Mickey Moran speech inspires Kilcoo to All-Ireland club crown

A rare Mickey Moran dressing-room rant did the trick as Kilcoo finally claimed the AIB All-Ireland club title that they've craved.

Jerome Johnston's goal a minute into stoppage time of extra-time was the strike that buried Kilmacud Crokes - and sealed glory for the Down men.

Kilcoo, beaten by Corofin in the last final to be played in 2020, which also went to extra-time, were two points down with 80 minutes played.

But when Crokes lost possession around midfield as they attempted to play keep ball, the Johnstons pounced with Ryan Johnston's initial shot at goal blocked and deflected into the path of Jerome who fired to the net.

The goalscorer's name will forever be remembered around Kilcoo yet Moran was the name on everyone's lips after the memorable win.

The veteran had previously lost All-Ireland finals with Slaughtneil and Mayo and assistant boss Conleith Gilligan admitted that manager Moran cut loose at half-time with some serious home truths.

Kilcoo trailed by six points at that stage and Gilligan revealed: "Mickey really gave it good. Every now and again Mickey does give really cross speeches.

"He hadn't done one of those at all this year, he hadn't even raised his voice but this was one where he basically asked the boys to stand up and be counted or get their bags and go out onto the bus now."

Moran's words did the trick as Kilcoo, trailing 0-2 to 0-8 at the break, fought back in the third quarter thanks in a big way to goalkeeper Niall Kane's bizarre goal.

His 45th minute kick from a '45 somehow found its way to the net after a slight touch from Crokes defender Ross McGowan.

Kilcoo's Paul Devlin was the man who eventually forced extra-time at 1-7 to 0-10 with the 60th minute equaliser.

Crokes will kick themselves