Corkery inspires Nemo to win

Nemo Rangers 0-14, Crossmolina 1-9 (full-time)

Colin Corkery inspired Nemo Rangers to their seventh All-Ireland Club Football Championship title in a thrilling final at Croke Park with a magical display of points scoring.

Corkery's six golden points helped the Cork and Munster champions bounce back from defeat in the last two finals, and avenge a heart-breaking loss to Crossmolina two years ago.

They had to come from behind after Kieran McDonald had inspired the Mayo and Connacht champions to a two points interval lead, and with Alan Cronin running fearlessly at the Cross defence in the second half, the tide turned in dramatic fashion.

Nemo's opening flourish produced two Corkery points and scores from Kevin Cahill and Joe Kavanagh as they sprinted into a four points lead, thanks mainly to the midfield dominance of Cahill and Derek Kavanagh.

But Crossmolina suddenly sprang to life, thanks to the mercurial McDonald, who kicked five glorious points to ease his side ahead.

The Mayo star tormented the Nemo defence with his darting runs and superbly accurate finishing, and he provided the pass which sent Liam Moffett through for a 20th minute goal, the corner forward applying a deadly finish to the bottom corner of the net.

Corkery and Kavanagh revived Nemo's flagging challenge with points, but their shooting left much to be desired, with nine first half wides, compared to the Connacht champions' two.

And they failed to capitalise on two goal chances, first goalkeeper Barry Heffernan saving superbly from Cronin, before Colm Reilly courageously blocked Joe Kavanagh's goal-bound shot.

It was another McDonald peach with gave Crossmolina a 1-6 to 0-7 interval lead, and Rangers fell further behind before Corkery and Cronin began to hit the target regularly.

Crossmolina managed just three points in the second half, with McDonald's influence waning alarmingly.

Two superb late efforts from Corkery finally edged Nemo back in front, and it was the experienced Joe Kavanagh who floated over the insurance score in injury-time.