Although Pembroke were the dominant side in the Leinster Under 16 final at Grange Road, they failed to make the most of their opportunities as a never say die Aer Lingus side carried off the BT Atkinson Cup against the odds.

Fielding youth internationals Alan Giles and Gary Ryan, it seemed that Pembroke would prevail. They led at half time through a short corner goal from Giles, who was constantly involved in the action, while Ciaran McGuinness was a particularly sturdy figure at the back.

David Bane, however, worked tirelessly to keep Aer Lingus in contention and a reward came in the 61st minute when Shane O'Neill forced home an equaliser.

Pembroke put on most of the pressure in extra time, but the Aer Lingus defenders, especially goalkeeper Eoin Connolly and sweeper Jim Dunne, stood their ground. A breakaway enabled Trevor Parsons to put O'Neill through for the decisive goal.