Allianz HL D3 Final: Wicklow win thriller
Sam O'Dowd, Wicklow, and Danny Cullen, Donegal, in Allianz Hurling League Division Three Final action. Photo by Matt Browne/Sportsfile
Allianz Hurling League Division Three Final
Wicklow 3-16 Donegal 2-18
Seanie Germaine netted two goals in the closing stages as Wicklow finished with a flourish to win a dramatic Allianz Hurling League Division Three Final at Echelon Park.
In additional time at the end of a thoroughly enjoyable match Germaine struck a couple of majors - to complete a hat-trick - as Wicklow eventually prevailed.
An impressive Donegal team, inspired by the excellent Liam McKinney, who finished with a 1-8 haul, had assumed a commanding position, but Wicklow refused to be denied.
When it truly mattered Germaine provided the inspiration for Wicklow, who took the silverware.
Gavin Browne supplied an opening period goal for Donegal, who were 1-11 to 0-9 ahead at the interval.
When the action recommenced, Germaine's opportunistic goal reduced the deficit and Wicklow subsequently edged ahead in the 49th minute courtesy of a point from substitute Luke Evans.
Donegal, though, came roaring back with McKinney an influential figure. McKinney goaled for Donegal, who were on the verge of securing victory.
Germaine, though, narrowed the gap with a blistering goal. Then, late on a free from Wicklow goalkeeper Conor McNally caused panic, and Germaine reacted smartly to score the decisive goal.
Scorers for Wicklow: Seanie Germaine 3-0, Padraig Doyle 0-8 (5fs), Sam O'Dowd 0-3, Brandon Ryan, Luke Evans, Fionn Darcy, Eoin McCormack, Padraig Doran (f) 0-1 each.
Scorers for Donegal: Liam McKinney 1-8 (3fs, 2 65s), Gavin Browne 1-1, Declan Coulter 0-2, Ronan McDermott, Josh Cronnolly-McGee, Richie Ryan, Peter Kelly, and Dan Donnelly 0-1 each.
Wicklow: Conor McNally; Ben Kearney, Bryan Kearney, Ian Clancy; Tommy Collins, John Henderson, James Boland; Pádraig Doran, Sam O’Dowd; Brandon Ryan, Andrew Kavanagh, Jack Doyle; Fionn Darcy, Pádraig Doyle, Seanie Germaine.
Subs: Luke Evans for Jack Doyle (HT), Eoin McCormack for Ryan (HT), Jack Phelan for Darcy (65).
Donegal: Luke White; Oisin Kelly, Ciaran Bradley, Steven McBride; Conor O’Grady, Kevin Kealy, Gavin Browne; Danny Cullen, Brian MacIntyre; Liam McKinney, Ronan McDermott, Peter Kelly; Declan Coulter, Richie Ryan, Josh Cronnolly-McGee.
Subs: John Kealy for Peter Kelly (53), Dan Donnelly for Ryan (58), Rauri Campbell for Coulter (65), Ryan Hilferty for Browne (66), Conor Diver for MacIntyre (69).
Referee: Matthew Farrell (Offaly).
