A point from a free in injury-time by Mark Hickey edged Kilbrittain to All-Ireland junior glory, just pipping Sligo’s Easkey who had two players sent off in the second half at Croke Park.
Hickey scored nine points in all, five from frees, with man of the match Ronan Crowley also adding four from play.
Kilbrittain captain Philip Wall lifts the cup. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Talisman Andrew Kilcullen, who had accumulated six points, was first to go for Easkey eight minutes into the second half, for a high tackle, though it looked more like a clash of helmets.
“It’s incredible. There is no feeling like this. I’m so proud of the lads,” said manager Joe Ryan on TG4, who paid generous tribute to the honest and effort of Easkey for competing to the end with 13 players.
Devastated Easkey manager Michael Conway said “it was an awful way to lose”, but lauded his players for dying with their boots on.”
Luke Griffin of Kilbrittain in action against James Weir and Fionn Connolly of Easkey. Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor
Report to follow