Cork Consitution showed remarkable resolve to win a first AIL title in five years against Terenure on a dramatic occasion in Dublin.
The seven-time champions suffered a 20th minute red card and two further yellows, but were still able to dethrone title holders Terenure at the Aviva Stadium by a score of 33-22.
It was a tighter fixture than the final score suggested and the winners had an early setback when John Forde was dismissed just 20 minutes into the game.
28 April 2024; Cork Constitution captain David Hyland lifts the trophy and celebrates with teammates after their side's victory in the Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 1A final match between Terenure College and Cork Constitution at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Both Niall Kenneally and Sean Duffy were sent to the bin early in the second-half, leaving their side with 12 men and Terenure naturally took advantage.
Adam La Grue crossed over to make the match a single-point game and moments later his side looked certain to get in again, before a remarkable intervention from Cork Con's Matthew Bowen proved game-defining.
Incredible try-saving tackle inspires Cork Con AIL win
Cork Con led 23-22 when Terenure launched a quick-fire attack upon the restart from La Grue's try. Aran Egan surged evasively and released Conor Phillips who charged on into open space.
Phillips looked destined to score for the defending champions, with Bowen trailing him at pace.
Cork Constitution Energia AIL Champions!
Another title and they fully deserved it.
Matthew Bowen with the moment of the match with this unbelievable try-saving tackle 👏#EnergiaAIL pic.twitter.com/q01xQ8QCNm— Stuart McAvoy (@stuart__mcavoy) April 28, 2024
However, Bowen showed serious speed to catch up with the Terenure wing, before sliding in under the player as he attempted to score.
Bowen, on his back, managed to keep Phillips facing upwards and with him the ball off the surface - ultimately forcing a crucial turnover.
The intervention paid off as Cork Con scored next, broadening their advantage to four points before running out eventual 33-22 winners.
Their win denied Terenure the prospect of landing back-to-back titles for the first time since 2006.
