Delvin will have senior hurling to look forward to next year after they withstood a late Fr Dalton's onslaught to capture their first IHC title since 2003 at a wet Cusack Park yesterday.

Delvin 2-8
Fr Dalton's 1-10

There were great celebrations in the Valley, which is bedecked in maroon and white flags and bunting, last night after their thrilling victory in front of 1,500 spectators. Delvin were rocked by the concession of an eighth minute goal, but got themselves back into contention when goalkeeper John O'Shaughnessy converted a penalty at the second time of asking after rising star Killian Murphy had been fouled inside the square.

With Enda Kincaid having an off day from frees, Fr Dalton's went into the break trailing by 1-4 to 2-3 after Niall Williams pounced for Delvin's second goal on the stroke of half-time.

The Valleymen stretched their advantage on the restart thanks to points from Pat Farrington and Murphy. Their Ballymore opponents applied strong pressure thereafter, but were guilty of missing a couple of goal-scoring chances. Delvin continued to hold a four-point advantage until the switch of corner back Fergus Shaw out the field began to pay dividend for Fr Dalton's who hit the last three points to reduce the deficit to the minimum.

However, Delvin held on to secure their ticket to the senior ranks in 2011. Tweet

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