IHC final: Rathmolyon end years of heartbreak

Kevin Mulligan strikes for Rathmolyon as Jessie Murray Clann na nGael closes in during the IHC final at Kiltale

Rathmolyon 2-17 Clann na nGael 1-9

Rathmolyon put years of heartbreak behind them to claim their first Meath Intermediate Hurling Championship title since 2012 with this comfortable win over a disappointing Clann na nGael side at Kiltale.

Luke Ennis opened the scoring for the Athboy/Rathcairn men from a sideline cut, but from there on Rathmolyon dominated.

Five unanswered points from Kevin Mulligan (2), Joey Christie and the Ennis brothers, Simon and Jarlath, put them 0-5 to 0-1 in front at the end of the first quarter.

The winners' first goal came with eight minutes remaining in the half, courtesy of centre-forward Martin Forde, and the Village were in front 1-8 to 0-6 at the break.

Rathmolyon were in control throughout the third quarter. Stephen Mulligan raised their second green flag and, with fine scores from Daniel Callaghan, Forde and Christie, they were 12 points in front with 15 minutes remaining.

From there on, it was a matter of seeing out the game. Eoin Kelleher did manage to beat John Harnan in the Rathmolyon goal with time almost up, but it mattered little as Rathmolyon were crowned champions.

After the game, Damien Griffin, along with Paddy Christie, presented the Mick Leonard Cup to Rathmolyon captain John Harnan.

Rathmolyon scorers: Joey Christie 0-8, Martin Forde 1-2, Stephen Mulligan 1-1, Kevin Mulligan 0-2, Jarlath Ennis 0-1, Daniel Callaghan 0-1, Simon Ennis 0-1, Gary Doherty 0-1.

Clann na nGael scorers: Joe Ennis 0-4, Luke Ennis 0-3, Eamon O Donnchadha 0-2, Eoin Kelleher 1-0.

Referee: Mark Reilly (Kilmessan).