Crosserlough weather the storm to claim Cavan crown 

Matthew Costello of Crosserlough in action against Damien Barkey, left, and Matthew Smith of Ramor United. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Cavan SFC final: Crosserlough 2-6 Ramor Utd 0-4 

Storm Ashley was the stand-out participant as favourites Crosserlough claimed their first Cavan SFC title since 2020 at Kingspan Breffni.

The Kilnaleck-based winners managed the weather and their opponent much better with Stephen Smith’s major in the 64th minute putting the tin hat on a deserved victory.

Backed by a gale-force wind in the opening half, Ramor United failed miserably to consolidate their shock semi-final victory over defending champions Gowna.

United never looked like adding to their 2021 blue riband triumph after shooting 11 wides - as compared to their opponents’ brace – in the opening half.

Crosserlough played 15 men behind the ball for all but fleeting minutes of the first half after Emmet Boylan’s free opened their account after less than a minute on the clock.

Incredibly, there would be only three more points recorded in a wind and rain-lashed game that, predictably, was a damp squib in the horrendous conditions.

With Matthew Costello playing an excellent sweeping role for the ‘lough, Ramor laboured to make their backing from the elements count as the game progressed.

Ramor lacked the urgency and invention in their play to construct a necessary cushioned lead at the interval but they got a glimmer of hope when Cathal Maguire ended a 19 minute barren spell by pointing to make it 0-2 apiece at the interval.

But with Jack Brady to the fore, Ramor were much more workmanlike in the third quarter even though Conor Rehill’s point edged the ‘lough into the lead by the odd point in five after 34 minutes.

The war of attrition continued as Matthew Smith’s free (46) spelt deadlock before Conor Rehill’s 53rd minute goal - direct from a mark – highlighted a 1-2 unanswered spell for the would-be winners.

Crosserlough proceeded to coast their way across the finishing line with Stephen Smith’s soccer-like goal in the dying seconds capping a really gritty display by his team.

Crosserlough scorers: C Rehill (1-0, mark); S Smith (1-0); E Boylan (0-2, 1f); B Boylan (0-1, f), J Smith (0-1); S Smith (0-1); M Costello (0-1, f).

Ramor Utd scorers: M Smith (0-2, 2f); C Maguire (0-1); J Bradley (0-1,f).

Crosserlough: S McManus; J Cooke, C Rehill, F Lovett; C Boylan, P O’Reilly, K Smith; E Boylan, P Smith; O Rehill, D McVeety, H Boylan; B Boylan, J Smith, M Costello.

Subs: E Cusack for O Rehill (44); S Smith for E Boylan (49); D Shalvey for K Smith (57); R Galligan for P Smith (inj, 59).

Ramor Utd: L Brady; Matthew Magee, A O’Connell, D Barkey; B Smith, Jack Brady, Mark Magee; P McNamee, B O’Connell; J Bradley, E Sommerville, C Bradley; C Maguire, A Cole, M Smith.

Subs: James Brady for E Somerville (7); G Mannion for C Bradley (8); C Bradley for C Maguire (inj, 30); S Brady for B O’Connell (inj, 34).

Referee: B McMenamin (Kill Shamrocks)