Medtronic's quest for All Ireland honours in the interfirms senior hurling final came unstuck against Offaly's Grant Eng by 0-17 to 0-15.
It was the second year in a row they came up just short against Offaly opposition, despite leading by three at the break.
Losing Niall Healy to injury just before half time was a severe blow to Medtronic hopes, but Grant Eng rallied in the second half and finished stronger.
The Galway outfit was two clear at the end of the opening quarter thanks to points from Healy and Damien Joyce, and although Grant narrowed the gap to the minimum, Medtronic hit back with excellent scores from Cathal Dervin and Kevin Briscoe to leave three between the sides approaching half time. Cillian Kiely and Mark Flaherty exchanged points in injury time, 0-11 to 0-8.
Grant were on top at midfield and had the Medtronic defence under constant pressure. An excellent point from Mark Flaherty stemmed the tide before points from substitute Nigel White and Barry Whelahan levelled the contest as the match entered the final quarter.
Danny Currams edged Grant in front before another Flaherty free leveled the contest after 48 minutes.
However Grant opened up a two point lead with six minutes, and although a Flaherty point left the minimum between the sides as the match entered injury time, Grant struck late to seal the victory.
Medtronic: A Ryan, T Linnane, T Kenny, D Kennedy, M Corcoran, I Tannion, K Hardiman, N Callahan, K Briscoe (0-1 ), D Joyce(0-2 ), C Dervin (0-1 ) A Touhy, M Flaherty (0-5, 3f ), N Healy (6, 4f, 65’ ) S Hardiman. Subs: P.Burke, F O’Grady, J Downey.
