Kilmacud Crokes are Leinster champions for a third year in a row, thanks in no small part to the brilliance of Shane Walsh.
The Galway forward, who landed in Stillorgan last year, has been an inspirational figure for the Dublin side since his arrival, and his scoring form arguably got Crokes over the line in Saturday's Leinster final against Naas in Croke Park.
The Kildare champions put up a spirited fight, and remained within two points of the defending All-Ireland champions entering injury-time.
At times, the cynical tactics employed by Crokes garnered frustration, as they stifled Naas with persistent tactical fouls in attacking areas - but, if Crokes' defence frustrated, then their attack dazzled, and Shane Walsh was the standout with 1-8 points - including 1-3 from play.
His goal came in the dying embers of injury-time and, even with Naas out on their feet chasing a goal themselves which may have forced extra time, Walsh's ridiculous pickup, pace, and finish showed why he is one of the most highly rated forwards in the country.
READ HERE: Joe Brolly Rips Into Conor McGregor On Stage At Dublin Gig For Gaza
READ HERE: Paul Flynn Reveals He Contacted David Clifford Over Controversial Tweet
Shane Walsh wondergoal seals Leinster glory for Kilmacud Crokes
Even the Naas goalkeeper was committed to attack, with the Kildare side trailing by four as the clock ticked past 63 minutes.
When the ball broke loose, Shane Walsh was on hand to dribble past the first defender, before an outrageous chip lift into hand set him on his way to the empty net.
With Kildare intercounty star Eoin Doyle hot on his heels, Walsh calmly proceeded to roll the ball into the goal from outside the 20 metre line to secure a seven-point victory for Crokes.
Naas commit everyone forward before Shane Walsh goes on the charge to seal the Leinster SFC Final for Kilmacud Crokes!
📺 @RTE2 & @RTEplayer https://t.co/AKAre5FHdN…
📻 Updates on Saturday Sport on @RTERadio1 pic.twitter.com/OAYp5wgZkX— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) December 2, 2023
In truth, seven points may have flattered Crokes somewhat, but the brilliance of Shane Walsh could not be denied after his outstanding goal.
Walsh spoke to RTÉ's Marty Morrissey as he was handed man-of-the-match, and dissected the wondergoal which had rounded off Crokes' Leinster final triumph.
"I spotted the 'keeper out and it was just about getting it past the last defender and sitting it in the goal."
Shane Walsh talks through his last-gasp goal that sealed victory for Kilmacud Crokes.
📺 Post-match analysis @RTE2 & @RTEplayer https://t.co/AKAre5FHdN… pic.twitter.com/tkDVSsHcFt— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) December 2, 2023
With the entire Naas team committed to attack, the field was open ahead of Walsh - but he revealed he only realised after his sensational pick-up that the 'keeper was missing from the net.
When asked if he had known he was going for goal from the outset, Walsh said:
That'd be a lie, now!
To be honest, I knew the space was in behind Doyler when I kicked it past him. When I took a solo I noticed the 'keeper out, so it was just about getting past the last defender and just sitting it into the goal.
It was a nice way to finish the game rather than a goal going the other way
In fact, it is not the first wondergoal that Walsh has scored in a major final this year - and he was similarly surprised by his outstanding finish in the Dublin final in October.
Kilmacud Crokes now progress to face the winners of next week's Ulster SFC final between Scotstown and Glen in the All-Ireland semi-final.