How the players were rated

Not a bad year for the young ‘keeper in his first year for the Hoops. Made a crucial stop before the break, particularly good under the high ball and varied his kick-outs well.

Rating: 8.

Ciaran Kerr:

Up against Cullaville’s best player in Kieran Hatzer but applied himself well and looked composed.

Rating: 7.5.

Paul Magee:

Outstanding for the winners, particularly when the chips were down in the second half. Organised players around him and showed great maturity.

Rating: 8.

John Stevenson:

Tireless worker both in defence and coming forward. Did well on Cullaville skipper Gerard Callan.

Rating: 6.5.

Michael Stevenson:

A constant source of energy who continuously bombed forward from his half-back position and was one of the outstanding players on show. Rating: 8.

Paul McGaughey:

Superb throughout, his ball carrying skills were excellent particularly when avoiding tackles. Great outing.

Rating: 9.

Patrick Stevenson:

Picked up an injury near the end but defended gamely throughout. Showed great positional sense.

Rating: 6.5.

Brain Lavery:

One of his best games in a Sarsfields jersey, made some telling catches particularly in the last quarter and covered every inch of the huge Crossmaglen pitch.

Rating: 8.5.

Eimid Murray:

Hit two points in a comprehensive outing, strong in the tackle and certainly produced the goods in his biggest match to date. Rating: 7.5.

Thomas McAlinden:

First to score at the beginning of both halves. Not for the first time this season he bagged a vital goal. New rising talent.

Rating: 8.5.

James Carmody:

Emptied the tank before coming off to a rapturous applause, great outing from a natural leader who is as honest as they come.

Rating: 8.

Jonathan Reynolds:

man on a mission, out in front every time and hit two great points. Good outing. Rating: 7.

Mark Reynolds:

Excellent throughout in a man-of-the-match performance, wore number 13 but was involved in most of the link play. A captain in every sense of the word.

Rating: 9.5.

Eamon McGeown:

Made way for his kid brother near the end, his time on the pitch was productive and structured. Good game from the rangy player.

Rating: 8.

Richard Stevenson:

For many years he has been the focal point of the Sarsfields attack but has more support these days. Top class outing from a genuine player.

Rating: 8.5.

Chris McGaughey:

flew back from College in Dallas, Texas to collect his winners medal, scored two points each hit with precision. Player with a big future in whichever code he chooses.

Paul McGeown:

Still a minor next year and has the potential to become a top-class player. Grabbed a late piece of the action with both hands.

Paul Hughes:

Won a midweek appeal against his suspension and could possibly have started the final under normal circumstances.

Aidan Haughian:

Great servant for the Hoops and got his reward with a late appearance and a Championship medal. A deserved winner.

Brian Kerr:

Showed commitment when introduced. A dedicated Sarsfields man.

The Squad:

Colm Haughian,

Kieran McAlinden,

Colin Stevenson,

Neil McCann,

Vincent McAlinden,

Conor Creaney,

Niall McAlinden,

Declan Breen,

Aaron McGaughey.