Kilshannig junior hurlers ended their 2016 season on a winning note as they captured the Division 2 Hurling League title with a close fought win over neighbours Mallow at Mourneabbey on Monday night. It was a tight contest throughout that could have gone either way but Kevin O'Flynn's goal in the final minutes ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides. Mallow got off to the better start and held a three point advantage after ten minutes, mainly thanks to an early goal 1-3 to 0-3. Kilshannig then had a goal of their own as Trevor O'Regan pounced on some loose Mallow defending to shoot low and hard to the net to help his side in front. Mallow though were playing the better hurling and found scores easier to come by and with some fine points from play they opened up a four point lead entering the closing stages of the half. Kilshannig however, through Kevin O'Flynn and Roddy O'Mahony hit three in row before the break to leave just one between the sides at the interval, 1-9 to 1-8. The second half remained a tight and tense affair with both sets of forwards having to fight extremely hard for scoring opportunities. Kevin O'Flynn was on target for Kilshannig while at the other end Fergal McCormack was excellent from placed balls to ensure the game was all square entering the final quarter. While Mallow took the lead with seven minutes remaining, Kilshannig dug deep and finished the stronger. Two quick points put Kilshannig ahead and they defended superbly in the close minutes to keep their lead intact. As the game entered injury time, Kilshannig's victory was confirmed when O'Flynn's attempt from distance dropped short and into the Mallow net. A late Mallow free cut the lead to three but Kilshannig held out to claim the league title.