Leitrim claim All-Ireland U20 C Hurling crown after overcoming Monaghan in penalty shootout

After a tumultuous period, Leitrim's fantastically dedicated hurling community had something major to celebrate on Saturday as the County's U20 team pipped Monaghan after a tense penalty shootout in the All-Ireland C Championship Final in Kingspan Breffni Park.

For all intents and purposes, it looked as if Leitrim had squandered a golden chance of silverware on Saturday at the famed Cavan venue when the Farney men reeled in a three point Green & Gold lead to edge in front by a point as full-time approached only for Carrick's Dean Earley to score a crucial point in the final minute to send the game to extra time.

Again Leitrim took control and went three points clear with two points from Earley and one from County Senior Pearse Kenny as they looked to put Monaghan's challenge away but the freetaking skills of Ryan O'Rourke saw the Ulster side draw level to send the game to penalties where Leitrim prevailed on a 2-1 scoreline to take home the Andrew O'Neill Cup.

The victory comes after a year where there was major upheaval in hurling circles with the threat to remove certain counties, including Leitrim, from League hurling through the loss of key players and some heavy defeats in both League and Championship but the fantastic work being carried out at underage level in the Cluainin and Carrick-on-Shannon Hurling hubs has borne fruit with this victory.

Monaghan opened the scoring with a goal from Conor McHugh but two Conor McLoughlin frees kept Leitrim in touchn as the Ulster side made the early running, opening up a 1-2 to 0-2 lead. However, points from Dhani Keane & McLoughlin (2) kept them in touch. Monaghan surged clear again but another point apiece from Keane and McLoughlin had the sides level after 24 minutes.

Leitrim turned the game on its head when Cluainin's Dylan McDermott fired home a goal and despite two O'Rourke frees for Monaghan, Leitrim led 1-7 to 1-6 at the break.

Joint captain Brian Goldrick and Dylan McDermott lift the Andrew O'Neill Cup Picture: Willie Donnellan

Points from McLoughlin and Keane kept Leitrim ahead but O'Rourke kept pulling Monaghan level. However, a burst of points from McLoughlin and County U20 footballer Paddy Keane, both scoring two, had the Green & Gold three clear with 14 minutes to play. However, Monaghan hit back with four unanswered points and seemed on the verge of breaking Leitrim hearts when Dean Earley pounced for an equaliser.

The title is Leitrim's first national title since the County Senior Hurlers won the Lory Meagher Cup in 2019.

Leitrim's U20 management team celebrate with the Andrew O'Neill Cup Picture: Willie Donnellan