Second-half scoring blitz leads St Fergal's Rathdowney to Leinster Junior C Hurling glory

St Fergal’s Rathdowney claimed the South Leinster Junior Hurling ‘C’ Championship with a gutsy three-point victory over Clane in a closely contested final in the LOETB Centre of Excellence on Monday afternoon. The Laois school showcased resilience and composure to overturn a halftime deficit and secure the prestigious title.

Clane started brightly, taking advantage of early opportunities to edge ahead by 0-5 to 0-4 at the break. St Fergal's struggled to find their rhythm in the first half but stayed within touching distance. 

The second half was a different story, as St Fergal's came out with renewed energy. The Rathdowney side outscored their opponents 0-8 to 0-4 in the second period.

By the 12th minute of the second half, St Fergal's had turned the game around, leading 0-8 to 0-5. Clane fought back to reduce the gap to two points entering the final minutes, but a strong defensive display ensured there would be no way back for the Kildare school. A late insurance point sealed a memorable 0-12 to 0-9 victory for the Laois secondary school.

St Fergal's Rathdowney: Sean McDermot; Dara Breslin, Darragh Keeshan, Evan Grey; Francis McGovern, Conor Hickey, Cillian Stenson; Rory Standish, Canice Meade; John Gilbert, Ryan Keeshan, James Doherty; Ross Quinlan, John Coonan, Darragh Coffey. Subs: Alan Fitzpatrick, Devin O’Connell, James Keyes, James Ryan, Noah Kelly, Ashton Jordan, Peter Ryan, Bill Dunne, Liam Baldwin, Patrick Gilbert, Cillian Danagher, William Bergin, Jack Fahy, Eoin Guilfoyle, Callum Jones, Jack McCormack.

Mentors: Ciaran Comerford, Pauric Campion