Castleblayney are Ulster junior club hurling champions following a 2-16 to 1-15 victory over St Eunan’s at Dungannon.
The sides were level 11 minutes from time before a strong finish saw Castleblayney claim the provincial crown.
The Monaghan runner's-up made a blistering start. Thomas Hughes found the net four minutes in, Fergal Rafter added another goal 60 seconds later.
St Eunan’s eventually settled. Fearghal Delaney registered their first goal on 12 minutes and suddenly it was a one-point game, 2-1 to 1-3.
Peter Kelly brought St Eunan’s level eight minutes later before Castleblayney found another gear to lead 2-7 to 1-6 at half-time.
St Eunan’s started the second-half with urgency, Peter Kelly restored parity nine minutes after the restart. Castleblayney opened a narrow advantage on three further occasions, St Eunan’s restored parity each time.
The sides were deadlocked at 17 points each on 49 minutes before Kevin Maloney’s side subsequently raised the intensity.
Fergal Rafter pushed Castleblayney five points clear with as many minutes remaining. Ryan Hilferty replied for St Eunan’s four minutes later as the Donegal side fell short in the end.
The 2023 @AIB_GAA Ulster Club Junior Hurling Champions! 🏆⚾️
🟢🟡 @blayneyhurling 🟢🟡#ClubMeansMore #UlsterClub2023 pic.twitter.com/WJLSbTXmR6
— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) November 19, 2023
