27 November 2011
St John’s won their second Ulster Minor Hurling title at Ballinascreen on Sunday when they edged out Robert Emmets Slaughtneil in a thrilling final.
Midway through the second-half the Belfast boys (who had led 1-7 to 0-5 at half-time) appeared to be cruising to victory when man of the match Conor Johnston pointed to give them an eight point lead. However all was to change as the Derry champions hit back with two quick goals, one a brilliant effort from corner-forward Doherty, to leave the outcome very much in the balance.
The final minutes were nerve-wracking for both sets of supporters as Slaughneil battled to save the game, and in injury-time they looked set to actually win it when centre-forward Gerard Brolly was put clear in front of goal, only to be denied by Johnnies goalkeeper Paddy Nugent who threw himself at the ball to turn it over for a point.
Thirty seconds later Doherty seemed certain to level the game from close range only to be denied by a brilliant block by midfielder Donal Quinn before team captain Lockey McCurdy eased the pressure with a well taken point at the other end to seal the win and sparks scenes of celebration.
