Under 21 success crowns perfect week for the 'Boro

A goal in each half from Matthew Kelleher and Liam Moore deservedly handed Dicksboro a second Under 21 title in three years when defeating Thomastown in Larchfield on Saturday afternoon.

As a result of Thomastown's extended run in the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship, the underage competition was heavily delayed and despite fielding a number of senior stars, the South Kilkenny side were well beaten by a brilliant Dicksboro outfit.

In the likes of Niall Rowe, Padraic Moylan and Timmy Clifford, the Boro had players who could make a big impact at senior level for Kilkenny in the new year and that's not even including Harry Shine who sat out the contest with injury and that type of star power certainly set the city side apart.

Despite being huge underdogs Thomastown were very competitive with Peter McDonald, Colm Treacy and Zach Bay Hammond bringing the fight to the Boro but ultimately, the winners had too many aces to fire.

On the back of a well taken Matthew Kelleher goal, the Boro led at half-time by five points and that's despite playing against a very strong wind (1-8 to 0-6).

Thomastown were looking to win back to back Roinn A titles and they were never likely to go away easily and helped by scores from Bay Hammond, Treacy and McDonald they were still within four points entering the final 10 minutes of action.

Dicksboro scored 1-6 in the final few minutes though as sub impacts from Cillian Hackett and Brian Moore added to big displays from James Carroll and Timmy Clifford before Liam Moore got his side's second goal in stoppage time.

The 12 point gap between the teams doesn't tell the full story but the Boro won't be complaining as an eight Under 21 crown continues the winning trend for the club after last week's All-Ireland Camogie success.

Teams and Scorers

Dicksboro: Matthew Kelleher (1-5, 0-4 frees); Liam Moore (1-1); James Carroll, Timmy Clifford (0-3 each); Padraic Moylan (0-1, 0-1 free); Kevin Moore, Aran Treacy Murphy, Brian Moore, Cillian Hackett (0-1 each)

Thomastown: Peter McDonald (0-4, 0-4 frees); Colm Treacy (0-3); Zach Bay Hammond (0-2); Luke Connellan, Cian Farrell (0-1 each)

Dicksboro: Brian Manogue; Stephen Dermody, Niall Rowe, Johnny Keane; Tom Carroll, Padraic Moylan, Evan Murphy; James Carroll, Colm O'Hara; Timmy Clifford, Kevin Moore, Liam Moore; Sean Maher, Aran Treacy Murphy, Matthew Kelleher.

Subs: Cillian Hackett for O'Hara, h-t; Brian Moore for Maher, 48 mins; Nick Doheny for Kelleher, 60 mins; Charlie Nolan for K.Moore, 60 mins; Sean Keenan for Murphy, 63 mins.

Thomastown: Luke McNena; Zach Bay Hammond, Cian Moore, Oisin O'Reilly; Podge Kirwan, Peter Connellan, Eanna O'Keeffe; Peter McDonald, Alex Cass; Sean O'Keeffe, Luke Connellan, Naoise Dempsey; Colm Treacy, Conor Holden, Cian Farrell.

Subs: Paddy Collins for S O'Keeffe, 14 mins; Conor Monks for Holden, 42 mins; Tyler Nolan for Treacy, 58 mins.

Referee: Richard Dowling (Slieverue)