Memorable first victory for CSN
With extra time looming, Maher lined up to take a free near the touchline and 50 metres from goal. It looked outside his range but, coolness personified, he struck the kick straight and true for the winning point.
Brendan's came storming back and although camped in their opponents half for three minutes, they couldn't find an equaliser.
CSN, who had previously lost four finals, deserved their victory if only for their refusal to throw in the towel when all seemed lost.
Down four points at the break (0-7 to 0-3) after playing poorly, they produced a superb second half that had a lot of anxious moments until the magnificent Denis Crowley struck for a crucial goal in the 45th minute which gave his side the lead for the first time.
Joint team coach Philip O'Sullivan said it was a victory for courage and a never say die attitude, particularly in the second half: "The players knew at half time they hadn't performed and we told them in no uncertain manner that this game wasn't over by a long shot despite being four points down.
"All credit to the lads, they really produced the goods in the second half. Denis Maher's free taking was massive, but this was essentially a team performance and I'm thrilled for all involved.
"I'm only in the school five years and personally I'm delighted, but I'm especially pleased for people like Mick Kilcoyne, Maurice McGillacuddy, Paddy O'Sullivan and others who have struggled over the years to get us to where we are today."
While Denis Maher was the hero with the match winning point, CSN had a host of stars all over the field.
Niall Collins was superb at corner and was never beaten. Ross Dwyer, after getting the run around from Brian Looney in the first half, never gave his man a look in for the second 30 minutes and that was crucial as the Brendan's youngster threatened ever time he got possession.
Eoin McCann and Peter Fitzgerald had their moments in attack, but it was the brilliance of Denis Crowley at midfield which was the deciding factor for Spioraid Naoimh.
In the drawn game, Mike O'Donoghue was the dominant midfielder, but last year's Kerry minor was forced to play second fiddle to Crowley as this year's Cork minor played the proverbial blinder.
A superb athlete, Crowley broke Brendan's hearts with his tremendous fetching and strong running, and took his goal with some style.
Understandably the Kerry boys were heart-broken at the final whistle.
They had given CSN a bit of a run around in the first half with David Murphy, Brian Looney and Jamie Doolan prominent and were full value for their half-time lead.
Even with O'Donoghue unable to stamp his authority and Brian Looney well held in the second half, they still looked likely winners after surviving a tremendous comeback which saw the Bishopstown school cut their lead to a point after 35 minutes.
Doolan and Mike Moloney got through for a point apiece, which gave Brendan's a three point lead, and CSN looked to have blown their chance of creating history.
However, when the need was greatest Denis Crowley took control and after Denis Maher scored two superb long range points from difficult angle frees, Crowley was on the end of Michael Shields long free to billow the Brendan's net which gave his side a lead they never lost.
With his first touch, Padraig O'Leary tied the game for Brendan's with a point, before Denis Maher again landed the lead point from another very difficult free.
It was heart-stopping stuff as both sides went for the win. Eoin McCann stretched the CSN lead to two, with a great point, but Bishopstown hearts must have skipped a beat when Denis Galvin bore down on their goal with nothing else in his mind but the back of the net.
However he opted to go it alone and the chance was lost. A pass inside to the unmarked Jamie Doolan might have yielded the vital goal.
The pressure on the Bishopstown defence was intense and points by David Murphy and a strangely subdued Kieran O'Leary tied this cliff hanger for the fourth time. Extra time looked likely until Maher converted his fourth free to spark off unprecedented scenes of jubilation.
Scorers for CSN: D. Maher 0-5 (0-4 frees, 0-1 45); D. Crowley 1-0; E. McCann, P. Fitzgerald 0-2 each; K. Corbett, R. Kenny 0-1 each.
St. Brendans: J. Doolan, D. Murphy (0-1 free) 0-3 each; B. Looney 0-2; M. O'Donoghue (free), J. Falvey, M. Moloney, P. O'Leary, K. O'Leary 0-1 each.
CSN: K. O'Halloran; E. Byrne, C. O'Driscoll, N. Collins; M. Power, T. Creed, R. O'Dwyer; M. Shields, D. Crowley; K. Corbett, B. Nunan, E. McCann; D. Maher, R. Kenny, P. Fitzgerald. Subs. P. Honohan for Nunan; A. Seymour for Shields.
ST. BRENDAN'S: J. O'Sullivan; D. Courtney, A. Looney, J. Payne; G. Carroll, K. Foley, S. Lynch; M. O'Donoghue, M. Moloney; B. Looney, K. O'Leary, J. Falvey; D. Galvin, D. Murphy, J. Doolan. Subs., P. O'Leary for Carroll; K. Weeney for Galvin.
Referee: B. White (Wexford).
