Plunkett’s topple champions

St Oliver Plunkett’s, from Mullingar, caused a major shock at Cusack Park, Mullingar, yesterday, beating champions Clonkill 1-9 to 1-8 to reach the Westmeath SHC final.

It appeared Plunkett’s were in trouble when they only led 0-8 to 0-4 at the break, having played with the strong wind. But Clonkill struggled against the wind too and still trailed 0-7 to 0-9 with seven minutes remaining, due to the outstanding defence of Plunkett’s Aaron Craig and Stephen Conway.

It looked as if Clonkill had snatched victory when sub Anthony Price scored a goal in the 54th minute. However, within a minute Plunkett’s regained the lead when Robbie Ryland shot high to the net.