Crossmolina 1-12 Ballinderry 0-13
There were hugely emotional scenes in Croke Park with a late penalty from Conor Loftus sealing All-Ireland intermediate glory for Crossmolina Deel Rovers.
Loftus cooly slotted a penalty with virtually the last kick of the game as the Mayo side came from behind to defeat Ballinderry by 1-12 to 0-13.
There were highly charged scenes in Croke Park with the Crossmolina players running to Loftus at the final whistle to celebrate his late kick.
Loftus had lost his fiancee Róisín Cryan a fortnight ago, with the game re-fixed for this Sunday.
Incredible. Conor Loftus kicks the winning penalty for Crossmolina in the All-Ireland intermediate final. Their players surrounded him at the final whistle in hugely emotional scenes. @SportTG4 🎥 pic.twitter.com/Q64xAy90nB
— Niall McIntyre (@NiallMcintyre) January 26, 2025
Ballinderry led the game by two points down the stretch but Crossmolina pulled one back when Niall Coggins blazed a goal chance over the bar.
Crossmolina Deel Rovers captain Mikie Loftus lifts the cup after his side's victory in the AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Intermediate Club Championship final match between Ballinderry of Derry and Crossmolina Deel Rovers of Mayo at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile
They snatched victory in the closing moments after Ballinderry goalkeeper Ben McKinless was adjudged to have pulled down a forward, burrowing his way towards goal rugby style.
McKinless was sent off on a second yellow with Loftus dispatching the penalty after a lengthy delay. Loftus had played a huge role in Crossmolina's triumph, kicking an inspirational score in the early throes of the encounter before winning it with the final kick.
After the game, Crossmolina captain Mikie Loftus dedicated the victory to the late Róisín Cryan.
"Róisín Cryan was an amazing person and we as a team are lucky to have known her," he said on the Hogan Stand steps.
"Róisín was there celebrating after the good times last year, and throughout the many bad times. I want to dedicate this victory to Róisín Cryan, and I know she's looking down on us smiling."
“I want to dedicate this victory to Róisín Cryan”
Moving speech from Captain Mikie Loftus on the steps of the Hogan stand. pic.twitter.com/dL2cjlrF7j
— The GAA (@officialgaa) January 26, 2025
