"The pressure had built" - Martin savours emotional Nemo triumph

Nemo Rangers' goalkeeper Micheal Aodh Martin ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Micheál Aodh Martin admitted “it's just pure relief” after Nemo Rangers finally ended their run of county final heartbreak with victory over St Finbarr’s in the Cork senior football championship decider.

Nemo secured a 1-19 to 2-12 victory at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday to claim their 24th Cork SFC title, having suffered three consecutive final defeats in recent years.

The goalkeeper acknowledged the pressure that had built up around the club but was delighted to see the next generation of Nemo players finally get their hands on silverware.

"Relief is the main emotion to be honest, obviously it's been a tough few years,” Martin is quoted saying by RTE Sport after the game.

"When that final whistle goes, it's just a weight off the shoulders. There's no doubt, the pressure had built over a few years, so close in a few finals in a row, so to get over the line is massive.

"And obviously there The Barrs, when they came strong in the second half with goals, you fear the worst, there's no point pretending, no matter how many times we've been here.

"(The) last couple of years have been negative, so it's just pure relief when the final whistle goes, and delighted for the young crop coming through now, and it's just so important that they got off the mark today with a win."