Dunloy captain Gary O'Kane couldn't inspire his troops

AlB Club Final:
Dunloy 0-11 1-19 Birr

Dunloy's All-Ireland ambitions were emphatically swept aside by a rampant Birr side in Monday's club decider at Croke Park.

The Ulster champions went into the final believing their could claim the title after their stirring semi-final success over Waterford side Mount Sion.

But by the end of Monday's contest, the Dunloy dream had turned into a nightmare with too many of the Cuchulainns' players failing to do themselves justice.

Birr's success meant they became the first club to claim the All-Ireland title on four occasions.

Total domination by Brian Whelehan and his fellow half-backs laid the foundations for Birr's victory.

Chief marksmen Simon Whelahan and Johnny Pilkington were also outstanding while two more veterans Joe Errity and goalscorer Declan Pilkington also impressed.

The Offaly side always looked the sharper outfit and led by 0-8 to 0-3 at the interval.

Simon Whelehan and Gary Hannify grabbed the majority of Birr's first half scores while all Dunloy had to show for their first half efforts with two Alistair Elliott points and a fine Paddy Richmond point.

Colin Corkery helped Nemo Rangers claim the football title

Elliott had a goal attempt blocked on the Birr goal-line but it was a rare occasion that the Offaly side's goal was threatened.

Two Gregory O'Kane points early in the second period suggested a mini-revival by Dunloy but this was quickly snuffed out by three unanswered Birr scores.

The Offaly side maintained their firm grip on the contest in the final quarter and Declan Pilkington's goal five minutes from time put the gloss on a deserved double-scores victory.

Birr boss Pad Joe Whelahan was forced by the GAC to remain in the stand for the game but he celebrated heartily with his players out on the pitch after the final whistle.

Meanwhile, Nemo Rangers lifted the All-Ireland club football championship title for the seventh time after a dramatic 0-14 to 1-09 victory over Crossmolina.

Nemo raced into a three point lead after just ten minutes, however, helped by Kieran McDonald, Crossmolina levelled by the 20th minute.

Kavanagh clincher

A Liam Moffat goal a minute later helped Crossmolina take a two-point advantage into half-time.

The match remained tight in the early stages of the second half but Nemo gradually began to take control and managed to level thanks to an Alan Cronin point.

With the sides level going into the dying moments, a draw looked likely.

However, Colin Corkery then edged Nemo in front before Joe Kavanagh sealed things with a final point.