Bellurgan win McConville Cup

A minute's silence was observed before the Dundalk and District League match for the late Brendan Gill. It was a night of nail-biting drama in Oriel Park for the large crowd who filled the main stand, as Bellurgan and Muirhevnamor went head to head again, after last week's Clancy Cup final at the same venue.

Muirhevnamor were contesting their 14th final, never having lost one, Bellurgan were in their 6th final having won three, the last in 1993. 

The outstanding performers of a closely fought first half were goalkeepers, Shane Rogan (Bellurgan) and Michael Cooney (Muirhevnamor).

The Bellurgan net-minder thwarted Tiernan Mulvenna as early as the 9th minute. On 25 minutes Cooney made a great save from Kevin White.

Ray Finnegan ably assisted by his captain Aaron Farnon gave Rogan great cover and likewise Brian Begley and Colm Mulvenna worked tirelessly to protect Cooney. The half ended scoreless.

Aaron Farnon (Bellurgan United captain) presented with the McConville Cup by Ava Connolly (Fastfix). Picture by Arthur Kinahan.

As early as the 50th minute Muirhevnamor hit the crossbar. Cooney then did well to deal with a well-placed free kick on 55 minutes. Dan Finnegan then shot narrowly wide, midway through the half.

Rogan made a superb save from a free kick on 75 minutes. Close to full-time, Rogan made a great save from a Micky O’Kane header, to ensure extra time. Shane O’Brian brought a tremendous save from Cooney in the opening minutes of extra time.

Midway through the first period of extra time Muirhevnamor were awarded a penalty, Micky O’Kane saw his well-struck spot kick saved by the keeper, a rare miss from O’Kane, he soon made up for his spot-kick failure with a real poacher goal two minutes into the second half of extra time with only seconds remaining Bellurgan won a corner kick and Aaron Murphy headed past the keeper to level the match at one apiece.

From the kick-off to restart the match Micky O’Kane shot for goal but the referee blew full time before the ball entered the match, much to the disbelief of the Muirhevnamor players.

It was down to penalty kicks. Bellurgan were successful with their first 3 kicks as the Blues saw Rogan save one and the second went over the bar before they scored one. Bellurgan then missed their 4th kick before Muirhevnamor made it 3-2.

Bellurgan made sure of victory with their fifth kick to win 4-2 on penalties and bridge a 30-year-old gap since their last McConville Cup in 1993. For the Blues, it was their first loss in 14 McConville Cup finals.

Bellurgan United: S. Rogan, A. Farnon, G. Gregory, C. Doris, R. Finnegan, K. White, D. Kerr, R. Hynes, D. Finnegan, S. Finnegan, C. Sharkey.

Muirhevnamor FC: M. Cooney, B. Begley, S. Conlon, C. Mulvenna, C. Duffy, T. Conway, T. Mulvenna, O. Morrow, M. Stokes, M. O’Kane, B. Hughes, Tyler, C. Dixon, T. Agunbiade, B. Dada, C. Finnon, A. Moston.

Referee: Wayne Doyle (Louth Branch).

Assistants: Eamon Philips and Paddy White (Louth Branch).