Slane 4-10, Cuthberts 1-07

They say you have to lose in order to learn how to win and there could be something in that. This group have come close over the last year or two and have missed out in finals by a single point while giving everything they had on each occasion.

There was something different about them this year though as they learned how to take a punch and come back right back with one of their own. This was evident in the opening minutes of the final where 1-01 was conceded before seats were taken. Undeterred, the Slane boys dug in and punched back 15 minutes in thanks to a superb goal from 'Dead eye' O'Donnell.

The Slane triangle of Padraic, Johnny, and Sean Martyn flanked by Oliver, Evan and Niall Carroll held firm as the Cuthberts boys went in fast but soon got lost. Slane ended the half a point ahead when a quick transition from the Evan side of the triangle to the attack saw Luke O'Hagan hit the net and tireless Sean Murray followed with a point from the kickout.

Slane started the second half well with Peter and Zak continuing to work tirelessly in the engine room, covering back and foraging forward despite many changes in the opposing ranks to challenge them. Ru Searle came out the field to add some spontaneity to proceedings and Slane picked off some frees from his excellent movement alongside Niall Carolan. A fielded kick-out and drive forward from Zak won a penalty which he duly converted.

A power fade kicked point from Donal Long after a lung-bursting breakout from Padraic one end; a point-blank save from Jake at the other put Slane in the driving seat. Cormac Gorman came on
for the injured but unbreakable Oliver Canning and almost hit the net straight away. The pickpocket that is Luke O'Hagan did hit the net for a second time with 10 minutes remaining and Slane put up the shutters, conceding just a single point in the 2nd half.

A superb performance from all involved and one we'll enjoy for a little while before the next target looms.

Last shout out is to Captain Peter Martyn whose workrate is matched only by his speeches - superb P!

Slane: Jake Harrop (GK), Padraic Nangle, Jonathan McDonagh, Niall Carroll, Evan O'Sullivan, Sean Martyn, Oliver Canning, Peter Martyn (Cpt), Zak Fitzsimons (1-06), Donal Long (0-01), Sean Murray (0-01), Rob O'Donnell (1-01), Luke O'Hagan (2-01), Ru Searle, Niall Carolan. Subs: Cormac Gorman, David Woodward, Kyle Tallon, Ronan Neven, Cian Briody

Coaches:
Declan O'Brien, Paddy Martyn, Garrett Fitzsimons, Gwen Searle

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