Kilmacud Crokes goalkeeper Conor Ferris was the hero as his late save ensured it would not be another All-Ireland final heartbreak for his side in their victory over Glen.
Ferris made a brilliant late save from Conor Glass that would have won them the game on a 1-11 to 1-09 score.
After the heartbreak of losing the final to a last second goal to Kilcoo last year, which Ferris received some criticism for, he was relieved that he could keep out Glass and win his side their first All-Ireland title since 2009.
60 +3 nóim@KCrokesGAAClub 1-11@WattyGrahamsGAA 1-09
Sábháil den scoth ag deireadh an cluiche ó Conor Ferris!
Fantastic save! 👌
#GAABEO @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/BNoGSoLlni— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 22, 2023
The training just kicked in and I jumped at it. Thankfully it went the right side of the post. When the team sat down and watched the video last year, we all knew it was a team effort that let us down in the end.
We felt no pressure going into the match because last year was the worse way to lose final. We were either going to win or lose in a less hurtful manner.
I'd say if I had ten of them I wouldn't save it again. It was the only spot he could go because the defenders were to the left. We had the bodies back so I took a chance."
Kilmacud Crokes Avenge 2022 Final Loss
Coming into the final, Glen were the underdogs, but got off to the perfect start when Danny Tallon scored a goal after just 35 seconds with a great finish.
0 nóim@KCrokesGAAClub 0-00@WattyGrahamsGAA 1-00
Tús iontach leis an cluiche agus cúl den scoth faighte ag Danny Tallon le haghaidh An Gleann!
Fantastic early goal from Tallon for The Glen! 👌
#GAABEO @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/pXfQosloDU— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 22, 2023
Kilmacud Crokes couldn't get settled into the game, missing easy chances and misplacing passes, as Glen built up a 1-02 to 0-01 lead in the opening 10 minutes.
This made Glen grow in confidence, as they found spaces further up the pitch that led to this scoe from Emmet Bradley.
However, Kilmacud Crokes were given a lifeline when Shane Walsh converted a penalty after Cunningham was dragged down in the area after 15 minutes to get them back into the game.
16 nóim@KCrokesGAAClub 1-01@WattyGrahamsGAA 1-03
Cúl álainn faighte ag Shane Walsh ó cic éirice!
Lovely goal for Kilmacud Crokes! 👌
#GAABEO @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/tSdMflrZMB— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 22, 2023
The Dublin champions were able to bring a foothold into the game from this moment on as they took a 1-04 to 1-03 lead into the interval.
Glen refused to give up and their response in the second half was excellent as they earned a two point lead in the 41st minute.
However, the star studded full forward line of Shane Walsh, Dara Mullin and the returning Paul Mannion delivered time after time in crucial stages to bring them back in front.
45 nóim@KCrokesGAAClub 1-07@WattyGrahamsGAA 1-07
Cluiche cóngarach sa dara leath agus iad ar comhscór arís!
Lovely point from Shane Cunningham! 👌
#GAABEO @GAA_BEO | @officialgaa | @AIB_GAA
BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/xiPFHhhAtX— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 22, 2023
With a two point lead in the final moments, hearts must have been in their mouth when the ball fell to Conor Glass just yards out, but Ferris made an excellent save at the bottom corner to give his side victory.
SEE ALSO: Eoin Cody Was Nearly Embarrassed To Be Man Of The Match After Ballyhale Win
