Bagenalstown Gaels 2-18
Mount Leinster Rangers 1-18
It will go down as one of the biggest shocks in recent years in the Carlow Senior Hurling Championship as an inspired Bagenalstown Gaels defeated champions Mount Leinster Rangers on a memorable day in Netwatch Cullen Park.
Goals from Jake Doyle and Jamie Clarke either side of half-time were the difference between the sides as they went one step closer towards ending their 55-year wait for the county title.
They got off to the worst possible start when Edward Byrne found the back of the net within two minutes to seemingly begin Mount Leinster Rangers’ march to another final.
That was not the case, however, as a string of impressive points from talisman Craig Doyle kept them in the game throughout a competitive first half.
Evan Kiely was in fine form on free taking duty for Paul O’Brien’s men in the opening period and that helped them take a two-point advantage into the break, Mount Leinster Rangers 1-10 to 1-08 Bagenalstown Gaels.
Man of the match Craig Doyle continued to lead the charge for the underdogs and they finally took a lead they would never relinquish midway through the half when Clarke found the back of the net to send the Bagenalstown Gaels supporters delirious.
Both teams exchanged points as the game progressed but a flat Mount Leinster Rangers never looked as though they could reduce the deficit and were left desolate when the final whistle blew.
It was pandemonium for everyone associated with the winners as Gavin Nolan masterminded a famous victory for the club.