Aodh Ruadh win U-21 Hurling Shield against Setanta in terrible conditions

Gritty Aodh Ruadh pulled off an historic victory over a battling Setanta side thriller in the most challenging conditions at Roughan, Lifford.

For they have taken back-to-back titles at this level for the first time in their history.

Driving wind and icy rain made the pitch treacherous, but that did not stop both sides from giving it their all, as darkness fell towards the end of a thrilling encounter.

On balance, the Ballyshannnon boys deserved their win, made more remarkable by the fact they did it without gifted hurlers like Garreth Brennan, Joe Gibbions, Damian Weber and Ryan Keenaghan.

But, inspired by some fine scores from Aaron Cullen in a wind-assisted first half, and some superb points into the wind from Danny Breen in the second half, they brought some very scarce silverware back to their town.

Sean McMenamin was the chief scorer for Setanta and goaled in the second half and Conor Gallagher, Liam Carlin and Fionn Farrren all had their moments.

Aodh Ruadh, who lost star midfielder Johnny Lin to injury, while Kyle McNulty played on even though he picked up a knock, showed greater grit playing into a biting wind in the second half.

Aodh Ruadh had the strong wind in the first half, and early scores from Shay Winters and Cullen pushed them into an early two point lead.

McMenamin replied with a pointed free for the Finn Valley boys.

But Cullen was in fine form up front, and he landed five points in the opening half, with Cian McDonald adding a superb point as McMenamin responded for Setanta.

Every ball was hotly contested in very difficult conditions, and it got hotter on the line as referee James Connors gave Aodh Ruadh mentor Ciaran Rami a red card after a verbal altercation in the 18th minute.

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The winners were struck another blow when star midfielder Kyle McNulty had to go off with a knee injury as Ballyshannon led by 0-8 to 0-2 at the break.

The expected Setanta surge came when McMenamin finished the ball to the Aodh Ruadh net after a goalmouth melee in the 36th minute.

But Breen was finding his range, and he responded swiftly with a point.

Wind-assisted Setanta were pressing hard, and McMenamin and dual star Liam Carlin left it a two- point game.

It got even better for Setanta when McMenamin left just a point between the sides in the 40th minute.

But a hard won free for Aodh Ruadh was converted by Breen, and this was added to when Cullen picked out Winters with a picture pass and the latter pointed from an acute angle a the game entered its final stage.

A Breen free into a howling wind made it a four-point game as McMenamin reduced the deficit to a goal.

It looked like Setanta had scored a goal, but the ball was brought back for a throw ball as referee James Connors played six minutes of extra time.

And it was Breen who had the last say that clinched the title for the Ballyshannon men in near darkness.

Aodh Ruadh scorers: Aaron Cullen 0-6,1f; Danny Breen 0-4f; Shay Winters 0-2; Cian McDonald 0-1.

Setanta scorers: Sean McMenamin 1-4, 3f; Thomas McMenamin 0-1; Liam Carlin 0-1.

Aodh Ruadh: Tommy Clyne; Daire McDevitt, Lennon Canny, Daithi Sheerin; Rian Kane, Cameron Duffy, Maitiu Tierney; Johnny Lin, Kyle McNulty; Liam Doogan, Cian McDonald, Shay Winters; Tommy Winters, Danny Breen, Aaron Cullen.

Subs: James Gallagher for Kyle McNulty (20), Kyle McNulty for Rian Kane (33), Killian Bradshaw for Shay Winters (43), Shay Winters for Johnny Lin (54).

Setanta: Oisin Coyle; Killian Rushe, Daire Galvin, Tiernan Farren; Conor Galvin, Conor Gallagher, Cathal McMenamin; Fionn Farren, Liam Carlin; Cathair Browne, Thomas McMenamin, Sean D’Arcy; Sean McMenamin, James Foy, Ryan McConnell.

Subs: Shea McMenamin for Ryan McConnell (36).

Referee: James Connors (St Eunan’s)