Athenry Vocational School retained their All-Ireland Vocational Schools senior hurling crown with a narrow victory over Colaiste Mhuire, Johnstown at Cloughjordan yesterday. Athenry had a dream start when a long-range free from full back Ciaran Callanan sailed into the back of the Johnstown net in the opening minute. Paul Coen added a second in the 16th minute - - only see an immediate reply at the other end from Sean Minogue. At the interval Athenry led by 2-4 to 1-3.

The second half saw Athenry forge further ahead, but Johnstown kept in touch with accurate frees from Kevin Power. Johnstown then hit a purple patch, scoring eight points without reply from Athenry.

With 10 minutes remaining the teams were level, before a great point from Johnstown full forward John O'Loughlin saw them hit the front for the first time. Athenry then proved their mettle and clinched the title with two great points from David Forde and Keith Callanan.

Athenry VS: C Cloonan; B Lohan, C Callanan (1-0), T Kelly; P Collins, D Forde (0-1), T Daniels; S Burke (0-1)[R O], P Cormican; C Coen (0-4, three frees, one pen), M Coughlan (0-1), PJ Forde; P Coen (1-1), C Connolly, K Callanan (0-2). Subs: A Cullinane (0-2) for C Connolly; W Donnellan for PJ Forde.

Colaiste Mhuire, Johnstown: P Quinlan; G Power, K Fitzpatrick, E Kavanagh; JJ Delaney, G Henderson, D Power; J Bergin, K Power (0-13, eight frees); P Bergin, R Moriarty, W Cahill; S Minogue (1-0), J O'Loughlin (0-1), J Doheny. Sub: J Maher for W Cahill.

Referee: J McDonnell (Tipperary).