Tyrrellspass staged a strong finish to overtake reigning champions Athlone in an exciting final at Mullingar yesterday. The challengers went into a 1-4 to 0-2 lead in the 18th minute when Martin Flanagan scored a fine goal. Neil Dolan reduced the Tyrrellspass lead to one point, 1-5 to 1-4, with a brilliant goal on the stroke of half-time. Athlone eased them into a 1-7 to 1-5 lead in the third quarter, but John Corcoran scored a great goal in the 47th minute to clinch a first title for Tyrrellspass.

TYRRELLSPASS: J Hyland; D Scally, J O'Brien, B Murphy; S Arthur, D Murphy, D Gavin; A Corcoran, B Arthur (0-1); M Carley (0-1), M Flanagan (1-2), C Murphy; J Corcoran (1-2), M Staunton and R Sheerin. Subs: T Wyer for R Sheerin; K Connell for M Carley.

ATHLONE: R Daly; P Mullin, A Collins, P Allen; B Kenny, F Murray, J Kilroy; R O'Connell, S Geraghty; D Kelly, D Prendergast, P Fogarty; J Fallon (0-5), S Hahessy, N Dolan (1-1). Subs: O Keating for P Mullin; G Brett (0-1) for D Kelly; N Johnson for S Hahessy.

Referee: A Murray (St Lomans, Mullingar).