Champions Kilkenny staged a dramatic comeback at Croke Park to earn a replay with a 1-18 to 3-12 draw against Galway in the All-Ireland Minor hurling final.
The Tribesmens' hunt for a sixth Minor title, and first since 2000, looked to be succeeding as Sarsfields corner forward Kerril Wade hit a first half 1-4 to leave the Cats four points behind at the break, and turning into the wind.
Having hit the last three points of the first half, and the first three of the second, Kilkenny were back level on 47 minutes when wing forward Nicholas Kenny converted for a 0-14 to 1-11 scoreline.
The next four minutes saw the sides hit a goal apiece, with Barry Hanley hammering low past Kilkenny net minder Liam Tierney, and the sides drew level as Maurice Nolan's free was converted by substitute Matthew Ruth.
In an enthralling end, Hanley grabbed a third Galway goal with five minutes remaining, bundling home substitute Kevin Coen's squared ball for a 3-11 to 1-15 lead.
Mattie Murphy's side went three in front through substitute John Hughes, but Kilkenny displayed their resolve as Kenny, Gavin Nolan and Richie Hogan, a cousin of senior DJ Carey, hit the final three points.
GALWAY: M Herlihy, P Loughnane, G Mahon, C O'Donovan; M Ryan, J Lee, K Kilkenny,A Carey, D Kennedy; D Whyte, K Hynes, F Coone, K Wade, J Canning, B Hanley
Subs used: J Hughes for Kennedy (38 mins), E Collins for Whyte (40 mins), K Coen for Coone (49 mins), P Mannion for Ryan (53 mins)
KILKENNY: L Tierney, J Maher, K Joyce, E Walsh, N Prendergast, R Maher, S Prendergast, P Hartley, P Hogan, G Nolan, M Nolan, N Kenny, R Hogan, E O'Donoghue, E Guinan
Subs used: JJ Kenny for O'Donoghue (50 mins), N Delahunty for Walsh (52 mins)
Filed by Barry McEneaney
