Galen Riordan wins an action packed All Ireland under 21 singles final

Written by AOB
A brilliant display from Galen Riordan, Ballyhogue was just about enough to see off the challenge of Michael Hedigan, Cork in an action packed All Ireland 60×30 under 21 singles final played at Hospital, Co. Limerick on Sunday last.

Galen got off to a less than perfect start in this final and was a clear second best throughout the first game which went to the Corkman on a score of 21-12. However he showed his maturity by grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck early in the second and totally dominating the proceedings he levelled the tie with a resounding 21-4 success.

The third appeared to be going the same way as the multi talented Riordan kept his fancied opponent as bay in the early and middle section of the game, but just when it appeared he had it under control at 17-8 ahead, the Leesider began a determined fight back. Ace by ace the gap closed as the most exciting action of this terrific final unfolded in the closing stages but try as he might Hedigan could not bridge the gap sufficiently to overhaul the mercurial Riordan. The young Ballyhogue player eventually closed it out at 21-17 for a victory that, on the basis of the three games, was thoroughly deserved.

Riordan becomes only the second Wexford player to win this title and the first since James Doyle, Davidstown back in 1997. Coincidentally 1997 was also the last time for Wexford to win the minor doubles in the same code and following the recent success of Keith Armstrong and Daniel Kavanagh history has repeated itself 18 years on.

With Galen Riordan and Daniel Kavanagh eligible for their grades again in 2016, Wexford will hope the next wait will not be as long.