The Dr Harty Cup semi-finals saw an astonishing piece of skill on Saturday afternoon, as Limerick minor hurler Shane O'Brien pulled out an amazing score to help Ardscoil Rís through to the final.
O'Brien's score saw him control the sliotar beautifully before twisting and turning away from the defenders and hitting a gorgeous score from distance over the shoulder.
Unbelievable score helps Ardscoil Rís to Dr Harty cup final
Ardscoil Rís have gone from strength to strength in recent years. The Limerick school contributed 11 of the panel that won Limerick the senior intercounty hurling championship in 2018, and clinched their place in a sixth Dr Harty Cup final with victory over Thurles CBS on Saturday.
In honesty, Ardscoil were dominant, winning by a huge margin of 4-18 to 1-12. One of their goals came from Limerick minor hurler Shane O'Brien - but it was a point from play from O'Brien that stood out as the score of the match.
With Ardscoil Rís already leading by 4-15 to 1-8 with 15 minutes to play, an ambitious ball into the Thurles half found O'Brien. O'Brien had to stretch for the ball, before juggling the sliotar on his hurl while fending off two defenders. He finally got the ball fully under control, before twisting twice to evade their attention and hitting off his right side over the shoulder to nail a sensational score.
What a score from @ArdscoilRisLimk's Shane O'Brien in today's @TUS_ie @MunsterGAA Dr Harty Cup Semi Final. @Munsterpps | @StephenGleeson_ | @JeromeSport pic.twitter.com/dip4RTpIxu
— StreamSport.ie (@StreamsportI) January 22, 2022
As noted by the commentator, the "oohs and aahs" from the crowd only add to the drama of the score, one of the best we can remember in recent times.
The class of O'Brien explains why he has represented his county at minor level, and the talent on show is a testament to the hurling programmes at Ardscoil Rís.
The Limerick school will meet St Joseph's of Tulla in Clare in the final, with the Clare side reaching their first ever Dr Harty Cup final after victory over De La Salle.