Ireland U21 edged out Scotland U21 with a (3-8) 23-19 (2-9) win under the floodlights at St. Josephs Doora Barefield, Ennis on Friday 26 October 2012.
Scotland started against a strong wind in the first half but they got the opening two-pointer in this 7pm throw-in to lead (0-0) 0-2 (0-2).
An Irish goal put the hosts (1-0) 5-2 (0-2) ahead.
However a goal from Lochaber’s Ben Delaney saw the advantage swing back Scotland’s way as they led (1-0) 5-7 (1-2).
The sides exchanged points with Scotland still leading (1-1) 6-9 (1-4).
Ireland fought back and added two more points which cut Scotland’s advantage to a single point at the break, (1-3) 8-9 (1-4).
An early Irish point from midfielder Tony Kelly from Clare 5 minutes into the second half squared the game at (1-4) 9-9 (1-4).
However, within a couple of minutes, Scotland had added a point and a goal from Lovat’s Greg Matheson to lead (1-4) 9-15 (2-5).
Scotland added four more points but an Irish goal made it (2-4) 14-19 (2-9) to the visitors with only 15 minutes remaining.
Ireland pulled a point back 6 minutes later to make it (2-5) 15-19 (2-9) in Scotland’s favour.
However Ireland added a crucial third goal a couple of minutes later to take a (3-5) 20-19 (2-9) lead with only 7 minutes remaining.
Ireland added three more points before the end to seal a narrow (3-8) 23-19 (2-9) victory.
Tony Kelly was excellent in the middle of the park for Ireland and he turned in a man of the match performance.
Scotland’s task was made harder with the loss of forward Neale Reid from Glenurquhart with an arm injury which required a trip to hospital whilst Kinlochshiel’s John MacRae had to come off with concussion.