![Fionán Mackessy of Kerry with his trophy after winning the 2023 M. Donnelly GAA All-Ireland Poc Fada Finals at Annaverna Mountain in the Cooley Peninsula, Ravensdale, Louth. PICTURE: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/VMLG3GLS6ZNIZL3T6TTVSYQWG4.jpg?auth=fc2232bb440f5166724315e43e014013840b4edda9339446a065b43c6085907a&width=800&height=546)
Kerry hurler Fionan Mackessy was crowned king of the mountains after claiming the M Donnelly All-Ireland Poc Fada title.
The Kingdom defender admitted he travelled to Louth's Cooley Mountains more in hope than expectation but put in a powerful display to steal the silverware.
Mackessy led virtually throughout in windswept conditions and his total of 48 pucks and 62 metres edged out 2021 winner Colin Ryan.
Clare hurling star Peter Duggan came in a creditable third on his debut while 2022 champion Killian Phelan was fourth.
Mackessy advanced to the national decider as Munster runner-up, behind Limerick's Ryan, but came good on the bigger stage.
![The Senior Hurling participants with GAA President, Larry McCarthy, centre left, and event sponsor Martin Donnelly after the 2023 M. Donnelly GAA All-Ireland Poc Fada Finals at Annaverna Mountain in the Cooley Peninsula, Ravensdale, Louth.](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/CHS4FM4M7JIMHL4SERRHS7YAGQ.jpg?auth=0b634d42104f53780baa12333503e1c932f04d3653422ebefc288c60d9082e44&width=800&height=496)
The Ardfert man admitted nine-time winner Brendan Cummins, who previously coached Kerry, gave him some useful advice beforehand.
Mackessy said: "I'd be good friends with Brendan Cummins, he's a bit of a legend of this mountain. I gave him a phone call and he gave me the ins and outs of what to be looking out for.
"I'm surprised really that I won. I just wanted to come up and have a good experience and to give it a lash. But I'm going home with the cup so I'm delighted."
![Conor Woods](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/ULYKHPT5DVMEXHDMW37RBO72JI.jpg?auth=cf4e6d07594383dd720381159938f940ef4efcbdd09dd4ceb9ddb5a6553088e8&width=800&height=520)
Mackessy paid tribute to sponsor Martin Donnelly as well as clubmate Fionan Egan who acted as his 'caddy' around the course. With several blind pucks and a number of deep ravines to navigate, it was a team operation.
"Definitely there was a bit of luck on the day, you can't strike it clean the whole time," said Mackessy.
"Fionan made a big difference to me. You need a lad ahead of you to get you around the course, he was pointing up the hurley and I was aiming for him the whole time. I had great confidence that he was giving me the right directions."
![Liam Watson](https://www.irishnews.com/resizer/v2/NEXNHLYM6VLCBBBZ6JPM762I64.jpg?auth=f5c8d4572522c631574a5841f1ed5e2a09921372fd3fc31cb05f6b67d44b9bd6&width=800&height=507)
There was Ulster interest in the form of former Loughgiel and Antrim hurler Liam Watson and former Ballycran and Down half-back Conor Woods
Molly Lynch capped a terrific couple of days by claiming a three-in-a-row of senior camogie Poc Fada titles.
Lynch was on the bench for Cork at Croke Park on Sunday when they defeated Waterford in the All-Ireland senior camogie final.
With 24 pucks to complete her course she was three ahead of second-placed Susan Earner who previously came out on top in 2017 and 2018. Cavan's Emma Mulvaney came third.
Tiarna Kelly from Derry claimed the U-16 camogie title while the U16 boys winner was Sean Kelly from Galway.