Our National Holiday has for many years been associated with the All-Ireland Club finals and we take a look back at five memorable football ones.

The last St Patrick’s Day final was in 2019 as they were moved to an earlier date in 2020.

For generations sitting down to watch the football and hurling final was as much a part of St Patrick’s Day as the local parade.

2019: Corofin (Galway) v Dr Crokes (Kerry)

We will start with the last St Patrick’s Day final which was the clash of the champions as Corofin were defending the crown they won in 2018 against the 2017 winners.

It was amazing for the way in which Corofin totally dismantled what was a hugely talented Crokes’ side, winning out by 12-points in the end.

 

2013: St Brigid’s (Roscommon) v Ballymun Kickhams (Dublin)

Few were as exciting as the 2013 final as raging hot favourites Ballymun were eight point up after just ten minutes.

St Brigid’s, managed by Kevin McStay, rallied brilliantly and held on for victory in the most dramatic of finals.

2010: St Gall’s (Antrim) v Kilmurray-Ibrickane (Clare)

The 2010 final showcased all that was good about the club game as an Antrim side faced up to the Clare champions.

St Gall’s were imperious leading by 0-8 to 1-1 at the break on the way to an historic Saffron win.

Interestingly Antrim joined Wicklow and Laois as the three counties who have won All-Ireland Club SFC titles but not won an All-Ireland SFC.

2001: Crossmolina Deel Rovers (Mayo) v Nemo Rangers (Cork)

What was known by some as the Ciaran McDonald final.

The Mayo legend was imperious in what was billed as a shootout against Colin Corkery.

 

1993: O’Donovan Rossa (Cork) v Eire Og (Carlow)

The drawn encounter between these two sides was a Croke Park epic, with the Eire Og underdogs stunning Rossa with a three goal salvo.

It looked for long periods as through the cup was headed for Carlow before the game finished in a draw.

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