Padraig Pearses secured a maiden Connacht senior club football title with a 1-13 to 1-11 victory over Knockmore at James Stephens Park in Ballina.
Pat Flanagan’s men led 1-3 to 0-4 at the half-time break and the Roscommon champions held on to win by the same margin.
Padraig Pearses made the brighter start and led 1-2 to 0-1 at the first water break; Hubert Darcy finding the net from the penalty spot on three minutes.
Knockmore improved slightly during the second quarter. The Mayo champions hit three of the next four scores but still found themselves two points down at half-time.
12 minutes into the second half, Padraig Pearses moved seven points clear thanks to a Paul Carey point; Carey hit eight points overall including five from play.
Knockmore responded by hitting 1-2 without reply before the second water break leaving two points between them; Charlie Bourke finding the net with 13 minutes remaining.
The sides traded four points each thereafter resulting in a narrow victory for Pearses who will now play Leinster champions Kilmacud Crokes in the All-Ireland semi-final.
