Raharney are Westmeath senior hurling champions for the second time in three years after edging out Lough Lene Gaels by 2-19 to 2-17 at TEG Cusack Park this afternoon.

Killian Doyle was the star of the show with 1-11 over the hour for the victors as they denied their counterparts a first SHC title in 21 years.

Raharney had been 0-8 to 0-5 in front when Lough Lene Gaels registered the decider’s first goal on 19 minutes from the penalty spot through David Williams after Jason Malone had been fouled.

The 2021 winners still held the lead at half-time (0-11 to 1-7) however, after late frees in the half from the stick of Doyle.

The Gaels started the second-half brightly and would be four points up when Derek McNicholas lashed in their second goal in the 45th minute.

However, six minutes later, the sliotar would be in their net after substitute Brian McGrath finished off a slick individual move that left a point in it.

The same margin stood as the game ticked into injury-time and it was Doyle that came up trumps after his brother Ciaran found him with a long range free and he’d fire in what proved to be the winning goal.

There was a late chance for the Gaels and it saw a McNicholas free coming off the butt of the post in the late stages, as Raharney held on for their club’s 15th SHC success.

Killian Doyle has just scored a magnificent goal to win it for Raharney in stoppage time.

An absolutely supremely talented hurler as evident by his all-star nominee in 2022.

Heartbreaking for Lough Lene Gaels.

— Conor McKenna (@conormckenna98) October 8, 2023

2023 Slevins Coaches Senior A Hurling Champions - Raharney.
Congratulations to all involved
🏆 🏆 🏆 #westmeathgaa#whclubchamp2023 pic.twitter.com/im9eWCY6U4

— Westmeath GAA (@westmeath_gaa) October 8, 2023

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