AUSTRALIA dominated almost six of the eight quarters but in the final period at Croke Park on Saturday night, such was the passion and understanding for what is required to prosper in this game, that Ireland almost produced an unlikely victory.

PERHAPS a place in the final was more than Nenagh Ormond anticipated a few weeks ago, but Saturday’s last gasp defeat by Queens University in the AIB Division Three final at Anglesea Road was a bitter pill to swallow nonetheless.