Shamrocks win Offaly U-15 Hurling Division 1 Feile title

Shamrocks  had a great win in the Offaly U15 hurling Feile Division 1 competition on Saturday.

Shamrocks defeated Drumcullen/Seir Kieran in the morning and then performed really well to beat Kilcormac-Killoughey and Tullamore in the semi-final and final later in the day.

They conceded a first minute goal against K-K in the semi-final in Mucklagh but recovered well to lead at half time and always looked like winning in the second half, though the losers were still in the hunt until the last few minutes.

The final against old rivals Tullamore was played in Birr on Saturday afternoon. While the DSK game was played over 60 minutes, the semi-final and final were thirty minute ones and it meant that there was not much margin for error. Shamrocks had edged out Tullamore in a thrilling U13 Hurling Championship final two years ago and history repeated itself here, though it was an extremely close run thing.

Shamrocks started very well and dominated the first ten minutes before Tullamore got going coming up to half time. Shamrocks led by two points at half time but were in bother when Tullamore edged in front midway during the second half. Tullamore had all the momentum at this stage and Shamrocks looked tired but somehow found the reserves to halt a very brave Tullamore in their tracks.

A fortunate goal gave Shamrocks a 1-4 to 0-5 lead and they held on for the win in a frantic closing few minutes, defending well and with their key players doing what was required of them.

Tullamore had beaten St Rynagh's in a thrilling semi-final, requiring extra time to edge home, and that may have taken a bit out of them but they contributed very well to a very enjoyable and fiercely fought final, with plenty of good hurling played.

It was a big win for Shamrocks in “A” grade hurling and they now go forward to the national finals later in the summer.