26/08/2026
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Massive congrats to the Clanna Gael team and mentors on their well battled victory last night! ๐
We are very proud to see some of our former players involved, well done to the whole team!! ๐๐ผ๐
Co. Minor Hurling Champ. Div. 1 Shield Final:
๐๐น๐ฎ๐ป ๐ป๐ฎ ๐๐ฎ๐ฒ๐น ๐ญ-๐ฎ๐ฏ ๐๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐๐ถ๐ฑ๐ฒ ๐ฎ-๐ญ๐ณ (๐๐๐ง) โ Comeback heroes Clan na Gael came out on top after a thrilling extra-time battle to lift the County Minor Hurling Division 1 Shield in rain-soaked and windswept Fraher Field on Tuesday night.
Despite an untimely break in the weather, this Division 1 decider more than lived up to expectations as spectators marvelled at an outstanding Man of the Match display from county minor Cian Delaney.
His remarkable tally of 1-19 (including 1-9 from play) inspired Clan na Gael to victory. The youngsterโs first touch, pace, movement and deadly accuracy caused problems throughout, while his crucial goal in the first half of the extra period ultimately proved the difference between the sides.
The boys from Butlerstown, Dunhill and Fenor showed tremendous character and resilience to claim the spoils. Having trailed for much of the hour to a strong Abbeyside unit, they never lost belief. Wind-assisted in the second half, they gradually plugged the gap before Delaney's late free left the sides deadlocked at 2-13 to 0-19, forcing extra time.
The decisive moment came in the opening part of that extended period when Delaney finished to the net after excellent work from Ruairi Brennan. That goal gave Clan na Gael an advantage they would not relinquish, outscoring Abbeyside 1-3 to 0-3 during that crucial spell to establish a three-point cushion by the second change of ends.
While Delaney was imperious, Clan na Gael had strong performers throughout the field, both among the starting XV โ including midfielder Eoin Farrell (so influential in the semi-final win over Lismore a week earlier) โ and off the bench (Dan OโNeill introduced to good effect at half-time).
Captain Cillian Brennan led by example, while Ruairi Brennan chipped in with two important second-half points as well as assisting for the winning goal.
Despite conceding two early green flags to Abbeyside's Aaron Walsh, Clan na Gael kept their composure. Delaney accounted for all but one of their first-half scores and they trailed by just four points at the break, 2-6 to 0-8.
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With the wind now at their backs, Clan na Gael built momentum. Delaney and Brennan combined to haul the sides level by the 39th minute, and although Abbeyside responded, Clan na Gael upped the pressure. An Alex Barry point brought the teams level again before Delaney's accuracy from both play and frees pushed his team ahead for the first time in the 56th minute.
Even when Abbeyside regained the lead late on, the CNG colours refused to yield. Delaney's hugely impressive long-range free deep into stoppage time sent the game into extra time and set the stage for his match-winning contribution.
It was then that the winners produced their best hurling when it mattered most. Delaney's goal and three additional points gave them a vital edge, which they defended courageously during fiercely contested closing salvos. Their discipline, work rate and sheer determination ensured what was a deserved result.
After the final whistle, Clan na Gael celebrated a memorable triumph before County Board Chairman Neil Moore presented the shield to team captain Cillian Brennan.
A massive well done to every single player as well as the entire management and backroom team on an immense effort that augurs well for the future.
๐๐๐๐ก ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐: John Day; David Prout, Daniel Groves, James Power; Tom Quaid, Cillian Brennan, David Dunphy; Eoin Farrell, Luke Higgins; Zach Butler, Rob Kearney, Ruairi Brennan (0-2); Morgan Glynn, Alex Barry, Cian Delaney (1-19, 10f). Subs: Daniel O'Neill for David Dunphy (h/t), David Dunphy for Tom Quaid (73), Usna Hickey for Alex Barry (77).
*With thanks to Tony Ryan/โFraher Field Classicsโ for coverage and presentation photo. Full report: https://shorturl.at/z58Y0
