U21BHC Final Eochaill 2-11 Fr. O'Neills 1-11

While nationally all attention was in Thurles for the GAA's 125 year's birthday, locally our attention was with our U21 hurlers. How apt it was that while our own clubman Christy Cooney was heading up celebrations in Thurles, our own U21s were writing their own bit of history on this special day.
Played in Copperalley as the Killeagh field was deemed unplayable due to heavy over night rain Youghal U21 hurlers annexed their 3rd B championship crown (won previously in 1992 & 2004) in a hard fought battle in far from ideal hurling conditions against near neighbours Fr. O'Neills. Both sides served up a great spectacle in front of a decent crowd despite the inclement weather conditions. Youghal got off to a great start after James O'Mahoney was brought down after heading for the O'Neill's goal resulting in a coverted penalty by Cork Intermediate Star Leigh Desmond. Fr. O'Neills responded in fine style to cut the deficit to the bare minimum after 15 minutes. Scores were hard to get throughout the first half with both sets of defences on top, Youghal's been driven on by Aaron Kenny at centre-back. At the short whistle Youghal lead 1-4 to 0-6. The second half continued as before with both sides cancelling out each other's scores. The switch of Brett Moloney to full forward paid divends as he replied with 3 excellent points in the final 15 minutes to put Youghal 3 pts clear. The game was eventually decided when a long range effort by Ciaran O'Mahoney was dropped into the Fr. O'Neill's goal to give the Youghal lads a 6 point lead with 2 minutes remaining. However credit to Fr. O'Neills who responded in style with a cracking goal to set up a grandstand finish. The Youghal lads stood firm and held out to win by a goal to joyous celebrations at the final whistle. Captain Patrick O'Mahoney accepted the cup and thanked Fr. O'Neills for a very sporting game followed by a rendition of "Up the Youghal Boys".
This win will somehow make up for last week's Intermediate Hurling League final defeat and the minor's defeat earlier in the season in the East Cork final, where quiet a few players were also on duty. Hopefully more of these dedicated lads will step up and get Youghal hurling back into Senior status. Well done lads and just rewards for all the effort you have put in this year.
Congratulations also to selectors Ken Bulman, Stephen Twomey, Liam O Laochdha Peter Queally.
Team: Shane Spillane, Barry Gleeson, Patrick O'Mahoney (Capt), Dylan Power, David Scanlon, Aaron Kenny, Andrew Sheehan, Leigh Desmond 1-3f, Michael Cronin 0-1, Conor O'Sullivan 0-1, Ciaran O'Mahoney 1-1, Brett Moloney 0-3, Ed Flavin, James O'Mahoney 0-1, Daniel Savage 0-1. Subs Keith McCarthy for Daniel Savage, Stephen Kelly, Simon Herlihy, Eoin Coyne, Ryan Tobin, Daniel McCarthy, Victor Cahill, Adrian Curtin, Paul O'Sullivan, Gary O'Sullivan, Leo Lyons Troy, Keith Goggin.