On the 31st of October 2021, 17 years to the day since they won their 2004 title, Smith O’Briens won the Intermediate championship once again - going unbeaten through their 6 championship games. Supported by a contingent of players from the 2013 relegated side and two players from the 2004 winning side, they beat favourites St. Joseph’s Doora-barefield. Overcoming a 0-7 to 0-1 deficit after 15 mins, Smith O’Briens trailed the St. Joseph’s side until the 61st minute, taking their first lead of the game in injury time before eventually winning on a score line of 0-14 to 0-12. On their path to victory they overcame Tulla, Tubber (QF) and Tulla again in the semi-final before beating St. Joseph’s in final. The Smith O’Briens outfit were bookmaker underdogs for each game. The outfit was managed and coached by 26 year old, Tony Gleeson.
