Kilshannig 1-18
Dromina 2-13
Kilshannig produced a breathtaking fightback to claim only their second ever Avondhu Junior A Hurling title, overcoming Dromina in a thrilling final at Churchtown GAA Grounds in miserable conditions.
Trailing for almost the entire match, Kilshannig refused to buckle, their patience and grit finally paying off in a pulsating final ten minutes that saw them overturn Dromina ‘s lead.
What began as a day dominated by the eventual runners-up ended in heartbreak for Dromina.
Their early brilliance was undeniable, but with the challenging conditions and a strong breeze, it felt as though they were slightly short-changed by their halftime lead.
From the first attack, Dromina looked the stronger side. Within 30 seconds, Diarmuid Buckley netted the opening goal, followed by a second strike that had the scoreboard ticking relentlessly in Dromina’s favour. Davey Jones, Daniel O’Connell, Jack Morrissey, Kieran Cagney and Brian Buckley all impressed, keeping Kilshannig chasing shadows in the opening half.
Kilshannig’s response was steady rather than spectacular. Two long-range frees from Kieran Twomey got them off the mark, while Eanna O’Hanlon’s goal narrowed the gap. By halftime, Dromina held a five-point advantage at 2-8 to 1-6, despite late points from Jack Twomey and Paddy Walsh keeping Kilshannig within striking distance.
The second half saw Kilshannig gradually take control. With the wind at their backs, they capitalised on Dromina’s puck outs, retained possession, and pushed forward with precision and discipline. Scores from Jack Twomey and Paddy Walsh, combined with eight of the final ten points falling their way, sealed a stunning turnaround and left the Dromina players and fans stunned.
On the field, Kilshannig were marshalled superbly by Kieran Twomey at seven, joint-captains Bill Curtin at six and Jack Twomey at 11, and the tireless wing-forwards Paddy Walsh and Diarmuid O’Sullivan. Their resilience under pressure, particularly in dead-ball situations, proved decisive.
Dromina, for all their early dominance, were left to rue missed opportunities and the cruel bounce of the elements. The second half narrowed the pitch and opened space at the back, but Kilshannig’s discipline and determination made the difference on the day.
It was a gritty, hard-fought final in truly testing conditions, with both sides giving everything. Kilshannig now move forward with renewed belief, putting the ghosts of the 2022 County Final behind them, while Dromina can hold their heads high after a valiant and classy performance.
