The level of stewarding at last night's Leinster U20HC final in Laois Hire O'Moore Park has come under scrutiny after two separate pitch invasions disrupted play during the closing stages.

With over 15,000 spectators in attendance and Offaly leading Dublin by six points in injury-time, hundreds of young fans ran on to the field thinking the game was over. 

Referee Caymon Flynn stopped the play for about a minute to allow for the pitch to be cleared. When play resumed, Conn Rock netted for Dublin to halve the deficit and leave Offaly fans biting their fingernails. A second pitch invasion took place at this point, leading to another request for supporters to vacate the field as there was still added time to be played.

Offaly eventually prevailed to retain their Leinster U20 crown, but many have asked why there wasn't more adequate stewarding, especially after the Faithful had also brought a large following to Portlaoise for the Leinster MHC final two years ago.

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