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22 Oct 2025
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22 Oct 2025
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St Lachtain's Church in Freshford, County Kilkenny
There were very few people left in Freshford on Sunday morning as coach-loads of supporters left Kilkenny for Croke Park to watch the St Lachtain’s junior hurlers take on Russell Rovers of Cork in the All-Ireland final.
It was a great day for the club and the village as the boys came out winners on a day that will be remembered for years to come.
The lads took a while to settle down but when they found their rhythm they played with passion and heart, led by some great defending by Brian Kennedy.
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They got some great scores and a goal from Shane Donnelly saw them lead by three points at the break. Each forward and both midfielders had all raised flags at that stage, all from play.
Lachtain’s continued to play well in the second half and went into a seven point lead at one stage. Russell Rovers launched a revival and cut the lead to three points before the Freshford men pulled away again to record an epic victory.
There have been many days of enjoyment for the whole community since the start of the season, from winning the county final to the Leinster final, but Sunday was a truly great occasion for the club and the parish and the huge number of supporters who turned out to support the lads for the final game of the 2024 season and in their quest for glory.
Well done to all involved in the success this year.
Criomhthann Bergin accepted the cup on behalf of his team. He thanked the management and backroom team and all who followed the team throughout the year.
St Lachtain’s - Darren Brennan; Shane Dawson, Criomhthann Bergin, Simon Rafter; Padraig Donnelly, Brian Kennedy, Cathal Hickey; Brendan Quinn, Mark Donnelly; Alexander Rafter, Paddy Killeen, Liam Hickey; Shane Donnelly, Cathal O’Leary, James Maher. Subs: Darragh Maher, John Fitzpatrick, Cian Dawson, Jerry Bergin.
There was a special homecoming for the team on Sunday evening. The village was crowded with supporters who turned out to welcome home their heroes, with fireworks lighting up the sky. Captain Criomhthann Bergin spoke and thanked all the supporters and all who were associated with the victory and success throughout the year. Team manager Stephen Farrell also spoke as did his backroom team of Bill Beckett, JJ Grace and Robbie Dowling. The celebrations went on into the night.
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