Second half goals propel Freshford to junior hurling glory

A composed second half display saw St Lachtain's overcome Windgap in a hugely competitive JJ Kavanagh and Sons JHC Final in UPMC Nowlan Park on Saturday afternoon.

A fortunate opening half goal from Emmet Landy gave Windgap the edge initially but they were much too wasteful in front of goal over the course of the 60 minutes while in contrast Freshford took their opportunities when they appeared before them.

Two goals in the space of three minutes essentially proved the difference with efforts from Cathal O'Leary and Paddy Killeen giving the 2023 finalists an edge they would hold on to till the final whistle.

The final was a meeting of the last two beaten finalists in the competition and it was a cracking encounter for the most part.

It was nip and tuck throughout the opening quarter until Emmet Landy got the first goal of the game when a free out on the wing took a deflection and deceived former Kilkenny goalkeeper Darren Brennan.

Further scores from Landy, Jack Doyle and James Power had Windap three points to the good approaching half-time but Freshford rallied with successive Cathal O'Leary frees leaving the sides deadlocked at the change of ends (1-6 to 0-9).

O'Leary crept St Lachtain's back in front with the first score of the second period before Windgap responded via James and Billy Power.

The defining moments of the game then arrived with Paddy Killeen getting Freshford's first goal as he lashed home on the back of a long distance Darren Brennan free rebounding off the post and before Windgap could compose themselves, impact sub Liam Hickey set up top-scorer Cathal O'Leary who kicked to the net for another goal for the winners.

Windgap kept at it with points from Landy, James Power and Sean Purcell who played the majority of the contest at full forward.

It was St Lachtain's day though with subs Liam Hickey and Alan Rafter as well as James Maher and Cathal O'Leary all knocking over insurance scores as the club sealed a first junior crown since 1993.

The Freshford lads will enjoy the next few days of celebration but attention will then turn to the opening round of the Leinster Championship against Drumcullen of Offaly in a week's time.

Teams and Scorers

St Lachtain's: Cathal O'Leary (1-7, 0-5 frees); Paddy Killeen (1-0); James Maher (0-3); Darragh Maher, Alexander Rafter, Brian Kennedy, Liam Hickey, Alan Rafter (0-1 each)

Windgap: Emmet Landy (1-3, 0-2 frees); James Power (0-4, 0-4 frees); Sean Purcell (0-2, 0-1 free); Billy Power (0-2); Jack Doyle (0-1)

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, Cathal O'Leary; James Maher, Darragh Maher, Shane Donnelly.

Subs: Liam Hickey for Killeen, 40 mins; Cian Dawson for D.Maher, 49 mins; Alan Rafter for S.Donnelly, 56 mins; Conor Donnelly for A.Rafter, 59 mins.

Windgap: Eoin O'Shea; Cian Ryan, Darragh O'Shea, Pat Power; Willie Phelan, Niall Walsh, Jack Doyle; Zak Kennedy, Sean Power; Pat Grace, Emmet Landy, Billy Power; James Culleton, Sean Purcell, James Power.

Subs: Adam O'Shea for Grace, 40 mins; Sean Foley for D.O'Shea, 49 mins; Padhraic Foley for Kennedy, 54 mins; Conor Doyle for Culleton, 56 mins; Michael Power for J.Doyle, 59 mins.

Referee; Eoin Maher (Mullinavat)