Na Fianna march into Croke Park and crush Sarsfields

Na Fianna will be remembered for what they demonstrated in this one-sided showpiece.

CHAMPIONS: Na Fianna players celebrate after their side's victory in the AIB All-IrelandClub SHC final against Sarsfields at Croke Park. Picture: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

They came in waves down Clonliffe Road. Blue and yellow, body after body, relentless. It was a show of strength by Na Fianna’s supporters as they paraded to HQ. Such a prelude deserved a box office main event. Instead, the procession continued.

What could they do? As soon as Sarsfields arrived in Croke Park, they were outnumbered and overwhelmed. From the throw-in, Cathal McCarthy broke free for a goal chance. McCarthy finished up on the turf and Brian Ryan ended up being fouled for Colm Currie to strike an early free. Ryan responded to an Aaron Myers free by teeing up Paul O’Dea for a point from range. They would never trail again.