Danesfort are AIB Leinster Intermediate Hurling champions after a powerful second-half performance secured a 2-15 to 0-12 victory over Rathoath in Navan, with goals from Sam Hayes and season debutant Richie Hogan proving decisive.
In a tight, physical contest, Danesfort were pushed to their limits. Rathoath controlled long periods of the game, but the Kilkenny side showed composure and resilience when it mattered most. The introduction of fresh legs in the final quarter helped turn momentum, before Hogan’s impact goal sealed the result.
Captain Cathal O’Neill spoke to KCLR afterwards and admitted there were two reasons for his excitement on the day.
“10, 15 minutes left, it looked like it was slipping away from us, and in fairness Rathoate are some serious outfit. I said to a few of them after the game, what an effort – but in fairness, we dug deep, we dug *very* deep, and obviously the subs made a difference. Really, work rate brought us over the line in the end.
“And my own wife and child can’t be here today because my wife is 40 weeks pregnant, so she could not make the journey. I’m looking forward to going home to her! There is more happiness to look forward to during the week.”
The win marks another major step forward for Danesfort, who now carry huge momentum into the All-Ireland series.
