Boden senior hurlers march into decider

BALLYBODEN St Enda’s senior hurlers marched into the county final at the weekend after seeing off St Vincent’s 0-24 to 1-19 in Parnell Park after extra time.

This thrilling encounter saw Boden keeper Conor O’Donoghue save a late penalty for Boden as they progressed to their first decider since 2020.

The first half of normal time saw Boden lead by 0-8 to 01-3 but it was Vincent’s who started the brightest with a goal and a point in the early stafes.

Boden soon settled with Paul Ryan sending over a free after 10 minutes while two further scores from Ryan and another from Shane Durkin had the sides evenly matced.

Ryan pushed Boden in front for the first time on 22 minutes and further points from Simon Lambert, Jack Lambert and Kevin Desmond had Dave Curtin’s side two points clear at the break.

Ryan and Desmond popped over points to edge Ballyboden four-clear before Ryan McBride replied with two points to leave the match hanging in the balance.

Niall Ryan replied with two points before McBride and Sean McDonnell for Boden traded points to leave the contest hanging in the balance.

However it took a late score from former Dublin footballer Diarmuid Connolly to force extra time in a thrilling contest.

In extra time Vin’s went two points up with Diarmuid and Tom Connolly finding the range but Enda’s held their nerve with Timmy Hammersley, Jack Lambert and Stephen O’Connor scoring points.

However in a dramatic conclusion, Vin’s were awarded a penalty but Conor O’Donoghue brilliantly saved Tom Connolly’s effort.

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