Another schools Munster title goes to Tipperary after Colaiste Phobal claim late win

Munster PPS U19D Hurling Final

Colaiste Phobal Roscrea 4-12

St. Munchin's 2-13

Jason Sampson’s dramatic late goal secured a memorable victory for Scoil Phobail Roscrea in the Munster Schools U19D Hurling Championship after a thrilling contest against St. Munchin’s College at UL last Wednesday afternoon.

There was a strong Tipperary contingent present in the winning outfit, with Roscrea naturally making up the bulk of Premier representation, fielding 10 players on the day; Moneygall with one player in the victory.

St. Munchin’s mounted two impressive comebacks, the second highlighted by a stunning free from Ciaran Howard, who found the net with just four minutes left on the clock, cutting the deficit to three points.

Howard followed up with another free in the 59th minute, narrowing the scoreline to 3-12 to 2-13. However, in injury time, Gearoid Maher launched a free into the danger zone, and Sampson expertly flicked it to the net, clinching the win for the Tipperary school.

It was a devastating conclusion for Munchin’s, who had fought back bravely after a poor start. Roscrea’s early dominance saw them net three goals in the opening 15 minutes, leaving the Limerick side with a mountain to climb.

Trailing by 10 points after 20 minutes, Munchin’s showed great resilience and reduced the gap to three by halftime. Early in the second half, Dan Hogan’s points brought them within a single score at 3-5 to 1-10.

Roscrea responded quickly, with Sam Dooley’s point ending an 18-minute scoring drought. By the third quarter, they had restored a three-point cushion at 3-8 to 1-11. Maher and Dooley extended Roscrea’s lead to six points with five minutes remaining, but Munchin’s refused to surrender.

A well-orchestrated move involving Ruaidhrí Nolan and Hogan created a goal opportunity for Gavin Marshall, who was fouled after his shot was saved.

Howard’s clever free, tucked inside the near post, reignited Munchin’s hopes. Yet, Sampson’s decisive intervention ensured the Roscrea side held on for a hard-earned victory.

Roscrea started strongly, with a goal in the opening minutes. Dooley expertly directed Maher’s long ball to Sampson, who finished with precision to put his side ahead, 1-1 to 0-1.

Their dominance continued, with Paul Simpson setting up Jack Walsh to assist Seamie Clere for another clinical finish, doubling the lead to 2-4 to 0-2 by the 10th minute.

The third goal came after Clere capitalized on a defensive error, setting up Dooley for a close-range strike to make it 3-4 to 0-3 after just 16 minutes.

Despite Roscrea’s commanding start, Munchin’s showed determination, with standout efforts from Mark McDermott and Gavin Marshall. Ultimately, Roscrea’s early scoring spree and Sampson’s final strike proved too much for Limerick's spirited side.

Scorers: Scoil Phobail Roscrea: S Dooley (1-6, 0-5f), J Sampson 2-1, S Cleare 1-0, G Maher 0-3f, J Walsh 0-2.

St. Munchin’s: C Howard (1-6, 1-5f), H Hodgins 1-1, R Nolan, D Hogan 0-2 each, G Marshall 0-1f, M McDermott 0-1.

Colaiste Phobail Roscrea: M Watkins (Ballyskenach/Killavilla); M Loughnane (Roscrea), C McDonald (Roscrea), J Loughnane (Roscrea); S Maher (Moneygall), P Simpson (Shinrone), D Phelan (Ballyskenach/Killavilla); G Maher (Shinrone), A O’Donoghue (Roscrea); J Sampson (Shinrone), P Dooley (Roscrea), S Clere (Ballyskenach/Killavilla); J Moloney (Roscrea), S Dooley (Roscrea), J Walsh (Roscrea).

Subs used: C Mitchell (Roscrea) for Walsh (50); M Pasalic (Roscrea) for Dooley (57).

St. Munchin’s: B Minogue (Smith O’Briens); E Barrett (Parteen Meelick), K Playon (Clonlara), J Begley (Clonlara); M McDermott (Parteen Meelick), P Reddan (Clonlara), S Maxwell (Parteen Meelick); R Nolan (Parteen Meelick), D O’Connell (Parteen Meelick); G Marshall (Parteen Meelick), H Hodgins (Clonlara), C Howard (Clonlara); S Barrett (Clonlara), D Dillon (Clonlara), D Hogan (Clonlara).

Subs used: G O’Brien (Clonlara) for McDermott (45); D O’Driscoll (Parteen Meelick) for Hodgins (45).

Referee: Éamonn Stapleton (Doon)