Crossmolina crowned Connacht intermediate club champions

CONNACHT IFC CLUB FINAL

Crossmolina 1-7 Elphin 1-6

In Roscommon 

CROSSMOLINA are celebrating their first Connacht title since 2002 after a late penalty wasn't enough to secure extra time for Elphin.

A combination of poor shooting by Elphin and a good start by Crossmolina were the main ingredients of the Deel Rovers' win in Dr Hyde Park this aftenoon.

Crossmolina began well with points from James Maheady and Fionán Duffy.

Their opponents failed to score until former Roscommon senior Fintan Cregg opened their account with a 27th minute free.

Leading 0-6 0-1 at half time, the Deel Rovers began the second half brilliantly when Niall Coggins shot a well-taken goal.

They didn't score again until Fionán Duffy kicked a free in injury time. 

In the meantime, Elphin ground their way back within arm's reach of Crossmolina and set up a nervy finish when John Finnerty kicked his penalty in added time.

However, Duffy's earlier free was enough to ensure that Crossmolina prevailed by the slimmest margin and will burn bonfires by the Deel River once again.

A full report and reaction will be carried in Tuesday's Mayo News.