It was a poignant occasion in Newcastle as Micky Linden, one of the greats of Down football, finally added a county championship medal to his comprehensive collection of silverware. Yet on a day when Mayobridge lifted their first Down title in 80 years, the spotlight was as much on youth as it was on veteran like Linden.

Mayobridge were powered by splendidly mature performances from their five county minors and never looked remotely in trouble against a disappointing Burren side which failed to score from play until the final quarter.

Mayobridge led 0-8 to 0-3 at half-time and when Burren, now with wind advantage, eventually narrowed the gap to three points with seven minutes remaining, Linden asserted his right to his medal with two fine points.

All in all, Mayobridge's lively attack held threats from too many quarters for a labouring Burren team.

MAYOBRIDGE: E McConville; R O'Hare, S McMahon, B Grant; K O'Hare, F Poland, N Sexton; D Rooney (0-1), E Woods; M Walsh (0-1), M Linden (0-3) B Coulter (0-1); R Sexton (0- 2), G McMahon(0-2), R Coulter (0-3). Sub: A Barry (0-1) for R O'Hare.

BURREN: M Rocks; M Doyle, K Byrne, C Campbell; L McGee, B McKernan, K Doyle; R Mussun, S Ward; G Murdock, J Treanor (0-5), A Woods; S White (0-2), A McGivern (0-1), J McAlinden.

Referee: Colm Broderick (Banbridge).