A thrilling Carlow SHC final ended in a draw at Dr Cullen Park yesterday. The opening 22 minutes of this match produced six goals. St Mullins raced into a 3-3 to 1-0 lead after 30 minutes, courtesy of two goals from David Doyle and Sean Gahan.
But St Mullins allowed their big lead to slip and goals from Peadar Jordan and Des Murphy saw the champions level at 3-5 at half time. Early in the second half Naomh Eoin scored four unanswered points. But St Mullins finished the game the strongly and drew level through a 50th minute goal from Sean Gahan.
Naomh Eoin's Brian Murphy and St Mullins midfielder Micheal Ryan traded points. But St Mullins will rue three chances from placed balls late in the game. St Mullins will represent Carlow in Leinster against Kiltegan of Wicklow. Naomh Eoin are ruled out of the 1999 provincial club championship due to incidents in their game against Trim of Meath last October.
Naomh Eoin: D Slue; N Kavanagh, P Keogh, A Keogh; M Minchin, C Jordan, N Foley; A Curry, R Foley (0-2); S Spruhan, D Murphy (1-1), D Roberts (0-4); M Slye, P Jordan (2-2), B Murphy (0-2). Subs: J Byrne for M Slye, K Nolan for N Foley.
St Mullins: P Fenlon; E McDonald, T Doyle, K Kielthy; J Doyle, S O'Shea, R Dreelan; D Kavanagh, M Ryan (0-1); W Foley, P Coady (0-5), C Byrne (0-1); D Doyle (2-0), J Cahill, S Gahan (2-1). Subs: A Ralph for J Doyle , P Murphy for Foley, A Doyle for Cahill.
Referee: P Ahern (Carlow).
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