Early on it looked as if Neal would be lucky to get through the first round. He had a massive fight on his hands in the group stages with a match that went to 5 sets and when he ran out an 11-3 winner. That in a sense spurred him on and he won his semi final against Garban McCabe with ease.
The final with Paul McCreery started badly for Neal and at 2-nil down he looked beaten but he played more consistantly in the third set and once he had taken an end he looked more dangerous and gradually got better and better. He won a close fourth set after Paul had taken a commanding lead but found himself reeled in by Neal.
In the fifth he played superbly matching Paul point for point before winning a quick succession of points at 5-5 to win the Under 12 Munster Open title. It was an excellent match and both players derserve praise for their determined attitude and exciting play