Roscommon U-16 Hurling final
Roscommon Gaels 4-20 Athleague-Tremane-Oran 4-17 (AET)
Lisnamult was the stage for another unforgettable chapter in this growing rivalry between Roscommon Gaels and Athleague-Tremane-Oran. A repeat of last year’s decider, which Athleague-Tremane-Oran snatched at the death, this time it was the Gaels’ turn to deliver late heroics. After a thrilling 80 minutes of hurling, it was the boys in purple and gold who lifted the U-16 Championship cup, prevailing on a scoreline of 4-20 to 4-17 after extra-time.
An early goal by Daniel Nerney helped the Gaels into a four-point lead. Darragh Killeen added a second goal. It wasn’t until the 18th minute that Athleague-Tremane-Oran found a score from play, Conor Muldoon producing a lovely point. That seemed to settle them, and a further point from Ronan Carr narrowed the gap.
Moments later, drama in the Gaels’ square. Athleague-Tremane-Oran forced a scramble that ended in a penalty. Up stepped Joseph Melia, who rifled his shot to the net and levelled the match for the first time at 1-4 to 2-1.
The Gaels’ response was immediate. Cathal Nerney landed a point from distance, then just a minute later burst through the defence and smashed home his side’s third goal. By half-time it was Roscommon Gaels 3-5 Athleague-Tremane-Oran 1-7.
The second half produced end to end drama. After an exchange of points, a turning point came. Fíonn Healy finished coolly to the net after a flowing move, reducing the gap to a single point. Moments later, Daniel Connolly pointed, and the sides were level for just the second time in the contest. But if Athleague-Tremane-Oran thought momentum had swung, they hadn’t accounted for Daniel Nerney. The Gaels’ talisman hit three scores in quick succession – two frees and one from open play – to restore control.
Still, Athleague-Tremane-Oran hung in with a savage work rate from Patrick Murray and Liam O’Brien. Joseph Melia clipped over a free, and then with five minutes left, Ronan Carr pounced for a goal, leaving just one point between the teams. With the clock winding down, the 2024 champions surged. Conor Muldoon fired over, before a pointed Lynch free and one from play from Carr nudged Athleague-Tremane-Oran into the lead for the first time in the entire game.
The Gaels refused to yield. Daniel Nerney stepped up in injury-time to tie the game. The full-time whistle blew with the teams locked at 3-13 apiece.
Extra-time saw Daniel Nerney inspire the Gaels. Eoin Naughten clipped over a tidy point before the outstanding Nerney struck a decisive blow. Gathering possession on the edge of the square, he rifled a shot to the net for his second goal of the game. Seconds later, he tapped over a free to extend the lead to four. Naughten added his second point, stretching the margin to six. Athleague-Tremane-Oran responded through Daniel Connolly, but a further score from Cathal Nerney left the Gaels sitting comfortably at 4-17 to 3-14 at the midway point of extra-time.
In the second half of extra-time, Athleague-Tremane-Oran cut the deficit to two, but with Nerney continuing to strike, the Gaels, stung by last year’s heartbreak, were deservedly confirmed as champions by a three-point margin.
A gripping contest, this was a showcase of everything great about underage hurling – skill, determination, and no shortage of drama. Full-time: Roscommon Gaels 4-20 Athleague-Tremane-Oran 4-17.
Player of the Match
Daniel Nerney (Roscommon Gaels)
