10 YEARS AGO

THE Division One hurling final between Waterford and Clare ended up level after extra-time – the first time such a scenario had arisen since 1993.

According to the report in the Irish Independent at the time, “so close were the teams all the way that it looked as if they would still be level even if hurled on until nightfall.” The final score of a slow-burner of a contest was a 90-metre free from Maurice Shahanan in stoppage-time of extra-time.

There were various other matches at senior level on that weekend, including the Division One camogie league final between Kilkenny and Galway. On that occasion, Kilkenny prevailed on a scoreline of 2-7 to 0-7. Then at senior level, the Mayo footballers came out on the right side of the All-Ireland U-21 final with a 5-7 to 1-14 victory over Cork. Coming on the back of losing Junior, Intermediate and Senior club finals in 2016, this was a welcome victory for a county accustomed to losing All-Ireland finals.

20 YEARS AGO

THE Donegal footballers fell short in the Division Two final replay against Louth 20 years ago in a game that was very much different than the drawn encounter, which had been free-flowing fare.

This time around there was a greater level of cynicism with referee Marty Duffy red carding Paddy Campbell and yellow carding 11 players, seven from Louth. Louth deserved their victory though, gritting their teeth in difficult conditions.

Elsewhere, a wonder goal from Caragh Keane sent Cork footballers through to their first All-Ireland U-21 final in 12 years in a replay victory over Louth.

Armagh hurlers tasted success in the Division Three hurling final with a 3-10 to 1-11 victory over Longford.

The Orchard hurlers fended off a brave fightback from Longford in an entertaining encounter.

Down hurlers, meanwhile, sensationally preserved their top-flight status when they shocked Laois in a Division One relegation final at Navan.

At the other end of things, Kilkenny clinched a deserved Division One hurling final victory over Limerick on a scoreline of 3-11 to 0-14.

30 YEARS AGO

THE Derry footballers clinched back-to-back Division One titles with a 1-16 to 1-9 for their fourth National Football League title.

Donegal kept what was a fairly tetchy game alive until the 52nd minute, when they trailed by just two points. Derry had fluffed a couple of goal chances, but they showed composure on the home straight with five unanswered points – two from Seamus Downey and three from Anthony Tohill – to clinch the title. Tohill was described in a subsequent match report as “easily the most effective player on the pitch.”