The Westmeath Minotaurs are AFI Division 1 champions after a 16-13 victory over the University of Limerick Vikings.
Despite a 13-7 halftime deficit and the loss of QB Joe Kinahan to injury early in the first quarter, the Minotaurs rallied around fill-in QB Conor Brennan. With tough running from Bowl MVP RB Andrew Paton leading the way, Brennan connected with WR Jack Lynch for a touchdown in the fourth quarter, despite a blocked extra point leaving it tied at 13 all. The Minotaurs then took advantage of a special teams miscue by the Vikings, recovering the football on the ensuing kickoff, allowing K Jay Bruton to kick the go ahead field goal from 23 yards out with 5 minutes remaining on the clock.
Two excellent stops by the defense, including an epic pass breakup by CB Jordan Lacey, as well as a stellar push by the Minotaurs D-Line, sealed the win for good.
The Minotaurs have now earned promotion to the Shamrock Bowl Conference next year, and look forward to new competitors in the future.
