MEMORY LANE: Mayo Senior Final replay sparks look at past deciders

2006: GLORY ON THE BANKS OF THE DEEL

Crossmolina Deel Rovers 1-13 Ballaghaderreen 2-7

Some 19 years ago, we saw the sixth known drawn final, and the most recent decider brought to a replay.

Crossmolina had bided their time in this respect. Twice, they had been vanquished after replays in 1956 and 1988, when they were left watching on as Castlebar Mitchels achieved their most cherished hopes and dreams.

In 2006, though, they weren’t to be the bridesmaids. They were the defending champions after besting Shrule-Glencorrib 12 months earlier.

One year on, with moments to go in the final, Crossmolina needed a miracle. Ballaghaderreen were three up at the death, before Peadar Gardiner answered Deelside prayers.

It looked like a hundred Ballagh’ men were on the goal-line, but Ciarán McDonald’s pile-driver of a free was touched into the net by Gardiner, to secure a draw and force a second instalment.

Twinkletoes himself, Ciarán McDonald found his groove in the replay.

There wasn’t much in this game either, but by the time Declan Corcoran sounded his whistle, Crossmolina were the kings for the seventh time, a feat they have yet to repeat in the 19 years since.