Leinster crown for Boyne CS
Ultimately it was Mikey Cole's superb point deep into injury-time that proved to be decisive as Boyne CS Trim claimed the Leinster SHC C title with a stunning 1-17 to 2-13 final victory over St Declan's Cabra at blustery Abbotstown on Tuesday last.
While Mikey Cole's score proved to be the match winner it was a magnificent team display from the Trim school as they recovered from a four-point deficit and twice fell behind in the closing stages before eventually digging deep and coming up with the resolve to claim victory.
Boyne CS got off to the perfect start raced into a 1-3 to 0-0 lead after just seven minutes with Conor McKeown, Adam Kelly and James Murray adding points to Mikey Cole's superb goal.
Mikey Cole and Murray went on to contribute 1-14 of Boyne CS's tally, but it was a tough battle as the Cabra side hit the next four scores to claw their way back into contention.
Two converted frees from Murray and another score from Cole concluded Boyne's first-half scoring as St Declan's hit two goals in the closing seven minutes of the period to take a 2-8 to 1-7 interval lead.
St Declan's looked to be handling the speedy, all-weather surface with greater confidence than Boyne, but Murray proving flawless from frees the Trim side closed the gap to two points.
St Declan's managed to keep their noses in front and as tempers began to fray both sides lost a player to red cards and that put Trim on the back foot.
Trailing by a point with five minutes remaining Boyne CS captain Conor Quigley ran the length of the field and hit a super equaliser.
St Declan’s replied almost immediately to restore their lead and there seemed to be only one winner at that stage.
However, the Boyne CS boys were not to be denied. Another Murray free restored parity again and after Niall McNally went close it was Cole to gave Boyne the lead for the final time as they held on to claim the provincial title.
Boyne had heroes all over the field. Calum Buckley was outstanding with his puck outs and could not be faulted for either of the goals. He was ably assisted in the rearguard by Gary Fleming, Shane Clarke and Daniel Coleman. Wing-backs Dylan Farrell and Conor Fitzgerald battled to the end, alongside their captain Quigley. Ben Holden and Josh Harris in the middle battled manfully against a strong Declan’s midfield pairing.
While up front Murray and Cole excelled with the brilliance of McNally, Adam Kelly and Conor McKeown providing able assistance.
Boyne CS will now play an All-Ireland semi-final against Our Lady's & St Patrick's Knock from Mayo in Silverbridge Harps GAA Armagh on Saturday (29th February), 1pm.
Boyne CS - Calum Buckley; Gary Fleming, Shane Clarke, Daniel Coleman; Dylan Farrell, Conor Quigley, Conor Fitzgerald; Ben Holden, Josh Harris; Niall McNally, James Murray, Adam Kelly; Conor McKeown, Mikey Cole, Stefan Holzer. Subs - Joey Cole for Holzer, Harry Cottrell, Robbie Ennis, Oisín Hackett, Barry Hannon, Sean Mulligan, Kevin Mullgan, Jack Fagan, Rory Fagan, Ben Mackin.