In stark contrast to our quarter-final performance, White’s Cross opened this championship encounter in lifeless fashion.  This time the forward division completely malfunctioned in the opening 30 and the two solitary points scored came from the surging runs of mid-fielder Murt Kelleher.  However the White’s Cross backs again reigned supreme, with John O’ Connell, in for the injured Martin Kelleher, repelling countless Piarsaigh efforts, ably assisted by John Meade, Eoin Murnane and Sean Gorman.  At the conclusion of a forgettable first half Piarsaigh led 0-3 to 0-2. 

Whatever trainer Finbarr Kiely said at the break had the desired effect as White’s Cross played with much greater urgency in the second period.  Edwin and Conor Buckley scored points to put us ahead but Piarsaigh responded with a point of their own, on 37 minutes.  However in the ensuing 13 minutes White’s Cross tacked on 5 unanswered points from Bryan O’ Sullivan, Murt Kelleher, Edwin Buckley, Conor Buckley and Conor Kelleher.  Piaraigh reduced the margin to four before they billowed the back of Billy Sheahan’s net for the game’s first goal.  With the margin back to the minimum, White’s Cross responded appropriately with points from O’ Sullivan and Jonathan Kenneally, to restore a three point lead. 

However Na Piarsaigh were not going to let go of their crown easily and scored a fine goal on 60 minutes.  Referee Denis Linehan, saw it fit to play three minutes of injury time, when many had been expecting a replay.  In this additional time Conor Kelleher pointed a free and Murt Kelleher lobbed over another point, after Jonathan Kenneally had cleverly intercepted a fast Piarsaigh kick-out.  White’s Cross qualify for their second Junior A final in as many years, where they meet St. Vincents, a side that defeated championship favourites St. Finbarrs in the semi-final.