Ballinora claimed their first-ever McCarthy Insurance Group Intermediate A Football Championship title after a captivating extra-time replay victory over Ilen Rovers at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday.

The final score saw Ballinora win by the narrowest of margins, thanks to a last-gasp goal from Kevin Werner.

In normal time, the game was a contest of two halves. Ballinora established a significant lead, going ahead by eight points at one stage (0-10 to 0-2 at the break). However, Ilen Rovers launched a stirring comeback, fueled by a goal from Aaron O’Sullivan and a late two-point free from Micheál Sheehy that forced extra-time with the sides inseparable.

Ilen Rovers looked to have seized the momentum in the added periods, taking a two-point lead. But their chances were hampered late on when Jack Collins received a black card. Ballinora capitalised on the numerical advantage, closing the gap before Werner’s dramatic winning goal secured the county title, their first in football since 1997.