Sean Reynolds lights up championship as Stabannon overcome Roche Emmets

CTI BUSINESS SOLUTIONS INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 1 ROUND 1

Roche 0-14 Stabannon 0-17

Monday night football in the Louth championship is appointment viewing at this stage but there is no questioning the fact that Seán Reynolds’ is pure box office.

Stabannon Parnells pulled off a mild shock to beat Roche Emmets under the bright lights of the Ecco Road. Reynolds was key once again to the hope and belief instilled into the underdogs on the night, but it must be said he was well aided by his overqualified Harry Butterly in the role of supporting act.

Parnells have a winning habit that Emmets could only dream of. Five trophies in less than two seasons both at adult and underage has the Mid-Louth outfit riding on the crest of a wave. Despite the higher league placing, championship is a different animal and Parnells have match winners a plenty.

The upset was there from the off. Barry O’Hare uncharacteristically missed a simple free with Roche already dealt injuries and absences before the game began. That lack of cover in the Faughart sides full back line showed throughout.

Reynolds as usual set the tone for his side by grasping the nettle to land the first score of the game and with that, Wayne Kierans side never trailed.

Reynolds was a joy to behold. Long, direct ball was in stark contrast to Emmet's laboured approach and it showed. Ba McCoy wound up the cannon left foot twice as Reynolds collected marks and provided that clarity to the Parnells play. That was crucial.

Butterly topped up their tally with some sweet placed balls from distance as Robert Callaghan stretched their lead to seven points. Reynolds the provider. Roche threatened on the surface but DD Reilly and Glen Stewart scored from distance more out of spite than anything else.

With Niall Cluskey bossing the middle third, Marty Carroll was called in action by Jamie O’Hare.

The lead at half time, 0-11 to 0-5, was a healthy one for Stabannon, who also survived a scare when Mark Byrne nearly fired home theatrically off the deck.

Reynolds kept the scoreboard ticking over along with a Harry Butterly wonder score. That connection of his boot smacking the O’Neill’s leather echoed around Clan Na Gael park.

DD Reilly enjoyed his championship debut. He was confident and his point in front of the Parnells bench was memorable. Podge Malone’s acrobatics denied the youngster a certain goal too, after a scoring run.

Barry O’Hare was now going up the gears too, as Emmets mounted their charge. Fitness looked to be in their favour and the screw was turning despite Shane Byrne’s black card on the 48th minute. Adam McKay cut through from corner back to leave two between the sides, the closest it would get.

Reynolds and Butterly seized all the big moments down the stretch to cap Stabannon’s fine return to the grade. Roche were left dazed and confused by the dazzling duo and now crucially have two weeks to ponder it all. 

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ROCHE EMMETS: Jamie O’Hare; Aidan Grant, Adam McKay (0-1), David Quigley; James McDonnell, Peter Lynch, Gerard Browne; Glen Stewart (0-1), Liam Dawe (0-1); Jack McKay, Shane Byrne (0-2), Mark Byrne; Seán Dawe (0-1), Barry O’Hare (0-5, 0-3 frees), DD Reilly (0-3). Subs: Martin Carroll for J McKay (23), Dáire Reilly for Quigley (38), Quigley for Lynch (42), Dan O’Connell for M Byrne (47).

STABANNON PARNELLS: Pádraig Malone; Ryan Halpenny, Alan Reynolds, Barry McCoy (0-2); Johnny Magee, Shane McCoy, David Cluskey; Colm Giggins (0-1), Niall Cluskey (0-1); Jake Corrigan, Bobby Butterly, Dean Lynch; Robbie Callaghan (0-1), Seán Reynolds (0-6, 0-2 marks), Harry Butterly (0-6, 0-4 frees). SUBS: Aonghus Giggins for C Giggins (44), Thomas McBride for Callaghan (58), Barry Lynch for D Lynch (60).

REFEREE: David Fedigan (Hunterstown Rovers).