Intermediate Hurling Championship Game of 2020 – Newcastle West v Na Piarsaigh – Final

As finals go, this was a game that had everything. NCW led for the majority of the game but a late Na Piarsaigh goal forced extra time. The west Limerick club had the better of extra time and came out with a 1-24 to 1-22 win at the LIT Gaelic Grounds.

NCW led 1-5 to 0-4 at the water break with Diarmuid Kelly slotting the goal. Na Piarsaigh improved in the second quarter of the game and only went in one behind at the break (1-7 to 0-9).

The high quality nature of the game continued into the second half. The vastly experienced Mike McMahon and young gun Diarmuid Kelly continued to pull the strings for NCW and they led by four going into the final stages.

However, there was a twist in the tale. With NCW looking certain for victory, they conceded a soft goal from a long range James Daly free.

A NCW point saw them two clear once again but Na Piarsaigh forced extra time with two scores on the bounce in added time (1-15 apiece).

The opening extra 10 minutes could not separate the teams but Eoin Hurley and Aaron McCarthy split the posts to seal a sensational victory and promotion to the Premier Intermediate Championship for NCW in 2021.

Notable Mentions:

Newcastle West 0-19 – 1-15 Knockaderry – Group Stage

Croom 1-22 – 1-18 Kilmallock – Quarter Final