Stephens' student denies Students title

James Stephens 1-13 UCD 1-12

James Stephens 1-13 UCD 1-12

UL student David McCormack denied UCD the AIB Leinster Senior Club hurling crown they so badly wanted in Portlaoise today as his late point handed Kilkenny's James Stephens a 1-13 to 1-12 decision and their first O'Neill Cup in 23 years.

McCormack's injury time point - only the Kilkenny champions' third of the second half - rescued the title for the Village side, who had led 1-10 to 0-3 at half time.

20-year-old hit man Eoin Larkin was again their leading predator, accounting for 1-6 of that tally.

UCD boss Babs Keating - forced to start without injured skipper Mick Fitzgerald - threw on three substitutions on the restart, and the switches paid dividends. Tipperary's Eamonn Ryan went in at full forward, drawing the Dublin winners up-the-field and keeping Larkin quiet.

Stephens' corner back Dermot Grogan angled a long ball through for Larkin to finish expertly to the UCD net on 16 minutes, and added to points from Larkin, Brian McEvoy, Joe Murphy and Richie Hayes, the Village looked out of sight in the first half.

However three Andrew Smith frees, another from play and a 40th minute goal from Galway forward Smith brought the deficit back to three.

Eoin McCormack of Stephens then swapped points with David Carter (0-2) - as Kilkenny youngster Carter's efforts reduced arrears to 1-12 to 1-10.

Smith tagged on another on 58 minutes before Redmond Barry levelled with just over 60 seconds remaining.

McCormack was on hand to deny Keating's charges as he drew in from the left wing and cracked over the winning point to end James Stephens long wait for a provincial title.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Back-to-back titles for Spioraid Naoimh after win over 14-man Clonakilty Community College Back-to-back titles for Spioraid Naoimh after win over 14-man Clonakilty Community College
Adam O'Sullivan missed final due to Cork U20's upcoming Munster championship Adam O'Sullivan missed final due to Cork U20's upcoming Munster championship
Monaghan v Armagh - Allianz Football League Division 1 Kernan doesn't want return of Armagh 'handcuffs'
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited