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Bruree build on O'Brien's goal

Limerick SHC Final/Bruree 1-16 Patrickswell 1-15: Unheralded Bruree tore the formbook to shreds at the Gaelic Grounds yesterday…

Mon Oct 16 2006 - 01:00

Limerick SHC Final/Bruree 1-16 Patrickswell 1-15: Unheralded Bruree tore the formbook to shreds at the Gaelic Grounds yesterday when they surprised favourites Patrickswell, to claim their first Limerick senior hurling title since 1893. The 'Well, looking for their 19th crown since 1965, offered no excuses after they were pipped at the post by a side that displayed the greater hunger.

It was a memorable day for former county star Stephen McDonogh, celebrating his 37th birthday, as he lifted the Daly Cup. "It is my first major and my finest hour," said the captain. There were periods when Patrickswell looked as if they might shade it, particularly after Barry Foley goaled on the stroke of half-time. Ahead now by 1-7 to 0-8, after what earlier had been a points' swapping exercise, the city side had the bit between their teeth.

But the scene changed dramatically on 50 minutes when, still two points in arrears, Bruree edged ahead 1-14 to 1-13, with a stunning goal from the edge of the square by Tommy O'Brien.

That was the defining moment for them. Even though Barry Foley levelled, confidence had now soared and Stephen O'Halloran, fittingly racing on to a long clearance from McDonogh, restored their lead.

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The same player brought them closer to the winning post with a 58th-minute free, but they were left to live on their nerves in a thrilling finale after Foley left just one between them.While O'Halloran took most of the kudos for his 11 points, nine from placed balls, it was full back John O'Brien, and McDonogh in front of him, who lit the torch.

BRUREE: D Lane; K O'Rourke, J O'Brien, JP Murphy, D Lenihan, S McDonogh, S Mullane; JV O'Brien (0-1), E Morrissey; JC O'Brien, G O'Brien (0-2), B Hogan, T O'Brien (1-0), S O'Halloran (0-11, nine frees), M Lane (0-1). Sub: M O'Brien (0-1) for Morrissey.

PATRICKSWELL: B Murray; R Bennis, M Foley, P Earls, Paul O'Reilly, C Carey, P Carey; E Foley (0-1), P O'Grady (0-1); W O'Dea, J McDermott (0-3), T Sheehan, E Geary, D O'Grady (0-2), B Foley (1-7, 0-4 from frees). Subs: T O'Brien for Earls, Peter O'Reilly (0-1) for D O'Grady, T O'Brien for Sheehan.

Referee: D Richardson (Murroe-Boher).