Slaughtneil 1-08 Ballinderry 0-09
Slaughtneil denied all-conquering Ballinderry a fourth successive title with a last gasp goal to snatch victory by two points in their Derry Senior Football Championship final clash at Celtic Park.
The Sharmocks were on course to clinch their sixth championship in nine years when led by three points at half-time but Slaughtneil gained revenge for their final defeat by Ballinderry two years ago when they came from behind in the second period to snatch victroy with almost the last kick of the game.
Playing in front of a crowd of just over 5,000, the Shamrocks got the first point of the game in the third minute, courtesy of a free from Collie Devlin.
Chris Bradley brought Slaughtneil level five minutes later before a Gilligan free in the 11th minute put the Shamrocks back in front.
Raymond Wilkinson and Padraig Kelly exchanged points to leave the score 0-03 to 0-02 after 17 minutes.
Wilkinson extended the lead before Padraig Kelly pulled one back for Slaughtneil to keep it a “one point game.”
Points from Gilligan and Collie Devlin, both from frees, extended the lead.
Daniel McKinless, who had replaced Aaron Devlin a few minutes earlier, put Ballinderry four points ahead before Chrissy McKeaigue pulled one back for Slaughtneil before the half-time break.
Half-time: Ballinderry 0-07 Slaughtneil 0-04.
Playing with a slight breeze, Sammy Bradley reduced the deficit with a point in the first minute of the second half.
Gilligan restored the Sharmocks’ three-point lead three minutes later before Padraig Kelly reduced the lead to two once again in the 43rd minute.
Frees from Paul Bradley and Kelly saw the game all-square with five minutes remaining.
Collie Devlin put Ballinderry ahead when he converted a free awarded after a foul on Gareth McKinless three minutes from time.
However, Slaughtneil grabbed a dramatic winner deep into injury time.
The win sees Slaughtneil complete the double of Derry senior football and hurling titles.
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