Masterclass from killian doyle as raharney see off pollard challenge
After a four-year wait, Raharney have reclaimed the Westmeath Examiner Cup, after a late Brian Connaughton goal helped them withstand a comeback from underdogs Castlepollard in today's Slevin's Coaches SHC final at Cusack Park.
Youngster Killian Doyle clocked up nine points in a scintillating display, as the Deelsiders ran out 2-12 to 1-9 winners.
Despite a forgettable start - characterised by some poor shooting in the first quarter, resulting in nine wides - the 2010 champions stepped up a gear, with an outstanding 26th minute goal from the other Doyle twin, Ciaran, setting up a 1-7 to 0-3 lead at the break.
A landslide Raharney win looked on the cards, but the Blues lost influential midfielder Cormac Boyle to an injury early in the second half, and 'Pollard bounced back.
Superb points from Kevin Brazil (2) and Alan Devine reduced the arrears to four, but when Killian Doyle fired two marvellous scores - one coming after a magnificent piece of skill on the right wing - Raharney looked home and hosed.
However, with five minutes to go, redoubtable 'Pollard - in their first final since 2005, when they last won a senior title - pulled themselves back into contention, thanks to a tremendous goal from veteran Darren McCormack.
But Raharney got the best out of the remaining moments, with Connaughton's late strike putting the result beyond all doubt, and sealing the Blues' twelfth title.
Johnny Greville's troops now look forward to a Leinster Club SHC fixture against Carlow champions St Mullin's on November 2.