New York win All-Ireland JFC title with one-point victory over London at Croke Park

Neither side had too much time to prepare following their semi-final victories on Friday night but it was New York that settled the better as they opened the scoring through Charlie Sheehan in the fourth minute.

London were methodical in their build-up play and were rewarded for their patience as they levelled matters into the breeze thanks to full-forward Seán Hickey in the ninth minute.

Parity didn’t last too long as New York regained their lead a minute later through Brian McDaid and the Delco Gaels player converted a free in the 13th minute to double his team’s advantage.

Hickey was proving a handful for New York’s defence at the opposite end of the field, winning two frees that Noel Maher converted and jinking his way to a fine score off his left boot in the 25th minute.

New York kept their noses in front with McDaid, Eoin Gormley and Conor Bradley all on target but two well-struck frees by Maher ensured an 0-6 apiece stalemate by half-time.

It remained similarly tight upon the restart with Ryhs Lennon of London and Sheehan trading points but New York gradually assumed control through points from McDaid and Eoin Morrissey.

The dismissal of Ryan O’Connell in the 41st minute further undermined London’s chances as New York availed through a brace of points apiece from McDaid and Jake Rispin.

There was still sufficient time for London to launch a brave comeback that yielded points through Ryan Kearney, Hickey and Aidan McGarvey but their efforts proved in vain by the final whistle.

Scorers – New York: B McDaid 0-6 (2f, 2 marks); C Sheehan, J Rispin 0-2 each; E Morrissey, C Bradley, E Gormley 0-1 apiece. London: N Maher (4f), S Hickey 0-4 each; R Kearney 0-2; R Lennon, A McGarvey 0-1 apiece.

New York: S McCarthy; S Gavin, O Sheehan, R Orford; S Bradley, J Lynch, J Morgan; E Morrissey, C Sheehan; M Dunphy, A Corr, C Bradley; J Rispin, E Gormley, B McDaid. Subs: M Kerr for Morrissey (41), M Moylan for C Bradley (56).

London: G McEvoy; E Reilly, P O’Connor, M Tierney; D Byrne, R McCready, D Griffin; R O’Connell, N Maher; M Joyce, R Forde, R Lennon; A McNulty, S Hickey, A McGarvey. Subs: T Waters for McNulty (half-time), R Kearney for Joyce (45), B Rice for Byrne (45), D Lynch for Maher (53), C Houlihan for McGarvey (60).

Referee: Conor Dourneen (Cavan).