Extra special All-Ireland final success for Mount Sion CBS
Mount Sion players celebrate after their win over Scoil Aireagail in the All-Ireland Senior final. Photos: Maurice Hennebry
"Up the Monastery!" roared Mount Sion CBS captain Bradley Penkert after he lifted the Niall McInerney Cup in the New Ross sunshine on Saturday afternoon.
Tommy Kennedy, Jack Teat, Aaron Coughlin and James Hurley played starring roles as Sion prevailed in an extra time epic with Scoil Aireagail from Ballyhale.
All Ireland minor medallist Kennedy shot 2-3 from play including an extra time goal to clinch victory. Scoil Aireagail captain Adam Franks, son of former Offaly hurler David, scored 1-14 but finished on the losing side.
The Waterford school trailed by three points entering injury time of normal time before top scorer Jack Teat stepped up and buried a 61st minute free to the bottom corner. Teat ended the afternoon with a total of 1-9. Tommy Kennedy had two late chances to win it but sent one wide and one short before referee Jimmy Heavey blew the final whistle (1-17 to 2-14).
Points from Teat and all action midfielder James Hurley edged Sion 2-16 to 1-18 ahead by half time of extra time. Liam O'Grady levelled the match for the tenth occasion two minutes into the second period. Kennedy then won a free which Teat converted. In the 75th minute, Teat sent Kennedy away on a solo run and the number thirteen shook the top corner of the net. Substitute Alfie Ryan stretched the lead to five (3-18 to 1-19).
The drama didn't end there however as Cian Franks raised a green flag from a late free for Scoil Aireagail. Aaron Coughlin made a couple of big catches as the boys in blue held firm in the closing moments. Mount Sion subs, mentors and supporters invaded the pitch at the end of an enthralling encounter.
