Eoin Cody hat-trick powers Ireland to shinty glory

Ireland 3-16 Scotland 5-07

Ireland retained the Mowi Quaich Cup after a thrilling extra-time victory over Scotland in Cusack Park, Ennis.

Kilkenny's Eoin Cody was the hat-trick hero, his third goal - a fine solo effort from a tight angle - coming during the additional 20 minutes as the home side took control of procceedings, a late Scotland goal putting a gloss on the scoreline.

The visitors looked destined to prevail in the home of the All-Ireland champions before one of those Banner heroes, Aidan McCarthy, came up with a late equaliser - one of nine points in total for the Clare forward.

After a bright start by the visitors, both goalkeepers were called into action with Stuart McDonald denying Longford's Cian Darcy before Irish captain Enda Rowland made a good save at the other end.

Scotland did goal to move 1-02 to 0-01 ahead, Ruaridh Anderson firing low to the net in the 14th minute after a brilliant ball in caused issues in the Irish backline, and it got even better moments later when another long delivery was flicked to the net by Daniel MacVicar.

Ireland needed a quick response and got it when Cody goaled from close range after Daithí Sands had turned his man 40 metres from goal, and at the break they trailed just 2-04 to 1-04.

Scotland grabbed their third goal in the 45th minutes and it was a disappointing one for Ireland to concede as Anderson was allowed to travel a long way through the middle and although he was felled by Rowland, the ball fell kindly to Craig Morrison who finished to the empty net.

From there though, Terence McNaughton and Michael Kavanagh's side found the spark they needed in Ennis and Cody provided it as who sent his marker wit h beautiful footwork before racing in and firing to the top corner.

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