AHL Division 2 Final: St. Peter's, Dunboyne 1-12 | Rathmolyon 2-20

For the third year in succession, Dunboyne's Division 2 hurlers fell at the final hurdle as an impressive Rathmolyon side claimed the AHL Division 2 title in Batterstown. Outscored for much of the contest by a sharp and clinical Rathmolyon outfit, Dunboyne will remain in Division 2 for the 2027 season. The Black and Ambers made a flying start and almost struck gold inside the opening minute when a thunderous effort from Jason Gleeson crashed back off the crossbar. However, Rathmolyon took that early warning on board and quickly settled, reeling off three unanswered points. Dunboyne responded in the fifth minute when Gleeson produced a superb individual goal, weaving his way through the heart of the Rathmolyon defence before finishing confidently to the net. Despite that early breakthrough, Rathmolyon remained composed, adding two more points—one from a free—and consistently maintained a three-point advantage for the remainder of the opening half. At the interval, Dunboyne trailed by three: St. Peter's, Dunboyne 1-06 (1f) | Rathmolyon 0-12 (2f). The second half followed a similar pattern, with Dunboyne battling hard but unable to gain sustained momentum. Rathmolyon continued to dictate proceedings and effectively sealed the contest with two well-taken goals in the 37th and 44th minutes. Although Dunboyne continued to work tirelessly until the final whistle, Rathmolyon deservedly ran out winners. Final Score: St. Peter's, Dunboyne 1-12 (3f, 1 '65) | Rathmolyon 2-20 (2f, 1 '65). Attention now turns to the Intermediate Hurling Championship. After a two-week break, Dunboyne will begin their campaign with a local derby against near neighbours Drumree in the opening group game, once again in Batterstown. Dunboyne Team: Shane Nolan; Jamie McCormack; Fergal Chawke; Ciaran Lonergan; Alan Waters; Diarmuid Delaney (0-1f); Killian Smith; Conor Gilmartin; Jason Nolan; Liam Callanan; Sean Quigley (0-6, 2f, 1 '65); Jason Gleeson (1-3); Conor Murphy (0-1); Paul Graves; Niall Smyth (0-1). Subs Used: Neil Hacket (for Liam Callanan), Gerry Murphy (for Alan Waters), Conor Deering (for Paul Graves).