CROSSMOLINA captain Mikie Loftus paid an emotional tribute to Roisin Cryan following their All-Ireland intermediate final victory.
The Mayo club dramatically beat Ballinderry on Sunday, with the game having originally been postponed following Cryan’s tragic death.
It was her grieving fiance, Conor Loftus, who was the hero on the day, as the Mayo star bravely stepped up to convert the match-winning penalty late on.
The inspirational centre-back immediately went down the tunnel after the final whistle as his teammates basked in the glory.
Skipper Mikie Loftus climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand to collect the cup from GAA President Larry McCarthy.
And he dedicated the triumph to Roisin in an emotion-fuelled victory speech.
He said: “Roisin Cryan was an amazing person. We, as a team, are lucky to have known her.
“Roisin was there celebrating after the good times last year and throughout the many bad times.
“I want to dedicate this victory to Roisin Cryan. I know she is looking down on us smiling today.”
The video of the speech was uploaded to social media by the GAA’s official account, with fans praising Loftus for the speech.
Grainne said: “bawling. What a beautiful mention. In awe of this team, especially Conor Loftus.”
Joe said: “My word some speech some character from that bunch of lads and especially Conor Loftus..small solace in a horrendous time for them well done all”
John said: “Outstanding speech from Crossmolina Mikie Loftus.”
It was a day laced with emotion for the fans, players, coaches, and staff of Crossmolina Deel Rovers.
In the lead-up to the game, selector John Maughan expressed gratitude to Ballinderry for their compassion during such a tragic time.
He told the Irish Independent: “I want to give a big shout out to the Ballinderry club.
“They were represented at the funeral mass.
“Obviously I can’t speak on behalf of the Cryan family but I know it was a lovely gesture for them to travel down, a representation from the club came down.
“They couldn’t have been kinder in engaging with the club, giving their sympathies to the Crossmolina club, to Conor and to the Cryan family.
“And similarly to Croke Park, they couldn’t have been more accommodating with re-fixing the game.
“Once we notified them of what had happened, they did everything they could for us.
“That should be acknowledged. We were anxious the game would be played.
“Conor was anxious the game would be played, so as not to hold things up from Ballinderry’s perspective as well, and I think that’s important.”
