Coakley’s late goal seals dramatic Shield glory for Killeshin

Scoil Chomhgháin Naofa Killeshin 4-4 

St Patrick’s BNS Portarlington 3-6 

Killeshin were crowned Division 1 Boys Shield champions after a thrilling final that was settled by a dramatic injury-time goal from substitute Mason Coakley.

In a contest packed with twists and turns, Portarlington looked to have completed an extraordinary comeback after overturning an eight-point deficit to take the lead heading into added time. However, Coakley had the final say, breaking Portarlington hearts and securing a memorable victory for Killeshin.

Killeshin made the perfect start when John Jackson fired to the net before adding a point. Portarlington responded through the impressive Andrew McCallum, while Jayce Nolan also raised a white flag, but those were their only scores of the opening half.

Sean McDonald kept the scoreboard ticking over for Killeshin with a point from play and a free, while Brenin Haughney also got on the scoresheet. The winners then struck a crucial second goal before the break when Ryan Freimanis found the net, helping Killeshin into a commanding 2-4 to 0-2 lead.

Portarlington emerged for the second half determined to fight back and got the dream start they needed. Oisín Honan converted a free to the net and McCallum followed up with a point.

Freimanis replied with his second goal for Killeshin, but Portarlington refused to go away. Honan and McCallum inspired the resurgence, with McCallum blasting home a goal before Nolan added a point to reduce the deficit to two.

The momentum continued to swing Portarlington’s way and Honan struck his second goal of the game to edge his side in front for the first time inside the final ten minutes. McCallum then stretched the advantage to two points, leaving Killeshin facing defeat.

But deep into stoppage time, Haughney delivered a dangerous free into the square and substitute Mason Coakley was on hand to apply the decisive touch, sparking jubilant scenes as Killeshin snatched victory and the Division 1 Boys Shield title.

SCORERS:

Killeshin: Ryan Freimanis 2-0, John Jackson 1-1, Mason Coakley 1-0, Sean McDonald 0-2 (0-1f), Brenin Haughney 0-1.

Portarlington BNS: Oisin Honan 2-1 (1-0f), Andrew McCallum 1-3, Jayce Nolan 0-2.

SCOIL CHOMHGHÁIN NAOFA KILLESHIN: Shane Hennessy, Rian Buggy, Cathal Brennan, Alfie Doran, Rian Bolton, Callum McFeeley, Sean McDonald, Scott Mularky, John Jackson, Brenin Haughney, Donal Farrell, Regan Dunne, Ryan Freimanis, Charlie O’Neill, Finn O’Driscoll, Cian Murphy, Tom Condron, Kai O’Neill, Jay Regan, Cillian Murphy, James Graham, Mason Coakley.

ST PATRICK’S BNS PORTARLINGTON: Max Matthews, Cathal Fairbrother, Aidan Houlihan, Andrew Emerson, Tiarnán Bourke, Alex Williams, Oisín Honan, Andrew McCallum, Jordi O’Reilly, Isaac McCluskey, Daire Cunningham Sullivan, Darragh Johnston, Charlie Baker, Oisín Brereton, Jayce Nolan, Max O’Keefe.