Russell Rovers’ Brave Effort Falls Short in All-Ireland Junior Hurling Final

Russell Rovers fought valiantly in the AIB All-Ireland Junior Hurling Championship final but were edged out by Kilkenny’s St Lachtain’s, 1-18 to 0-16, at Croke Park.

Despite an early goal from Shane Donnelly giving St Lachtain’s the edge, Russell Rovers stayed competitive throughout. Josh Beausang was pivotal, opening the scoring and contributing crucial frees, while captain Ciarán Sheehan inspired with key points. Wing-backs James Kennefick and Fintan Murray also impressed.

However, a 15-minute scoring drought in the first half and missed opportunities, including a saved goal attempt by Brian Hartnett, proved costly. St Lachtain’s, led by a towering performance from Brian Kennedy, maintained their lead with excellent scoring from Liam Hickey, Shane Donnelly, and goalkeeper Darren Brennan, who was named man-of-the-match.

A late surge by Russell Rovers, including points from Luke Duggan Murray and Beausang, narrowed the gap to three, but time ran out.

While the result was disappointing, Russell Rovers showcased immense heart and skill, representing Cork with pride on the national stage.

Scorers for St Lachtain’s: S Donnelly (1-1), L Hickey (0-1 free, 0-1 sl) and A Rafter (0-3 each), C Hickey and J Maher (0-2 each), B Kennedy, B Quinn, M Donnelly, P Killeen, D Brennan (free), D Maher and C O’Leary (0-1 each).

Scorers for Russell Rovers: J Beausang (0-8, 0-6 frees, 0-1 65), L Duggan Murray (0-2), J Kennefick, F Murray, K Moynihan, C Sheehan, J McGrath and M O’Dwyer (0-1 each).

ST LACHTAIN’S: D Brennan; S Rafter, C Bergin (Capt), S Dawson; P Donnelly, B Kennedy, C Hickey; B Quinn, M Donnelly; A Rafter, P Killeen, C O’Leary; S Donnelly, J Maher, L Hickey.

Subs: D Maher for C O’Leary (51), J Fitzpatrick for J Maher (52), C Dawson for S Donnelly (57), J Bergin for A Rafter (62).

RUSSELL ROVERS: R Walsh; E O’Sullivan, P Cummins, K Tattan; F Murray, P Lane, J Kennefick; K Walsh, R Cummins; L Duggan Murray, K Moynihan, D Ruddy; B Hartnett, C Sheehan (Capt), J Beausang.

Subs: M O’Dwyer for P Lane (28 inj), J McGrath for D Ruddy (half-time), K O’Brien for K Moynihan (57).

Referee: Peter Owens (Down).