Nolan hat-trick fires MLR to 13th Carlow SHC crown

Fiachra Fitzpatrick of Mount Leinster Rangers is tackled by Marty Kavanagh of Naomh Moling ©INPHO/James Lawlor

Mount Leinster Rangers secured a 3-16 to 1-18 win over St Mullins this evening at Netwatch Cullen Park to claim their third Carlow senior hurling championship title in four years.

Chris Nolan's hat-trick of goals paved the holders' path to victory as they saw off their rivals to claim the Willie O’Connor Cup for the 13th time.

Nolan’s first goal came from the penalty spot 10 minutes in, giving MLR a 1-1 to 0-1 lead, and the same man found the net again 10 minutes later.

Marty Kavanagh and Conor Kehoe struck scores to cut the St Mullins' deficit to four before Nolan’s free left it at 2-7 to 0-8 at the break.

Donagh Murphy increased the MLR lead before Nolan smashed in his third goal, leaving St Mullins with an uphill battle over the next 25 minutes.

Kehoe’s goal, followed by points from Kavanagh and James Doyle, reduced the deficit to five, while further scores from Kehoe (free) and Paddy Boland kept the pressure on the champions.

John Doyle and Boland then sent over points to leave just one between the sides with four minutes remaining.

However, points from Nolan and Richard Coady steadied MLR before Nolan (2, 1 free) and Jamie Nolan rounded off the scoring.