2023 Clancy Cup winners Quay Celtic. Picture by Arthur Kinahan.
The 37th Jimmy Clancy Final will take place in Oriel Park on Saturday, 21st September, with Bellurgan United contesting their fourth final against Muirhevnamor FC who will be appearing in their 15th.
Bellurgan has just one win, which was against none other than Muirhevnamor in 1991. Christy O'Conor put Bellurgan ahead but Tony O'Hare equalised to send the final to extra time and penalties, which Bellurgan won 9-8.
Patrick Conor was the first Bellurgan United captain to lift the coveted trophy and so far the last. Muirhevnamors first Clancy Cup win came in 1993 against Pegusus on a 3-1 victory.
Paddy Reilly put Muirhevnamor Celts ahead but Thomas Staunton levelled, but goals from Raymond Trimble and Richie Watters sealed the inaugural victory. The last of their 14 wins came in 2016, beating Quay Celtic 3-1.
It was the 50th anniversary of the Quay club, but after a scoreless first half, they fell behind to two goals from Brendan Hughes and Billy Smith before David Boyle made it 2-1. Gary Clarke made Quay pay for a missed penalty hitting the third and final goal in a thriller.
Bellurgans last final appearance was in 2019 when they lost out in a pulsating match 4-3 to Rampart Celtic, who would after covid, go on to retain the Cup.
A live televised showing of the final was watched by 2000. Luke Higgins put Bellurgan in front before Lee Wright equalised, only to see Joe Needham put Bellurgan in front again within a minute. Two goals from Anthony Lines restored Ramparts lead which Lee Wright added too.
Bellurgan laid siege to the Rampart goal after Joe Dunne made it 4-3, but Rampart held out to lift their first trophy in the D&D League since joining I in 2009. Terry Kelly presented the Cup to Rampart captains. A McGuinness and Eoin McGuinness.
Previous Clancy Cup Winners: Muirhevnamor FC (14) 1993,94,98,2001,06,07,11,12,13,14. Quay Celtic (6) 1992, 95, 2000, 02,17,23. Shamrocks FC (4) 2008, 09,15, 22.
Biggest final win: Shamrocks FC 11-1 Muirhevnamor Celtic in 2015.
Most consecutive wins: Muirhevnamor FC (4) 2011,2012,13,14.
Most final defeats: Pearse Celtic (5) 1992 v Quay 1-1 6-5 on penalties, 1998 v Muirhevnamor Celts 2-1, 1999 v Muirhevnamor 4-1, 2000 v Quay Celtic 2-1.
Hattricks in final: Owen Armstrong - Rathcor Rovers (3), Paudie Hearty - Muirhevnamor (5), Micky O'Kane - Muirhevnamor (4), Billy Smith - Shamrocks (4), Colin Finn - Muirhevnamor (3), Owen Armstrong - Shamrocks (3), Dean Browne - Shamrocks (3), Thomas Daly - Quay (3).
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