St Mullin's ... 4-10 Naomh Eoin ... 4-8 St Mullin's and Naomh Eoin provided one of the best Carlow senior hurling finals for many years at Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, yesterday before an attendance of approximately 3,000.
In winning their 12th county senior hurling title, St Mullin's were particularly grateful to their right corner forward David Doyle, who contributed 3-1 from play and was fouled for the penalty which produced his side's first goal from full forward Michael Ryan.
Naomh Eoin struck for two late goals in the opening half to lead 2-5 to 1-5 at half-time and again, entering the final quarter, a goal from Robert Foley put them 3-8 to 2-8 in front. But in the space of three minutes Doyle struck for a brace of goals.
St Mullin's established a four-point lead before Des Murphy pegged a great goal back but St Mullin's held on for victory.
ST MULLIN'S: P Fenlon; E McDonald, T Doyle, M Kehoe; R Dreelan, S O'Shea, A Ralph; D Kavanagh, Paddy Coady; P Kehoe, Pat Coady (0-3), S Gahan (0-2); W Coady (0-1), M Ryan (1-3), D Doyle (3-1). Subs - D Murphy for W Coady; A Doyle for Gahan.
NAOMH EOIN: S Roberts; C Nolan, P Keogh, A Keogh; Ken Nolan, Kevin Nolan, T Minchin; D Roberts (0-1), S Kavanagh (1-3); R Foley (1-1), D Treacy, S Smithers (0-1); B Murphy (0-2), D Murphy (2-0), P Jordan. Subs - T Slye for A Keogh; B Mullins for Treacy; E Murphy for Jordan.
Referee: P Ahern (Carlow Town).
