Waterford show their resolve

Waterford...2-12 Leitrim...2-9: Waterford captured their second All-Ireland junior football title in a thrilling replay at Birr on Saturday. This was a lively affair with two penalties in the opening minutes, four goals in the opening half and a Waterford recovery in the closing minutes.

The first penalty was awarded to Leitrim in the sixth minute but James Holohan's effort was saved. Two minutes later Waterford converted from the spot through Paul Foley to lead by 1-2 to 0-1. Leitrim recovered with goals from Jan Cullen and Damien O'Donnell to lead 2-5 to 2-3 at the break as Foley kept Waterford in touch with a goal.

With 11 minutes left Leitrim opened up a two-point lead before a brace of Ray Hennessy points had Waterford level. The Munster side finished with points from Emmett Doherty, Shane McGrath and top scorer Foley.

WATERFORD: A Kowain; D Ryan, R Power, M Boyne; N Barrie, L Horney, J Phelan; D Kirwan, M O'Brien; K Wheelan (0-2), M Kiely, R Hennessy (0-4); E Doherty (0-3), P Foley (2-2), J Kiely. Subs: A Power for Kowain, T Kirwan for J Phelan, S Dempsey for M O'Brien, J Power for J Kiely, S McGrath (0-1) for J Power.

LEITRIM: K Ludlow; K Kennedy, O McBride, B Butler; F Holohan, D McHugh, D Duignan (0-1); K Scollan, J Kilbane; J Cullen (1-1), D O'Donnell (1-1), B McWeeney; S Maguire (0-2), O Maguire (0-1), J Holohan (0-3). Subs: P McGarry for McHugh, S Foley for Scollan, G McWeeney for O'Donnell, S Doorigan for J Cullen.

Referee: P Fox (Westmeath).