Harry does a Houdini act in dramatic end to minor final

Skehana-Mountbellew/Moylough 1-14

Craughwell 1-13

Eanna O’Reilly at Duggan Park

HARRY O’Leary was the hero of the day in Skehana-Mountbellew/Moylough on Saturday, with his last-minute goal snatching victory from the jaws of defeat for his side as they took home the Minor B1 hurling championship title.

Inspired by the performance of county minor star Seán McDonagh, who hit an extraordinary 13-points during the game, Skehana-Mountbellew/Moylough were rewarded for showing a never say die attitude at Duggan Park.

It was a heart-breaking defeat for Craughwell, who seemed to have one hand on the trophy late in the game, with a four-point lead in the 60th minute. However, the concession of 1-2 in injury time saw the title slip through their fingers, as Skehana-Mountbellew/Moylough refused to be beaten on the day. It was a contest which contained lots of quality hurling in difficult conditions, with plenty of talented players in evidence on both sides.

Skehana-Mountbellew/Moylough made a strong start to the game with Seán McDonagh landing a free from behind his own 65 to open the scoring. Seán Hansberry then scored an excellent individual point to extend the lead, before Craughwell got their first point through Conor Rooney.

A minute later, Hansberry was fouled going through on goal and referee John Keane awarded a penalty. However, McDonagh blasted his shot wide as Craughwell dodged a bullet. Thomas Hynes then pointed for Craughwell after good work by Rooney, before McDonagh replied with his second pointed free.

Craughwell then had a dominant spell, with points coming from Darren Lyons (free), Hynes and two excellent points from Rooney. They had now established a three-point lead, but McDonagh then stood up and gave an extraordinary display of striking.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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