Mayo snatch title, Cork deny Kerry

Mayo 0-12 Galway 1-8: It was a game which began with plethora of unforced errors from both sides then concluded with much drama…

Mayo 0-12 Galway 1-8: It was a game which began with plethora of unforced errors from both sides then concluded with much drama but in the end Mayo recorded a memorable 0-12 to 1-08 win over fierce rivals Galway in the Connacht SFC final at McHale Park in Castlebar this afternoon.

Mayo manager Mickey Moran was emotional and verging on the specchless immediately after the game. However, what he did say was that: "Provincial titles mean a lot to everyone in Mayo. This was a day not only for the players but the supporters as well. A great day."

It was Conor Mortimer's free right at the death which earned Mayo their second Connacht title in three seasons as the defending champions Galway came up just short.

Galway captain Michael Donnellan had a chance to level proceedings after Mortimer's injury-time free but he didn't connect well and pulled it left and wide from 40metres out.

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There was little in it as Galway led 0-05 to 0-04 going into the break with Mayo, who had much of the first half possession, but couldn't convert as they had nine wides to Galway's six.

In the second period Matthew Clancy scored the only goal of the game in the 43rd-minute which put Galway four points clear. However Mayo composed themselves and finished stronger and in the end they lifted the Nestor Cup in front of a 34,613 crowd in Castlebar.

Elsewhere Cork were crowned Munster champions at the second time of asking as they won the replay against Kerry 1-12 to 0-09 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

It's the first time Cork have won their provincial title since 2002 and James Masters was instrumental to the Rebels' cause with his own personal tally of 1-06. The win also ended Kerry's hold on the title as the two heavyweights of Munster football did battle.

When Masters scored his goal in the first half it afforded Billy Morgan's men a 1-04 to 0-05 lead at the break. However, it was Kerry who started the brightest in the second period as they strived to get back into contention. But still a goal eluded the Kingdom and they ended up second best to a side worthy of their victory on the day.