going into the game, Flannan’s weren’t given a chance but their first half performance showed their confidence was soundly based.  The Kieran’s lads looked weak by comparison in the opening half and matters were not helped by the loss of Kilmoganny boy, Ollie Harrington after just four minutes through injury even though the Kilkenny side had the wind advantage, it was to little avail as the centre field pairing of Michael Deasy and Brendan Hennessy on the Flannan’s team hindered supply of ball to their forwards.  At this stage of the game it was impossible to see any hope of a win for St Kierans.

As the second half got under way Kieran’s tried to match their opponents at ground hurling but this attempt failed as Flannan’s were bigger, heavier men and keeping the ball moving on the ground was suiting them.  It was not until the final fifteen minutes that Kieran’s resorted back to the real Kilkenny style of hurling they were used to.  A point by Martin Walsh, when they were down by ten points seemed to turn the game in Kilkenny’s favour.   Flannans were outclassed in every aspect of the game and the goal for Kieran’s inspired confidence in the side.

But for some outstanding saves by goalie Dick Lynch, Flannan’s could have put Kieran’s out of side.  Har Hickey had a great game at left full back while in the other corner, Paddy Mahony was on top of his game.  Kieran’s win was largely due to Kevin Mahony dominating in the middle of the park as well as the return of Harrington after a nasty eye injury.  Up front Eddie Keher was the star of the show, but each attacker left an imprint on the match.  Keher was involved in the first goal score by Dick Walsh. Minutes later Keher got a chance of a goal and made no mistake.   The winning goal came from Dick Dowling who was on spot to take a pass from the infamous Keher.

After some anxious moments near full time Kieran’s were able to hang on for their second ever All Ireland success.

Back Row: Kevin Mahony, Mick Carroll, Tim Murphy, Kieran Fitzgearld, Sean Murray, Joe O’Donnell, Dick Dowling, Martin Campion, Martin Duggan, Humphrey O’Sullivan.

Front Row: Austin McMahon, Har Hickey, Martin Walsh, Michael Ryan, Ted Carroll (Captain), P.J. Mahoney, Eddie Keher, Dick Walsh, Ollie Harrington, Tom White, (Absent: Dick Lynch).

[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA_mhYDfC0Y”]