Twenty-five years ago today, Derry beat Cork 1-14 to 2-8 in an exhilarating final to win their first, and only, senior football championship.
The Context:
Derry went into their second All-Ireland final looking for their first victory. Down had won the Sam Maguire in 1991 and Donegal were the reigning champions, so Derry aimed to bring Sam to the north for the third consecutive year.
Cork had more experience, with six All-Ireland titles and had been involved in four of the last six finals.
The attendance of the 104th All-Ireland Final on the 19th of September 1993 was 64,500.
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The Game Itself:
Derry, with one Joe Brolly in their side, took advantage of Cork’s Tony Davis‘ harsh sending off for a challenge just before halftime.
A Seamús Downey goal put Derry in the driving seat and they survived a late onslaught from Cork to hold on for the victory.
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The Aftermath:
Neither side made any appearances in the All-Ireland final over the next five years.
Cork would go onto win another All-Ireland in 2010, whereas Derry have not been able to replicate the success of 1993.
Derry’s manager that day was Eamonn Coleman. When Coleman died in 2007, the All-Ireland winning squad formed a guard of honour at his funeral.
It was certainly a day that Derry fans will look back on with fondness.
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