SEVERAL County Hurling Championships were decided across a hectic weekend of lively activity.
As curtain-raiser to the senior decider, Garryspillane and Effin played themselves to a standstill in the Premier Intermediate final at the Gaelic Grounds.
The fierce rivals couldn’t be separated after extra time, which forced a dreaded penalty shoot-out. Here The Bouncers were clinical, with scores from Dylan O’Shea, Hugh Flanagan, and Ciaran Sheehan.
In sharp contrast, Effin – who came back from off the pace several times earlier in the afternoon – were unable to raise a green flag in the session, with Adam Sheehan brilliant between the posts for ‘spillane.
After normal time, the sides were tied 2-14 apiece and after another 20 minutes it was Garryspillane 4-19 (31), Effin 2-25 (31).
Winning captain Colin Ryan said: “It gives me an enormous honour to accept the Cup (Michael Fox Memorial) on behalf of a great bunch of players and management who have strived for this occasion since January 2024.”
“We were in the same position as yourselves last year (beaten by Newcastle West), but your day (Effin) will come.”
For Garryspillane, previous winners of this competition under Ryan’s uncle David back in 2018, the positive outcome results in a welcome return to the senior ranks in 2026.
For the Aaron Considine-managed victors, Hugh Flanagan (2-6), in a Player of the Match performance, was among a galaxy of stars.
With a massive haul of 16 points, Effin’s Paddy O’Donovan top-scored.
In the Interemediate final, Murroe Boher overcame Bruree, 2-21 to 1-13, in Fedamore.
James Butler’s side had fine scoring contributions from Seánie Tobin (0-10) and Michael Ryan (2-3).
In the Premier Junior final, Knockaderry surprised Doon, 0-13 to 0-12, in testing conditions at Kilmallock’s Fitzgerald Park.
Late-on the win was secured with a smashing point from Enda Moran.
For Brendan Hayes’ team, Mark Danagher knocked over an impressive seven points.
In the Junior final, Castletown Ballaygran eased past Templeglantine, 3-14 to 0-9, at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale.
For the Willie Biggane-managed champions, Mark Riordan (1-6) and Cian McNamara (2-3) excelled.