Spa B are Cahill Cup champions after a thrilling extra-time victory over Annascaul B, in a final that had virtually everything — excellent scores, periods of dominance, a remarkable Annascaul fightback and a dramatic late penalty save.
Spa B 1-21 Annascaul B 1-16
The opening exchanges were evenly contested, with both sides registering two points apiece inside the opening five minutes. Spa then began to find their rhythm, with Mikey Moynihan producing a lovely two-pointer after eight minutes.
Niall Mac added another two-pointer in the 13th minute as Spa moved into a 0-6 to 0-3 lead. Spa continued to apply pressure during the closing stages of the first half, with points from JJ O'Donoghue and the impressive Niall Mac, before Michael Horgan finished the half in style with a superb two-pointer.
At half-time, Spa led 0-10 to 0-6.
Spa started the second half as they had finished the first, with Niall Mac adding three points in quick succession. Liam Spillane also got on the scoresheet before Michael Horgan struck for a crucial goal.
With 40 minutes played, Spa had opened up a significant 1-14 to 0-7 lead.
But Annascaul responded magnificently. Refusing to let the game slip away, they produced an outstanding fightback, chipping away at Spa's advantage and putting the Spa defence under increasing pressure. The momentum began to swing dramatically and, by the 60th minute, Annascaul had unbelievably closed the gap to level the contest.
With neither side able to settle the final in normal time, extra time was required.
Spa responded strongly once again, racing into a six-point lead early in extra time. Annascaul, showing tremendous character, fought back yet again and ensured that the final minutes remained extremely tense.
The drama reached its peak in the dying moments when Annascaul were awarded a penalty. With the game still in the balance, Spa goalkeeper Jack O'Sullivan produced a superb last-minute save, preserving Spa's advantage and effectively securing the Cahill Cup for his side.
The final whistle confirmed a hard-earned 1-21 to 1-16 victory for Spa B.
At the presentation, Diarmuid Cahill accepted the Cahill Cup on behalf of his victorious Spa teammates, bringing a memorable afternoon to a fitting conclusion.
