Louth GAA club | Stabannon Parnells pip the Bride’s to win Seamus Flood Cup

Stabannon Parnells are back in senior grade after a dramatic two-point victory over St Brides in the Louth GAA Intermediate Football Championship final at The Grove, Castlebellingham, on Sunday afternoon.

Teenage substitute Charlie McBride was the hero for Stabannon when he landed a superb two-pointer in added time to put his side ahead before Conor Clinton added another point to secure the Seamus Flood Cup.

It was heartbreaking stuff for St Brides, who had led by a point entering stoppage time and looked set to claim their second intermediate title.

Instead, Stabannon produced a late comeback to win the competition for the first time since 1989 and secure their return to the senior ranks for 2027.

Brides had the advantage of a strong breeze in the first half, but Stabannon made the better start when Ryan Shevlin opened the scoring after six minutes before midfielder Colm Giggins doubled their advantage.

Kieran McArdle brought Brides level with a fine two-point free in the ninth minute, but Shevlin responded to restore Stabannon's lead. The opening stages were closely contested, with both teams working hard to create scoring opportunities.

Senan Hoey levelled for Brides before Bernard Laverty put the Knockbridge men ahead for the first time, then Seán Marry landed an excellent two-pointer to open up a three-point advantage.

Stabannon responded well as Seán Reynolds reduced the gap before Harry Butterly added a fine point to leave just one between the sides. Dylan Shevlin then landed the equaliser at the end of the first half when his effort went over the top of the crossbar.

Half-time: Stabannon Parnells 0-6 St Brides 0-6.

Stabannon made the stronger start to the second half with the wind now in their favour, as Harry Butterly kicked the opening point after the restart before Ryan Shevlin finished a good passing move with another score.

Marry responded with two frees to bring Brides level at 0-8 each before Giggins then produced an excellent point from distance to restore Stabannon's lead, but Donal McArdle replied at the other end.

The teams continued to exchange scores as the final entered its closing stages as Marry converted another free to put Brides ahead, but Richard Rogers levelled from close range following a pass across goal from Shevlin.

There was little between the sides, and both teams had opportunities to take control. Giggins made an important diving block to deny Kieran McArdle a goal chance, before McArdle put Brides back in front when his effort struck the upright before going over the bar.

With the Knockbridge men leading 0-11 to 0-10, they appeared to be in a good position to see out the result.

But Stabannon had other ideas as McBride, who had come on in the 53rd minute, landed a brilliant two-pointer in injury time to go from one point behind to one point in front.

Clinton then added another point a minute later to put Stabannon two clear, and the Brides were unable to find a response. It was a memorable finish for a Stabannon side that had suffered defeat in last year's intermediate final.

They will now face either Kilcavan of Laois or Dunlavin of Wicklow in the Leinster Intermediate Club Championship.

Full-time: Stabannon Parnells 0-13 St Brides 0-11

Stabannon Parnells scorers: Ryan Shevlin 0-4, Colm Giggins 0-3, Harry Butterly 0-2, Charlie McBride 0-2 (1tp), Seán Reynolds 0-1, Dylan Shevlin 0-1, Richard Rogers 0-1, Conor Clinton 0-1.

St Brides scorers: Seán Marry 0-5 (1tp, 3f), Kieran McArdle 0-3 (1tpf), Senan Hoey 0-1, Bernard Laverty 0-1, Donal McArdle 0-1.

Stabannon Parnells: Ryan Halpenny; Johnny McGee, Alan Reynolds, Mark Byrne; Richard Rogers (0-1), Bobby Butterly (c), Jake Corrigan; Colm Giggins (0-3), Harry Butterly (0-2); Conor Clinton (0-1), Seán Reynolds (0-1), Tadhg Gorman; Patrick Reynolds, Dylan Shevlin (0-1), Ryan Shevlin (0-4).

Sub: Charlie McBride (0-2, 1tp) on for Tadhg Gorman (53’).

St Brides: Aaron Devin (jc); Steven Hoey, Cillian Kirk, Robert McCaughey; Ruairí Carpenter, Bernard Laverty (0-1), Ross Murnaghan; James Costello, Patrick Reilly; Donal McArdle (0-1), Andrew Smyth, Morgan Tobin; Kieran McArdle (0-3, 1tpf), Seán Marry (jc) (0-5, 1tp, 3f), Senan Hoey (0-1).

Subs: Neil Thornton on for Ruairí Carpenter (48’), Kevin Hearty on for Senan Hoey (57’), Michael Keane on for Patrick Reilly (59’).

Referee: Colm McCullagh (Naomh Fionnbarra).