Kildangan stun rivals Burgess

THE BONFIRES were ablaze in Puckane last night as Kildangan celebrated its first North Tipperary senior hurling title since 1943, its third in all, a victory made all the sweeter in that it was achieved in the most unlikely of circumstances over neighbours and fierce rivals, Burgess.

With 15 minutes to go, and despite having lost wing-back and captain Brian Hogan along with midfielder Timmy Hogan (both succumbing to shoulder injuries carried into the game), Burgess led by eight points, 2-12 to 0-10, and looked set to claim a first ever title in their own name.

And then Kildangan found their form. The defence closed up shop, not another score conceded, and they notched 1-7 in that closing 15, 1-1 from corner-forward sub Seánie Kelly, the lead point from sub, Eoin Gleeson, yet another sub, Martin Minahan doing great work in midfield. While Burgess will curse their luck, justice was done in McDonagh Park.