Louth GAA club | Barrs win Kevin Mullen Plate on penalties

Naomh Fionnbarra claimed the Louth GAA Powerscreen New England Kevin Mullen Plate following a penalty shootout against O’Connell’s at The Grove, Castlebellingham, on Sunday afternoon.

With the aid of a strong wind in the first half, O’Connell’s made the brighter scoring impact despite some early wides. Naomh Fionnbarra, playing against the elements, opened with two Padraig Butterly frees to lead inside five minutes.

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O’Connell’s responded well as Niall Conlon converted an excellent two-point free before Justin Cooney added another two-pointer as the home side moved three points ahead and continued to create chances, but were guilty of further wides.

The Barrs stayed in touch through points from Jack Butterly (0-2) and Ciarán Murphy (0-3), while O’Connell’s added scores through Sean Cairns and Conlon as the home side led by two points at the break.

Half time: O'Connell's 0-6 Naomh Fionnbarra 0-4

The visitors made the decisive move early in the second half after Conlon extended the lead. Niall McCreesh (2-3) struck for a goal on 35 minutes to level the game. He followed that with a two-point score to put Naomh Fionnbarra ahead.

O’Connell’s responded through frees from Conlon and Robert Quigley, and regained the lead when Cooney finished to the net. However, the advantage was short-lived as McCreesh struck again for a second goal just a minute later.

The closing stages were tight. Quigley converted two frees to level matters, while Jack Butterly briefly edged Naomh Fionnbarra in front.

A late chance for Cooney was saved before Quigley’s final free ensured the sides finished level. With no separating the teams at full-time, the game went to penalties, where Naomh Fionnbarra secured the title.

Full time: O’Connell’s 1-13 Naomh Fionnbarra 2-10 (Naomh Fionnbarra win 4-3 on penalties).

O’Connell’s: Jonathan Brennan; Sam Shearman, Jack McGeough, Nathan Carragher; Adam Flynn, Stuart Osborne, Joshua Horwell; Cailum Woods (0-1), Seán Cairns (0-1); Jackie Agnew, Robert Quigley (0-4, 4f), Alan McGovern; Justin Cooney (1-3, 1tp), Niall Conlon (0-6, 2f, 1tpf), Cathal O’Brien.

Naomh Fionnbarra: Fionn McQuillan; Adam Kirwan, Ronan Callaghan, Adam Hanratty; Mairtin Murphy, Colin McGrane, Seán Boyle; Matthew O’Reilly, Josh Crosbie; Conor Osbourne, Jack Butterly (0-2), Padraig Butterly; Ciarán Murphy (0-3), Jack Murtagh (0-2), Niall McCreesh (2-3).

Subs: Ciaran Markey.

Referee: Colm Keenan (Cooley Kickhams)