Formidable show of power from the Barr’s

After a 33-year wait, Andy Scannell will reside in Togher for the winter after the Barr’s deservedly overcame Duhallow in an excellent and enthralling contest in Páirc Uí Chaoimh yesterday, writes Paddy Kelly.

The pain of eight county final defeats since 1985 added a sense of relief to the delirious joy as the Blues celebrated wildly at the final whistle.

With all the negativity surrounding Gaelic football recently, owing to the dour defensive slugfests at inter-county level and the increased incidents of violence at club games, this was a welcome feast of football served up by two teams intent on playing to the traditional values of the game. There was little sign of sweepers or cynical play as a free-flowing, high-scoring game developed.