The monopoly being exercised by Wexford clubs on the Carlow town All-Ireland Hurling XIs competition continued on Saturday when Cloughbawn won the title which had been held for the past two years by their fellow countymen Glynn-Barntown.

Thirty-six teams took part in this the 10th annual XIs and the day provided a feast of hurling in ideal conditions.

The competition was run on the basis of eight groups. The group winners to emerge were host Carlow town, Cloughbawn, Mount Sion (Waterford) Moneygall (Tipperary) Ballyhea, Naas, Ballingarry (Tipperary) and Castletown (Laois).

After the quarter-finals Cloughbawn faced Mount Sion in a semi-final which the Wexford side won by a close 2-4 to 1-4. Meanwhile, in the second semi-final, Ballyhea defeated Castletown narrowly by 1-7 to 0-8.

Ballyhea, who lost last year's final by 1-6 to 1-5 to Glynn Barntown, were hoping to go all the way this time. But Cloughbawn, having played one match less in their group, were the fresher side and were never led in the decider.

A goal before half-time by Wexford senior Sean Flood put the Wexford club 2-1 to 1-1 in front and they added a further point before half-time.

In the second half Ballyhea tried unsuccessfully to break down the Cloughbawn defence for a goal that might change the trend of the game. But staunch Cloughbawn defence saw them take the 11th title deservedly for the first time.

Cloughbawn: N Carton, P Flood, G Flood, B Keating, J Doyle, S Flood (1-0), B Redmond, L Murphy, M Redmond, P Carton, M J Furlong (1-1). Sub: M Redmond (0-3) for Kehoe.

Ballyhea: O Morrissey, N Hanley, J O'Callaghan, S Dennehy, E Morrissey, N Ronan (0-3) I Ronan, A Crowley, B Condon (1-0), M O'Callaghan, D Ronan. Subs:J DUllivan for Crowley, I Curtin for Condon.

Referee: P Ahern (Carlow).