Ahascragh-Fohenagh 0-14

Mícheál Breathnach 1-11

By Eanna O’Reilly at Kenny Park

A last minute free from Darragh Gavin rescued a draw for Ahascragh-Fohenagh when it looked as though Mícheál Breathnach were about to emerge victorious in an entertaining minor B1 hurling championship final at Kenny Park on Saturday.

When the Connemara boys led by 1-11 to 0-7 midway through the second half, it looked as though they would run out comfortable winners as they were thoroughly dominating the contest. However, Míchéal Breathnach failed to score again and Ahascragh-Fohenagh reeled off seven unanswered points, the last of which snatched a draw.

Both sets of players displayed great commitment and endeavour on the day, which made for a compelling contest. There was also plenty of quality on display, with some impressive scores and excellent defending on view throughout.

The east Galway side made the brighter start, getting the opening three points of the first half. Jack Muldowney opened the scoring, before two placed balls from Darragh Gavin made it 0-3 to 0-0 after 11 minutes.

Mícheál Breathnach got off the mark with a pointed free from Glaisne Mac Réamoinn, before Oisín Ó Neachtain was on target after a good crossfield ball from Dylan Ó Curraoin. The contest was level two minutes later when Ó Neachtain struck his second point from the right wing.

Matthew Cunniffe edged Ahascragh-Fohenagh back in front, after they intercepted a short Breathnach’s puckout. Ryan Kennedy then sent over a good score, after a pacey run from midfield.

Breathnachs dominated the remainder of the first half and added 1-2 to their tally. Fionnán Ó Neachtain pointed over his shoulder to make it 0-5 to 0-4. Six minutes later, the same player was fouled in the square and Breathnachs were awarded a penalty.

Mac Réamoinn made no mistake with the spot, firing past Fabian Carroll with a well hit strike to put Breathnachs ahead for the first time in the game. Rónán Ó Neachtain then pointed from the left corner, to leave the score at 1-5 to 0-5 at half time.

Pictured: Oisín Ó Neachtain of Mícheál Breathnach eyes up his options as Darragh Gavin of Ahascragh-Fohenagh gives chase during the County Minor B1 Hurling Final at Kenny Park on Saturday. Photo: Joe Keane.