By Cóilín Duffy Cork 1-13 Down 2-9 The fine line between success and failure was firmly evident at O'Moore Park, Portlaoise as a 62nd minute goal from Colm O'Driscoll stole the Cadbury's All-Ireland U21 Football Championship from Down's grasp as the Rebels claimed their eleventh title. Down were seeking a first success in this competition since 1979 but they were cruelly denied as a resolute Cork claim a last gasp win The Mournemen managed by former Ireland International Rules manager Peter McGrath had taken the lead on two occasions in the second half thanks to well earned goals, but it was Cork's lone three-pointer which secured the Clarke Cup for the Rebels. Goals from Eamon Toner and captain Timmy Hanna saw Down take the lead on two occasions in the second half but a resiliant Cork weren't to be denied their second All-Ireland title in three campaigns. Eager to make a positive start Down settled quickest thanks to an opening minute Paul Devlin pointed free but Cork gained a firm foothold at midfield and dominated possession over the opening quarter. However it took the Rebels almost seven minutes to get off to a positive footing with captain Colm O'Neill slotting over their opening score. A brace of David Goold points ensured a 0-3 to 0-1 Cork lead but although dominant at midfield the Rebels leaked two of the next three points, with Paul McComiskey and Paul Devlin on target as Down cut the gap to the minimum. But a forceful Cork outfit oozed enthusiasm in attack with Gould and O'Neill again to the fore as the Rebels claimed a 0-8 to 0-5 interval lead, but could have been further in front having rued five wides and conceding pointed frees from McComiskey and Devlin. The Rebels were unsettled on the restart having lost half-forward Ciaran Sheehan through injury as Down made an inspired start. A McComiskey brace and a inspiring score from midfielder Peter Fitzpatrick cut the gap to the minimum by the 38th minute. Although a James Fitzpatrick point saw Cork break into a 0-10 to 0-8 lead with 17 minutes remaining, the Ulster champions placed huge pressure on a resolute Cork attack at this stage but were rewarded for their efforts. A quick burst forward from midfield saw Eamon Toner finished the ball to the Cork net as Down took the lead for the first time since the opening minute. O'Neill and Goold edged Cork back in front but a gutsy Down bounced back with Toner feeding defender Timmy Hanna as the Mourne captain burst through for the Ulster sides second goal. Both teams were well matched in the closing stages, but a second point from midfielder Fitzpatrick saw Down take a two-point lead with as many minutes remaining. Down supporters were sensing a rare All-Ireland crown for their side at this stage, and although their goalkeeper Gavin Joyce pulled off a superb save from an Aidan Walsh shot, O'Driscoll delivered the sucker punch to ensure a Rebel victory. Cork - A Seymour; S McLoughlan, L Jennings, N Galvin; C O'Driscoll, A Walsh, B Daly; C O'Donovan, K O'Driscoll; C Sheehan, M Collins (0-2), C O'Driscoll (1-0); C O'Neill (0-5, 2f), D Goold (0-5, 3f), P Honahan. Subs: J Fitzpatrick (0-1) for Sheehan (32-inj); B Lombard for Jennings (49); B O'Driscoll for Honahan (62); L McLoughlin for K O'Driscoll (62) Down - G Joyce; M Digney, C Murney, D Turley; T Hanna (1-0), J Fitzpatrick, J Murphy; M Magee, P Fitzpatrick (0-2); E Toner (1-0), C Maginn, J O'Reilly; P Devlin (0-3, 3f), P McComiskey (0-4, 2f), C Poland. Subs: N Higgins for Digney (46) Ref - Cormac Reilly (Meath) Tweet

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