Celbridge edge it over Maynooth in U23 'A' final

Celbridge 2-11

Maynooth 2-10

Ciaran Kirwan was the Celbridge hero as his late point secured the the Westgrove Hotel U23 A Hurling Championship after an entertaining encounter in Manguard Park.

Maynooth who took an early lead courtesy of a Darragh Power goal but Celbridge responded with two goals of their own in the 10 and 12 minutes. Andrew McNiff and James Dolan capitalising on some good Celbridge possession.

Finniun Ó Dullaigh added a free on 20 to move Celbridge three ahead; both sides swapping late points Celbridge maintained the lead at 2-6 to 1-6 at the break.

On the restart Darragh Power and Ciaran Flanagan reduced the gap to the minimum but Finniun Ó Dullaigh, a free, Cormac O'Sullivan and Ciaran Kirwan pushed Celbridge into a four point lead.

Maynooth had a battle on their hands and despite the abscence of Cathal McCabe and David Qualter it was Daniel O Meara who inspired a comeback from centre back.He hit home a thirty metre goal on 48 before an inspirational point a minute later had

Maynooth within a point.Darragh Power completed the turnaround but he should have had a goal as his shot rose high over the crossbar..

Finniun Ó Dullaigh pointed his third free but it was Ciaran Kirwan who was the Celbridge hero as he fired over from 30m for victory.

MAYNOOTH: Gearoid Hogan,Rory Bryden,Matt Eustace, Luke Murnane, Cian O Neill, Daniel O Meara 1-1, Kevin Carroll, Harry Dunne, Kevin McNeill,Eoin Kelliher, Cormac Nolan 0-1, Ciaran Flanagan 0-2, Robbie Wall,Shane Whyte, Darragh Power 1-6 (3 frees). Subs: Conor O Grady for Kevin McNeill 20 David Eustace for Robbie Wall 35; Morgan Dunne for Kevin Carroll 45; Conor McBrearty for Cian O Neill 53.

CELBRIDGE: Dara Flynn,Matthew Gallagher, Jack O Brien, Barney Kelly,David Daly, Colman O Donovan, Kieran Rubotham, Ciaran Kirwan 0-3 Alan Goss 0-1,Oisin Lynam 0-1,Finniun O Dullaigh 0-3 (3 frees),Oisin Lawlor,Liam Dillon,Andrew McNiff 1-0,James Dolan 1-2. Subs: Cormac O Sullivan 0-1 for Oisin Lawlor 36, Ben Elliott for Barney Kelly 53.

Referee Billy O'Connell