A last minute penalty from Conor Loftus won the All-Ireland Intermediate football final for Crossmolina Deel Rovers sparking hugely emotional scenes in Croke Park.
The Crossmolina players surrounded Loftus at the final whistle, having come from behind to defeat the Derry champions Ballinderry.
It was a hugely emotional occasion on Jones’ Road, with Loftus having lost his fiancee Róisín Cryan a fortnight ago.
Conor Loftus scores a penalty six minutes into added time to win the All-Ireland Intermediate club final for @DeelRoversGAA#mayogaa#GAApic.twitter.com/3iSlOZb0Pv
— Mayo Football Podcast (@MayoPodcast) January 26, 2025
The game was re-fixed for this Sunday with the Mayo side winning out by 1-12 to 0-13, with Loftus’ penalty sealing the victory with virtually the last kick of the game.
Ballinderry’s goalkeeper Ben McKinless was sent off on a second yellow card for the incident that led to the penalty. He was adjudged to have pulled down a Crossmolina attacker as they chased a late winner.
Loftus slotted the penalty calmly to the replacement goalkeeper’s right hand side, snatching victory for the Mayo men.
There was little to separate the teams throughout the encounter but Ballinderry looked destined for glory as they went two points clear in the closing minutes of the game. Half forward Niall Coggins blazed a goal chance over the bar to leave one between them before the late drama, as Loftus had the final say.