Cork Constitution 15-16 Garryowen: Garryowen most definitely hold the bragging rights tonight after they were crowned AIB All-Ireland champions after defeating Cork Constitution by the narrowest of margins 16-15 at Musgrave Park today.
The pivotal moment of the game came in the 73rd-minute when a converted try from hooker Damien Varley gave the Limerick side a slender lead before they held on to claim a rare AIB League and Cup double.
Garryowen's man-of-the-match Peter Malone looked the worse for wear when interviewed after the game, yet couldn't conceal his delight.
"All the effort was worthwhile today," said a bloodied Malone. "We've already played (Cork) Con twice this season and we knew it was going to be a tough, close game."
"We dug deep after going six points down and trailing at the interval. But the way the game unfolded at the end, it was very tense, we were just trying to protect our lead in the end."
It was Cork Con who looked to have the edge early in the game as centre Tom Gleeson went over for a try in first half injury-time to ensure a 10-6 lead at the interval.
Eoghan Hickey kicked three penalties, while Con fullback Denis Hurley ran in a 70th-minute try in an absorbing final.
The winning captain Paul Neville said he had real belief in his side who have been knocking on the door for several years now.
"This is just reward for years of hard work by the lads," said Neville. "There's a nucleus of players who have been together at the club now for the last three or four years and have reached a lot of semi-finals. To go all the way makes it all worthwhile.
Today's win is also the perfect departure for outgoing coach Paul Cunningham as it's the Limerick club's first All-Ireland title since 1994. However, if rumours are to be believed Cunningham may yet negotiate a new deal to stay on at the club.
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/IMNWKIX5DFFCFE5CD5NLBU6EVY.png)