St Kieran's 2-10
Ardscoil Rís 1-11

An injury-time goal from Thomas O'Hanrahan clinched an 18th Croke Cup success for St Kiernan's yesterday at the expense of Ardscoil Rís, who suffered final heartbreak for the second successive year.

It was tense from start to finish at Semple Stadium, with more than a score rarely separating the sides, but it was the Kilkenny students that led at the break thanks to O'Hanrahan's first goal in the 27th minute which saw them move 1-4 to 0-4 clear.

In the second-half, Ardscoil Rís raced out of the traps and levelled with a goal from Oisin Hickey after a fine from Kevin Lynch through the centre. It didn't derail their opponents, who fired over four unanswered points in reply, but the Limerick outfit kept their fire burning as they earned frees for Shane Dowling to shoot over and move them into a 1-11 to 1-9 lead.

With injury-time approaching, Ardscoil Rís looked to be on their way before Conor O'Shea's burst from midfield provided O'Hanrahan with one last chance and the Kiernan's corner-forward made no mistake in blasting to the net. A quick puck-out from 'keeper PJ Hall saw the Saints win back possession and earn themselves a free which substitute Richie Reid sent over for a two-point lead.

Ardscoil Rís still had the chance to win it with a 20-metre free, but Dowling missed the pick up before whipping a drive which midfielder Jamie Shanahan doubled on but his effort whistled just wide and the Kilkenny side hung on to claim the title. Tweet

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