'This is a learning curve for a young panel' - Dermot Curley

While disappointed, Dermot Curley, St Oliver Plunketts manager, said Delvin were worthy winners of the Senior ‘B’ title. “They were just a little better; their hurling was that bit slicker, overall,” he observed following last Tueday evening's replay at Dovida Lakepoint Park.

“They got back into the game in the second quarter; we got into our stride in the final quarter of normal time, but couldn’t hold on to that lead. We probably had chances to build on it, but that’s hurling. It would be very hard to begrudge Delvin their victory. They have been knocking on the door and it’s great to see them going up; that’s three finals in four years.”

Asked about the penalty incident in the first half, when Thomas Meehan was challenged by the Delvin ‘keeper, he said: “I thought it was a penalty, but the referee wasn’t entertaining it. Sometimes you get those calls, other times you don’t. That’s hurling. Overall, it was a very good game, high scoring, and we just didn’t take our chances.

"We have 10 U20 hurlers involved. We have 14 players U21, so this is a learning curve for a young panel. We will take stock of this and hopefully be in a better position."

He paid tribute to Conor Bracken and David Gavin, the free-takers on a difficult evening.

"The two players have been brilliant for us. Conor (Bracken) made a fantastic save; he and David Gavin took their chances really well from difficult frees. They are two great role models for our younger players. It’s tough; we would have been delighted to get a victory for the young players. We have the minor hurling final to look forward to and hopefully the result is different."