Graeme Mulcahy says Gavin O'Mahony's sending off had a galvanising effect on Kilmallock as they trumped Cratloe after extra-time to claim their third Munster club SHC title.

County star O'Mahony received a straight red card in the 46th minute for an off-the-ball incident, but the Limerick champions dug deep to win a classic encounter on a 1-32 to 3-18 scoreline.

"I think it's massive for the club. I think for a while there it was looking a bit bleak but we dug in," team captain Mulcahy told RTE.

"Gavin getting sent off, I think, as many have said already, galvanised us and really brought out the character in the team.

"We really fought back to take it to extra-time and get that 15 on 15 and it proved pivotal. After their match last week (the Munster club SFC semi-final against The Nire, which also went to extra-time) I think they were a bit tired on their legs."

He added: "I think Gavin is a massive player for us and he is a massive club man.

"I think we took it upon ourselves to take it to extra-time and then in the dressing room after we said we had to do this for him.

"It would be hard for us leaving the Gaelic Grounds today after losing, but it would be extra hard for him if we hadn't gone on and taken the victory for him."

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