How the players were rated
Not a bad year for the young ‘keeper in his first year for the Hoops. Made a crucial stop before the break, particularly good under the high ball and varied his kick-outs well.
Rating: 8.
Ciaran Kerr:
Up against Cullaville’s best player in Kieran Hatzer but applied himself well and looked composed.
Rating: 7.5.
Paul Magee:
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Hide AdOutstanding for the winners, particularly when the chips were down in the second half. Organised players around him and showed great maturity.
Rating: 8.
John Stevenson:
Tireless worker both in defence and coming forward. Did well on Cullaville skipper Gerard Callan.
Rating: 6.5.
Michael Stevenson:
A constant source of energy who continuously bombed forward from his half-back position and was one of the outstanding players on show. Rating: 8.
Paul McGaughey:
Superb throughout, his ball carrying skills were excellent particularly when avoiding tackles. Great outing.
Rating: 9.
Patrick Stevenson:
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Hide AdPicked up an injury near the end but defended gamely throughout. Showed great positional sense.
Rating: 6.5.
Brain Lavery:
One of his best games in a Sarsfields jersey, made some telling catches particularly in the last quarter and covered every inch of the huge Crossmaglen pitch.
Rating: 8.5.
Eimid Murray:
Hit two points in a comprehensive outing, strong in the tackle and certainly produced the goods in his biggest match to date. Rating: 7.5.
Thomas McAlinden:
First to score at the beginning of both halves. Not for the first time this season he bagged a vital goal. New rising talent.
Rating: 8.5.
James Carmody:
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Hide AdEmptied the tank before coming off to a rapturous applause, great outing from a natural leader who is as honest as they come.
Rating: 8.
Jonathan Reynolds:
man on a mission, out in front every time and hit two great points. Good outing. Rating: 7.
Mark Reynolds:
Excellent throughout in a man-of-the-match performance, wore number 13 but was involved in most of the link play. A captain in every sense of the word.
Rating: 9.5.
Eamon McGeown:
Made way for his kid brother near the end, his time on the pitch was productive and structured. Good game from the rangy player.
Rating: 8.
Richard Stevenson:
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Hide AdFor many years he has been the focal point of the Sarsfields attack but has more support these days. Top class outing from a genuine player.
Rating: 8.5.
Chris McGaughey:
flew back from College in Dallas, Texas to collect his winners medal, scored two points each hit with precision. Player with a big future in whichever code he chooses.
Paul McGeown:
Still a minor next year and has the potential to become a top-class player. Grabbed a late piece of the action with both hands.
Paul Hughes:
Won a midweek appeal against his suspension and could possibly have started the final under normal circumstances.
Aidan Haughian:
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Hide AdGreat servant for the Hoops and got his reward with a late appearance and a Championship medal. A deserved winner.
Brian Kerr:
Showed commitment when introduced. A dedicated Sarsfields man.
The Squad:
Colm Haughian,
Kieran McAlinden,
Colin Stevenson,
Neil McCann,
Vincent McAlinden,
Conor Creaney,
Niall McAlinden,
Declan Breen,
Aaron McGaughey.