Mayo star Conor Loftus set his grief aside to clinch the All-Ireland club IFC title for Crossmolina with a last-gasp goal.
The Croke Park decider was initially scheduled for January 12 but was postponed following the tragic death of Loftus’ partner Roisin Cryan.
Loftus made himself available for the fresh fixture and capped a strong performance with the winning goal from a 69th minute penalty.
It was virtually the last play of the game and when full-time came, an emotional Loftus walked straight to the tunnel and the dressing-room.
GAA President Jarlath Burns spoke movingly of a difficult few weeks for the club and the families whilst team captain Mikie Loftus dedicated the win to Roisin Cryan.
Cross’ manager Benson said: “The last two weeks, three weeks, have been really tough in the club, very emotional. Obviously you saw Conor there, as soon as the game is over he’s bolted down the tunnel.
“Like, while we’re all excited and delighted, our thoughts have to go to them, to Conor Loftus and the Cryans, it’s obviously really difficult for him.
“To see him bolt down the tunnel after winning an All-Ireland in Croke Park, I just think it says a lot about the fact that he could come out and play today for us. I have to acknowledge that.
“It’s a testament to the man he is, to be able to change his focus, to be even thinking about an All-Ireland final in the circumstances.”
A simmering game that was level five times in the first-half came to the boil after the break with Cross’ surging 0-11 to 0-8 clear.
Man of the Match Niall Coggins came strongly into the game and hit three second-half points in total.
But Ballinderry, All-Ireland senior champions in 2002, put themselves in pole position with five points in a row between the 53rd and 59th minutes to lead by two in stoppage time.
Ryan Bell, sub Daniel McKinless and captain Gareth McKinless all came to the fore for the Derry side.
But Coggins pulled back a point for Cross’ to leave one in it and then sub Stephen Duffy was controversially adjudged to have been fouled by goalkeeper Ben McKinless for a penalty.
That’s when Loftus stepped up for his pot shot at glory, declining to take the easy option of a point which would have forced extra-time.
Crossmolina Deel Rovers: JP Mulhern; D Fox, D Coggins, M Gordetskyy; M Loftus, C Loftus 1-1, 1-0p, A Coggins; D Syron, J Flynn; K Mulhern 0-1, J Maheady 0-2, 1f, N Coggins 0-3; D Walsh, P Leddy, F Duffy 0-4, 4f.
Subs: L Loftus 0-1 for Syron 26, P Loftus for JP Mulhern 45, C Carolan for Walsh 57, S Duffy for Leddy 59, C Fergus for M Loftus 65.
Ballinderry: B McKinless; R O’Neill, E Devlin, G McKinless; E Rocks, O Duffin, A Mullan; R Forbes 0-1, S Coleman; T Rocks 0-1, C O’Neill 0-3, 2f, S McCann; C Crozier 0-3, 2f, D Lawn, R Bell 0-3.
Subs: Daniel McKinless 0-2 for Coleman 38, M Smyth for Lawn 49, O Mullan for Rocks 65.
Ref: S Lonergan (Tipperary).
