Down 3-16 Kerry 2-12: Down snatched their first Christy Ring Cup in dramatic circumstances courtesy of an injury-time goal from Gareth 'Magic' Johnson.
A point from the outstanding Pádraig Boyle looked to have given Kerry their second title in three seasons but Johnson provided the finishing touch to Paul Braniff’s delivery to make it a day to remember for Ulster hurling.
The game got off to a frantic start as Johnson smashed home a goal after 81 seconds, but Boyle sent a ground shot to the Down net before the third minute had elapsed.
Shane Nolan was magnificent in the opening period and his 16th minute goal contributed to his 1-5 in that half. Crucially though, Down finished with the last four points of the first half to leave it nicely poised at half time 2-6 to 1-8.
Kerry seemed the likeliest victors until Scott Nicholson’s 48th minute goal and the game looked bound for extra time until that dramatic conclusion.
DOWN: S Keith; M Conlon, P Hughes, B Toner; F Conway, C Woods (0-2, one free, one 65), M Ennis; D Hughes (0-1), C Coulter; P Braniff (0-6, four frees, one pen), K McGarry, D Toner (0-1); P Sheehan, G Johnson (2-1), J Coyle (0-2). Subs: S Nicholson (1-2) for Conway (35 mins), J McCusker (0-1) for Sheehan (52 mins), M Turley for D Toner (57 mins), M Hughes for B Toner (64).
KERRY: B Rochford; P Costello, T Murnane, R Horgan; D O'Connell, L Boyle, D Dinneen; J Griffin, D Collins; C Harty, W O'Dwyer (0-2), P Boyle (1-3); B O'Leary (0-1), A Boyle (0-1), S Nolan (1-9, five frees). Subs: J Egan for Costello, G O'Brien (0-1)for Harty (both h-t) S Maunsell for O'Brien (62 mins).
Referee: C Browne (Galway)
