Munster U-15 Final: St. Patrick’s Castleisland 4-8 V John The Baptist, Hospital, Co. Limerick 4-7 (AET)
In an incredible contest which went down to the wire, St. Patrick’s Castleisland dug deep to hold on for a one point win against a talented Limerick side in the Munster Colleges U’15 Final in Rathkeale on Wednesday.
St. Patrick’s led by 2-3 to one point at the interval. The Islanders were aided by a strong wind. Two superbly taken goals came from Stephen Murphy and Adam Manley set up by Danny Hickey and Adam Fallon with strong defensive displays by Conor Mitchell and Lorcan Hickey.
The momentum swung in the the second half with Hospital quickly reducing the deficit to three points despite two marvelous saves by Cathal O’Donoghue in goals. The teams exchanged points for the remaining of the half leaving the result in doubt right up to the end. In added time St. Patrick’s needed a well worked move by Denis O’ Mahony, David Shanahan and Shay Walsh to earn a free 30 yards out. This was converted by Eddie Horan to bring the game to extra time.
Ethan Reidy, Sean Brosnan and Moss O’Callaghan were to the fore in the first period of extra time with a solitary point scored by either side.
With seven minutes to go, a two goal blitz by Michael Prendiville and the outstanding Sean Horan catapulted Castleisland into a seven point lead. Victory looked certain until the indomitable Hospital clawed back two goals. With a couple of minutes left, St. Patrick’s had to call on all their reserves to repel two last ditch efforts by the Co. Limerick side. Their heroics in appalling weather conditions ensured that the Corn Éamainn Uí Mháirtín came back to Castleisland for the first time in eight years.
Full Credit to team coaches: Patrick McCarthy and John Forrest who left no stone unturned in preparing this team throughout their quest for Munster glory.
