​If this were a TV Drama the critics would be raving about it. It had a similar tale to that of early 80s drama about the illusive Highwayman -  The local Village's Stage Coach was about to pull into it’s stop and record a successful 60minute journey when in the last scene Dick Turpin would turn up and deal the final twist in the storyline and takes off with the prize… In Dick Turpin’s case it was the girl.. in  Niall Higgins case an u16 County Final Medal!  

It wasn’t as simple as that however.. This was a superb game of hurling. The Village owned the first half..dictating all around the field and causing all kinds of animated panic on the Gaels sideline. This was a much more open game than last week’s drawn match as the village sought to give their key players the option to express their hurling ability...and that they did.  Their forwards reaping the rewards of good delivery from midfield..running into space and popping over scores at will. Ethan Kerwick did get the first score of the game but the Village would see out the half with a comfortable lead of 7 points ..0-7 to 1-11. (The goal coming from Leon Hayes). But for all their dominance O’Loughlin Gaels would go into the dressing room with some hope, as they had broken the Village defence on 2 occasions but for the brilliant goalkeeping of their no. 1.

​The second half started with a village pointed free putting them 8 ahead. Conor Kelly and Eoin Guilfoyle (Village) traded frees again before Vincent O’Grady pounced on a deflected ball to whip the Gaels first goal to the net..The St. John’s support perked up but young Guilfoyle , who was having the game of his life, returned 3 points for the Village (2 from play) to quell any nerves. O’Loughlins lads don’t do doubts and when Ronan Lavelle took advantage of another loose ball in the Village danger area the doubts started to creep into the leaders and the game shifted momentum. O’Loughlin Gaels struck again within a minute when Conor Kelly rifled another 3 pointer bringing the score to 3-8 to 1-16 on the 42nd minute  ..a 2 point deficit! Conor Kelly converted a 65 to bring it to the minimum and the game was in the melting pot.

It was a nervy, tense but brilliant final quarter with not an inch spared. There was no score for the almost 10mins when the Village pointed through Cian Kenny to put them 2 ahead. The final moments were manic..every young player putting their hearts and souls into it, showing pride in their respective clubs beyond the call of duty. Both sets of supporters rightly proud of their charges. As the game swung into the 31st minute Conor Kelly won a free on the 40…the question was asked…another 2 minutes was the answer. The decision was take the point and win the puck out. Conor’s effort sailed to the left and wide and the St. John’s support looked on in hope. But the players believed…never give up has always been the message. With the ball nestled down in the O’Loughlin defence they worked it up to the half forwards.. the pressure was relentless...Conor Kelly made a surge only to be met by 3 defenders…he managed to pass it off to Ethan Kerwick… Jack Sheridan and Ronan Lavelle got involved in the move..the ball passed from Gael to Gael as they looked for that last opportunity and with the whistle firmly in the referees grasp Niall Higgins received the final pass and had space to stand and deliver and pick his spot from 30 yards.  It floated in a slow motion arc through the air over the heads of several defenders and passed the hapless keeper and the movement of the net was met with a roar that sent startled crows flying from trees for 10 miles and the O’Loughlins supporters leaping from their skins.  The final whistle sounded and O’Loughlin Gaels were u16 Co. Champions for the third time in four years.

​O'Loughlin Gaels 0:15 to 0:15 James Stephens
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This was a very tense game throughout with The Village having the better of the first half exchanges going to the break 1 point to the good against a stiff breeze.  The young Gaels were going to have it all to do in the 2nd half and in a game where free taking was a big factor out marksman Conor Kelly showed some bottle in scoring a last minute free to equalise the game so that the Gaels live to fight another day. A large crowd attended the game in Jenkinstown and all were very well entertained. Lets hope that the young lads from both teams get their just rewards and the opportunity to re-play this game in Nowlan Park. Surely a reward for making Co. Final should be a day out in The Park! Well done all..lovely hurling.