New York claim historic first Lory Meagher cup with victory over Cavan
New York captain Johnny Glynn, left, and James Breen lift the Lory Meagher Cup Picture: Stephen Marken/Sportsfile
New York used goals as their battering ram to a historic first Lory Meagher Cup title success at Croke Park.
Goals from Man of the Match David Mangan, who finished with 1-7, Dara Walsh, AJ Willis and Tomas O'Connor propelled the Exiles to the landmark win.
New York only returned to hurling's fifth tier last weekend, beating Monaghan at the semi-final stage, having not previously played in a Championship here since 2006.
Former Galway star Jonathan Glynn scored two points, the same as he did against Monaghan, and lifted the cup as captain, roaring 'New York abu' from the steps of the Hogan Stand.
The goals were the difference on the day and left Cavan with a mountain to climb after falling 11 points down early in the second-half.
The Breffni took consolation from a strong finish with two final quarter goals themselves to push New York all the way.
It was Cavan's first final at the grade since losing to Fermanagh in the 2021 decider.
They returned to Croke Park with 11 starters from that final four years ago in their matchday squad.
But while they were desperate to redeem themselves, and qualified for the final with a group game to spare, they ran into a high quality New York side.
Richie Hartnett's Exiles led by 3-11 to 0-13 at half-time having opened up with some terrific hurling at times.
Glynn was the big draw and while he wore number 10, the big attacker started at full-forward, pinching a 14th minute point.
But it was a huge team performance overall with Adam Loughlin Stones and Galway native Mangan combining time after time.
They struck eight first-half points between them while O'Connor, Willis and Walsh swooped for the goals.
Portroe man Willis struck 1-8 against Monaghan and maintained his good form though Walsh's goal before half-time was the pick of the bunch with Loughlin Stones assisting.
Cavan had their moments and struck neat points from Kilkenny men Canice Maher and Nicky Kenny. Free-taker Liam O'Brien fired over five first-half points.
But they were overwhelmed by the scoring power of New York who continued to go for goals after the restart.
Mangan hit the net from a penalty and while Conor Hammersley and Walsh were denied by goalkeeper saves, Mangan knocked over the resulting two 65s.
With 20 minutes to go, New York led 4-14 to 0-15 and weren't flattered.
Cavan refused to relent and clawed back two final quarter goals to add some late intrigue.
Kenny flicked home the first after a deflected O'Brien free fell kindly and O'Brien scored the second himself from a penalty after a foul on Keating.
Cavan pushed hard for further goals and Glynn dropped out to midfield to help New York grab a foothold as Cavan rallied.
Ollie Bellew's side reduced the gap to five points but that was as good as it got for them as New York held on.
D Mangan 1-7 (1-0 pen, 0-1f, 0-2 65), D Walsh 1-1, AJ Willis 1-1, T O'Connor 1-0, A Loughlin Stones 0-3, J Glynn 0-2, T O'Meara 0-1, A Organ 0-1, C Hammersley 0-1.
L O'Brien 1-7 (1-0 pen, 0-6f), N Kenny 1-1, C Sheanon 0-2, J McGuinness 0-2, S Keating 0-1, C Maher 0-1, E Ă“g McAllister 0-1, D Mulligan 0-1, R Delaney 0-1.
D Mottram; E Barry, H Keyes, J Cronin Rodger; D O'Donohue, D Moran, S O'Leary Hayes; T O'Meara, A Loughlin Stones; C Hammersley, D Mangan, AJ Willis; T O'Connor, J Glynn, D Walsh.
J Bermingham for Moran 27, G McPartland for O'Meara 52, A Organ for O'Connor 55, B McPartland for Barry 57, D Hynes for Walsh 71.
C Gallagher; S Briody, E Shalvey, S Sheridan; D Mulligan, C Sheanon, M Hynes; C Maher, J McGuinness; L O'Brien, E Og McAllister, C Sheanon; N Kenny, S Keating, J Barry.
T Leonard for McGuinness 45, D Carney for Hynes 51, M Moffett for Barry 60, D Martin for Briody 66, R Delaney for Mulligan 66.
K Parke (Antrim).
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