Cavan star Gearoid McKiernan scored an incredible 3-14 for Cavan Gaels in their league final clash against Crosserlough on Sunday, which remarkably was not enough for his side to claim victory.
The thrilling encounter saw Crosserlough take a one point win on a scoreline of 6-18 to 4-23 following extra-time at St. Matthews Park in Crosskeys.
A crowd of just over 1,000 witnessed the enthralling game in which the 31-year-old McKiernan delivered a sensational performance that will be remembered for many years to come.
Crosserlough substitute Emmett Boylan secured the title for his side by kicking the 52nd and last score of the game. The Kilnaleck men won their first county senior league since 1974.
Crosserlough had lost out in last year's decider against Gowna having led for a significant portion of the game so were clearly hungry that this would be their year.
Gearoid McKiernan's massive influence on the game
They raced out of the blocks leading by 3-6 to 0-3 after twenty minutes however McKiernan's influence was growing on the game and he brought his side within six at half-time.
Just the 3-14 for Gearoid McKiernan in today's league final and still wasn't enough. Never saw anything like it!
Maddest game I think I was ever at.https://t.co/FuGPLEgJVJ— Paul Fitzpatrick (@moefitzpatrick) July 31, 2022
Heading into injury time in the second half and with his side down by five McKiernan once again stepped up kicking a free, a point from play and scoring a goal to send the game to extra-time. Despite his best efforts his team couldn't get over the line.
The sides will meet again in the coming weeks in the opening round of the Cavan Senior Football Championship which is expected to be a much more cagey affair.
Gearoid McKiernan's display comes on a weekend which saw some fascinating performances in the GAA world.
Mayo's Paul Towey kicked 1-17 for John McBrides as they were also beaten by one point in their Chicago senior football championship semi-final by Parnells.
The youngster from Charlestown scored 1-07 from play despite being marked by Tyrone's Michael McKernan for large spells of the game.
