LEINSTER JUV H A1 LEAGUE FINAL
Eoin deliver in league decider with comeback
Daire Walsh
COLÁISTE Eoin pulled off a stunning second-half fightback to claim their first Leinster Schools Juvenile ‘A1’ Hurling League title at the expense of St Brendan’s, Birr yesterday.
Trailing by 11 points just after the restart, Eoin subsequently produced a goal blitz to secure top honours on a scoreline of 3-14 to 3-12. This was sweet revenge for the Gaelscoil, following their final defeat to the same opposition two years ago.
Facing into the breeze at Oliver Plunkett’s GAA in Drogheda, Conall Ó Riain kept Eoin in contention with some fine scores. Having saved a penalty in spectacular fashion during their last-eight success over St Mary’s CBS, Enniscorthy, James Ó hAmaill thwarted the advances of Brendan’s in the early exchanges.
Nevertheless, the Offaly men found themselves 2-8 to 0-7 in front at the break and continued to prosper when the action resumed. That was until David Puirséil pounced for a brace of goals to propel Booterstown side back into the hunt.
Oisin Ó Raghallaigh’s influence on the game was beginning to grow, while Ciarán Ó Donnabháin was another to stand out. As the final whistle approached a Jamie Ó Conaire three-pointer sensationally swung the game in their favour.
A shell-shocked Brendan’s had a final chance off a 21-metre free, but a resilient Eoin put their bodies on the line to seal a maiden crown at this grade.