Watch: Hickey the hero as Kilbrittain claim All-Ireland junior glory

January 10, 2026

Mark Hickey of Kilbrittain is tackled by Eoghan-Rua McGowan of Easkey ©INPHO/James Lawlor

Mark Hickey’s free in injury-time proved the difference as Kilbrittain (Cork) edged 13-man Easkey (Sligo) by 0-19 to 0-18 at Croke Park to claim the All-Ireland club junior hurling championship title.

An airtight encounter at headquarters saw Easkey ahead by 0-11 to 0-10 at half-time, with their talisman Andrew Kilcullen to the fore for them after sending over five points in the opening half-hour.

Phillip Wall levelled for the Munster champions within a minute of the restart and they’d move ahead through Luke Griffin’s point before Hickey, who finished with 0-9, doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute.

Easkey were dealt a massive blow in the meantime as Kilcullen was issued a straight red card, with another for Fionn Connolly (two yellows) to follow late on, but still managed to move in front afterwards thanks to the scores of Rory McHugh and Tommy Cawley.

Kilbrittain got back up by two again before Cawley sent over two more scores (one free) down the home stretch and, ultimately, it was Hickey’s free (watch it below) in the second minute of injury-time which secured the All-Ireland crown for the men from the Rebel County.


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