MARTIN McIvor's stoppage time free put Magilligan into a first final since 1988 after a pulsating win (1-8 to 1-7) over Limavady on Thursday night.

Magilligan missed a bucket load of chances in the first half but held their nerve in an epic second half.  It took a late Eoin Kelly goal to level the game, not to mention 'keeper Michael Doherty's reaction save from a Conor Forrest shot.

McIvor had the last say and amid emotional and joyous scenes, he gave his reaction to the County Derry Post.

"I don’t even know what to say.  Where do you even start?", admitted McIvor as he received numerous slaps on the back.  " We have trained for two years with Darren McShane, everyone put their gut to the wheel and it showed there tonight.  We were never dying, deep down we know we’re going to take the county final this year.”

The loyal band of supporters applauded them down the tunnel and McIvor acknowledged what it means to the community.  "The parish haven’t had a win like this for I don’t know how many years.  It is a big lift for the parish, we had a bad time last year but everything is coming now.”

After missing a total of 2-11 in the first half, McIvor pointed to the scores before half time as the turning point.  "We were never beat, we were the better team and we were for winning.  There is something there this year and we’re not going to turn now.  The first two scores (before half time) took it down to a point and we started to lift it then.  They got the goal and still the heart was there.”

McIvor didn't forget about his goalkeeper.  "It was some save.  He (Michael Doherty) pulled us out so many times and that save probably won us the game.”

Now it's all systems go for an October 16 meeting with Drum or Glack.  "This is what we have worked for - this county final," McIvor added.  "Training is going to be flat out – I’d say Darren (McShane) is not going to lift the foot off the pedal now.”

Details, photos and more reaction in Tuesday's County Derry Post - first for Derry GAA coverage.

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