ANTHONY FINNERTY, who played for Mayo in the All-Ireland final replay against Meath, was sent off for An Cheathru Rua in the early minutes of the Galway senior football final in Tuam yesterday. Oranmore-Maree's Cahal MacConn was also dismissed by referee Tom Gavin as Gaeltacht club An Cheathru Rua took their first title.

But the losers, also playing in their first final, looked likely winners when they led 0-10 to 0-8 five minutes from full time. However, An Cheathru Rua got a superb opportunist goal and copperfastened victory with three late points.

Goalscorer Gary Mac Donnhadha, county star Sean Og de Paor, Iarlaith O Se and his older brother Aodhan O Se were best for the new champions, while captain Tim Rabbitt, former hurling star Pat Malone and forwards Mark Kelly, Brendan Duffy and Eoin Pender were best for Oranmore-Maree.