Na Fianna 2-22 Kilcormac-Killoughey 2-16

AJ Murphy’s decisive goal propelled Na Fianna to a memorable provincial hurling title at Croke Park, overcoming Kilcormac/Killoughey 2-23 to 2-16 in front of 9,209 fans.

The win avenged last year’s narrow loss in the final. Na Fianna led by seven points at halftime, with standout performances from Donal Burke (seven from play) and Colin Currie (0-8). Kilcormac/Killoughey rallied in the second half, with Conor Mahon’s 39th-minute goal narrowing the gap to one point.

However, Murphy’s quick response re-established Na Fianna’s control, supported by Sean Currie’s first-half goal and a strong finish. Despite Adam Screeney’s late goal for Kilcormac/Killoughey, the Dublin champions held firm, extending their lead to seven by the final whistle.

Manager Niall O Ceallachain now prepares the team for an All-Ireland semi-final against Loughrea in mid-December, extending their remarkable campaign.

Scorers for Na Fianna: Colin Currie 0-8 (7fs), Donal Burke 0-7, AJ Murphy 1-2, Sean Currie 1-0, Jack Meagher 0-2, Brian Ryan 0-2, Ciaran Stacey 0-1.

Scorers for Kilcormac/Killoughey: Adam Screeney 1-8 (6fs), Conor Mahon 1-2, Charlie Mitchell 0-3, Conor Slevin 0-2 (2fs), Colin Spain 0-1.

Na Fianna: Jonathan Tracey; Kevin Burke, Sean Burke, Conor McHugh; Donal Ryan, Liam Rushe, Peter Feeney; Brian Ryan, Sean Currie; Gavin King, Donal Burke, Jack Meagher; Colin Currie, AJ Murphy, Ciaran Stacey.

Subs: Sean Ryan for King h/t, Diarmuid Clerkin for Rushe 49-50, Shane Barrett for Meagher 58.

Kilcormac/Killoughey: Conor Slevin; Oisin Mahon, Tom Spain, James Mahon; Jordan Quinn, Brecon Kavanagh, Enda Grogan; Colin Spain, Damien Kilmartin; Jack Screeney, Conor Mahon, Leigh Kavanagh; Adam Screeney, Charlie Mitchell, Daniel Hand.

Subs: Cillian Kiely for Grogan 39, James Gorman for Hand 42, Peter Geraghty for Jack Screeney 45, Cathal Kiely for Leigh Kavanagh 57, Alex Kavanagh for Kilmartin 59.

Referee: Padraig Dunne (Laois).