Casey crushes Brackloon with last gasp winner
The victorious Tooreen NS team with the Ave Maria Nursing Home Shield after their win against Brackloon NS in the Cumann na mBunscol Division 1 hurling final in MacHale Park. Pictures: Michael Donnelly
It was a dramatic finish to a thrilling Division 1 final as Tooreen National School claimed back-to-back titles with a last-gasp goal. In a pulsating, end-to-end game, a late free from Cillian Casey, intended for a point but sailing into the top corner, snatched victory from Brackloon in the dying seconds.
Brackloon, who last claimed the title in 2023, opened the scoring through a free from Eoin O’Raghallaigh. They pressed high in the opening stages but Tooreen, led by co-captains Cillian Casey and Diarmuid Delaney, were dangerous on the counter. In the sixth minute, Delaney rifled the ball into the top corner for Tooreen’s first goal. He remained a large threat throughout the match.
Casey followed with a long-range free before Brackloon responded through Kevin Moran. Donncha Walsh dictated midfield for Brackloon, while Alice Burrows stood out in defence. As the game approached the interval, the goals began to flow. Paddy Heneghan scrambled the ball home for Brackloon’s first goal after a goal-line scramble. Just two minutes later, Cillian Casey struck back with a brilliant solo goal, showcasing his sharpness and skill. In the 20th minute, a Casey free dropped into the danger zone, where Ryan Gannon reacted quickest to give Tooreen a 3-1 to 1-2 half-time lead.
The tempo remained high in the second-half. Diarmuid Delaney quickly added a point, but Brackloon came roaring back. O’Raghallaigh converted a free before Kevin Moran pounced on a short free to hammer home their second goal. Another O’Raghallaigh free brought Brackloon within a single point. Brackloon continued to attack but Tooreen's goalkeeper, Colman Forkan, was alert to any danger.
Casey steadied the ship with a free but in the 36th minute, Eoin O’Raghallaigh edged Brackloon ahead with a brilliant goal after some hard work to keep the sliotar in play. A Casey free soon levelled the game again.
With the clock ticking into the 39th minute, O’Raghallaigh looked to have sealed it for Brackloon with a fine point from a free. But there was one final twist. Tooreen won a free in added time and Casey stepped up. His powerful effort soared beyond everyone into the net. The final whistle followed immediately, with jubilant scenes for Tooreen as they claimed their second successive title in unforgettable fashion.
