Leen Times

Craughwell student leads by example as Pres Athenry reach final

THE leadership qualities of Tiarnán Leen were front and centre as Presentation College, Athenry out-pointed pre-match favourites Thurles CBS in a tight, tense tussle to qualify for their fourth ever All-Ireland Post Primary Senior A Hurling Championship final.

A Croke Park decider on St. Patrick's Day is their reward and a meeting with familiar adversaries in the shape of St. Kieran's College, Kilkenny. The roll of honour leaders also took out Munster opposition, Harty Cup winners Cashel Community School, in Saturday's curtain-raiser in Birr.

Pres Athenry came in as underdogs against Thurles CBS but were primed to deliver a huge performance. Aaron Niland top scored with nine points, eight from placed balls, but it was Leen's four from play that carried most weight on a day when forwards enjoyed little time and space. Only two Pres points arrived from elsewhere —Michael Fallon and Matthew Tarpey — but it was a case of everyone putting their shoulder to the wheel…

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