Crokes shock

Leinster Club SFC final: Mullinalaghta 1-8 Kilmacud Crokes 1-6

David McGivney (left) and Simon Cadam celebrate Mullinalaghta’s victory

Frank Roche

Kilmacud Crokes weren't looking for excuses after becoming victims of one of the biggest shocks in the history of club football.

The Dublin champions, 1/5 favourites before yesterday's AIB Leinster club SFC final, were stung by a stunning 1-2 salvo from Mullinalaghta in the home straight.

Gary Rogers' 59th minute penalty proved the key score in transforming a three-point lead for Crokes into a traumatic 1-8 to 1-6 defeat.

It meant that the three-in-a-row Longford champions became the first ever Leinster winners from the midland county, and manager Mickey Graham compared the outcome to a "fairytale".

The result sets up an All-Ireland semi-final date with Kerry heavyweights Dr Crokes in February.

There was some injury-time controversy when Mullinalaghta's James McGivney didn't immediately leave the field after receiving a second yellow card.

"There were two or three incidents, a black card situation … but look, I don't want to be blaming referees," said Kilmacud joint-manager Robbie Brennan.

"We had our opportunities, we didn't take them, it's back to the drawing board and let's go again for next year."

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