St. Pats claim Louth Minor Football Championship

St. Patrick's edged out Cooley Kickhams in a thrilling Peninsula derby to claim the Fr. Murray Cup with a hard-fought victory in Sunday’s LMFM Louth Minor Football Championship final.

The match served up plenty of excitement despite the blustery conditions at McGeough Park with both sides battling right to the final whistle. 

The opening half was a low-scoring affair and was largely influenced by a strong wind that made it difficult for either team to settle.

Cooley Kickhams were first on the scoreboard in the 11th minute when Emmet Duffy converted a free to open the match.

However, St. Patricks found their rhythm soon after when Cian McKenna and Sean Holland contributed points to give their side a narrow 0-3 to 0-1 lead at halftime.

St. Patrick’s manager Aidan McCoy reflected on the first half, admitting, "There’s no doubt the conditions played a big part today, to be honest with you.

"It took us a while to adjust, but we stuck at it and got the boys back in at half-time."

The second half exploded into life just two minutes after the restart when Sean Holland broke through to slot home the game’s first goal to give St. Patrick's a much-needed boost.

Cooley responded quickly with a fine point from distance by Duffy but the momentum stayed with St. Patricks as Christopher Condon added another goal in the 43rd minute to put them firmly in control.

McCoy noted the importance of that strong start after the break: "The first half wasn’t great, but we got an early goal [in the second half], and that probably gave them the confidence going forward after the interval."

Cooley Kickhams refused to back down and Emmet Duffy continued to be their driving force, converting frees and pulling his side back into contention with a series of points.

By the 52nd minute, the gap had closed, and Cooley was just two points behind, 2-3 to 0-8.

But just when it looked like Cooley might complete the comeback, St. Patrick's substitute Elliot Nichols struck a blow in the 56th minute to find himself with space to calmly slot home his side’s third goal.

Cooley responded immediately with a goal from Emmet Duffy but it wasn’t enough to prevent St. Patricks from securing a memorable win. 

St. Patrick’s goalkeeper, Daithi Holmes, won the Man of the Match award for three vital saves kept his side in the game.

Reflecting on the young keepers' display, McCoy said: "It’s fantastic. Daithi only came in there the last few weeks. He’s only 15, he’s a great chap, and I’m delighted he made those saves."

Despite Cooley’s best efforts, St. Patricks held on to clinch their first Minor Championship title since 2002, much to the delight of their manager. "It’s brilliant," said McCoy. "A massive, massive day for the club."

As the dust settles on the final both teams can be proud of their efforts but it was St. Patricks who emerged as the deserved champions on this occasion and lifted the Fr. Murray Cup after a hard-fought and emotional victory.

“Right up through the age categories it has been to and fro between us and in fairness, they are a good team and we knew they were come at us,” he said.

“They are very strong and a good team. Most of those lads go to school together and it’s very tough to lose there today but thanks be to go we came out on the right side.”

St. Patricks: Daithí Holmes; Pierce Mulrey, Sam Elvin, Ruairí Holland; Joseph Holland, Sean Holland (1-1), Christopher Condon (1-0); Micheál O’ Shaughnessy, Ciarán O’Hanlon; Shane McCusker, Eoin McCoy, Josh Condon; Darragh Flynn, Cian McKenna (0-2, 2f), Fionn Holmes.

Subs: Ruairí Traynor for J Condon (23'), Elliott Nicholls (1-0) for E McCoy (30').

Cooley Kickhams: Adam Brady; Ben Craven, Dualta O’Neill, Tiarnán Hanniffy (0-1); John Boyle, Shea Connolly, Stephen Óg McGuinness; Jack Long, Orán McAnerney; Joseph Hanlon (0-1), Emmet Duffy (1-5, 3f), James McEnhill, Daniel Page, Connall Shields (0-1, 1f), Ruairí H Walker.

Referee: Bryan Smyth (O'Raghallaigh's).