Louth IFC round-up | Round 3

Group 1

Clan na Gael 0-12 Glen Emmets 0-8

In a tense and hard-fought battle at Páirc Séamus Mhic hEochaidh, Haggardstown, Clan na Gael secured a four-point victory over Glen Emmets in the CTI Business Solutions Football Intermediate Football Championship on Saturday evening.

The win sees Clan na Gael progress to the quarterfinals, where they will face Mattock Rangers.

The match started with Glen Emmets on the front foot, as Conor Grimes opened the scoring with a well-taken point in the 3rd minute.

However, Clan na Gael responded in the 10th minute through Conall McKeever, levelling the score at 0-1 apiece.

The sides exchanged scores throughout the first half, with Grimes adding another point from a free for Glen Emmets and Liam O'Hanlon and Mark Newell scoring for Clan na Gael.

The Clans took the lead just before halftime with a fine point from Gavin Gaffey, giving them a slender one-point advantage at the break, 0-4 to 0-3.

Both sides' defensive grit and discipline were on full display in the first half, despite the close score, which set the tone for a fierce second half.

Clan na Gael came out with renewed energy after the break, and within ten minutes, they had stretched their lead to three points, thanks to scores from Billy Smyth and Robbie Curran.

Smyth was impressive, adding another point in the 38th minute to make it 0-7 to 0-4. Glen Emmets tried to claw back, with goalkeeper Ian O'Reilly converting a free and Grimes adding another point, but the Clans always seemed to have a response.

As the game entered the final quarter, the Clans' superiority began to show. Shane Carroll, O'Hanlon, and Curran all chipped in with points, increasing their lead to 0-10 to 0-6 by the 48th minute.

Glen Emmets fought valiantly, with O'Reilly and Paddy McHugh adding late points, but they were unable to close the gap sufficiently. 

The final nail in the coffin came in the 63rd minute when substitute Craig Long scored the last point of the match, sealing a 0-12 to 0-8 victory for Clan na Gael. 

The Clans’ performance in the second half was particularly impressive, with a wide range of players contributing to the scoreboard.

Clan na Gael will now focus their renewed confidence on the quarterfinals under the direction of manager Alan O'Neill.

Clan na Gael: Seán Smith; Brian McDonnell, Craig Callan, Conor Smith; Conall McKeever (0-1), Conor Noonan (c), Mark Newell (0-1); Robbie Curran (0-2, 1f), Gerard Curran; Gavin Gaffey (0-2), Billy Smith (0-2), Jack Callan, John Byrne, Shane Carroll (0-1, 1mark), Liam O'Hanlon (0-1).

Subs: Aodhan Kirk on for John Byrne (45'), Mark McGeown on Shane Carroll (48'), Craig Long (0-1) on Mark Newell (52'), Shay Coleman on for Billy Smith (59').

Glen Emmets: Ian O'Reilly (0-2, 2f); Brien Maguire, Conor Grimes (0-4, 2f), David Bracken; Keith Boylan, Evan English, Conor Kelly; Sam Kenny (c), Eoghan Maguire; Jamie Gilkes, Keefer Carolan, Kealan O'Neill (0-1); Alex Carolan, Paddy McHugh, Calum Wogan.

Subs: James Butler on for Jamie Gilkes (33'), Darragh Russell on for Keefer Carolan (37'), Andrew Mooney on for Keith Boylan (46'), Cian Talbot on for Alex Carolan (48'), Cathal Maguire on for David Bracken (55').

Referee: Stephen Murphy (Naomh Máirtín).

Group 2

O'Raghallaighs 3-15 Dundalk Young Irelands 2-6

O'Raghallaigh's of Drogheda delivered a comprehensive victory over Dundalk Young Irelands at Páirc Uí Mhuirí on Saturday afternoon to secure their place in the Louth Intermediate Football Championship quarterfinals.

The match started with a bang as O'Raghallaigh's took an early lead, thanks to a fortunate goal by Kyle McElroy in the 6th minute.

A defensive mix-up by the Young Irelands allowed McElroy to pounce on the loose ball and slot it into an empty net.

Moments later, Young Irelands had a golden opportunity to respond when Dean Maguire was awarded a penalty, but Joe Finnegan in the O'Raghallaigh's goal pulled off a brilliant double save, maintaining his side's early advantage.

Despite missing the penalty, Young Irelands quickly got on the scoreboard through frees from Peter McStravick and Ruairi Kelly, narrowing the gap to a single point.

However, O'Raghallaigh's regained their composure and began to dominate proceedings.

Ben Rogan’s long-range effort, aided by the wind, and a quickfire double from Danny Reilly helped them establish a commanding lead.

O'Raghallaigh's led 1-8 to 0-3 at the break after scoring seven straight points by the 33rd minute, including a fantastic long-range shot from Eseosa Omoregbe. 

The second half saw Young Irelands attempt to mount a comeback, with the wind now in their favour.

A free from captain Jordan O'Donoghue and a well-taken goal by the same player, following good work from James Prendergast, reduced the deficit to five points.

But O'Raghallaigh's responded in kind, with Emmet King and Kyle McElroy both finding the target to maintain their lead. 

Dundalk Young Irelands continued to battle, with points from Prendergast and McStravick, but O'Raghallaigh's superior quality shone through.

McElroy was particularly impressive, converting several frees and adding a second goal in the 56th minute, effectively ending any hopes of a Young Irelands comeback.

In the closing stages, O'Raghallaigh's added gloss to the scoreline with a third goal from Barry Finnegan, whose powerful left-footed drive left Fergal Sheeky with no chance.

Danny Reilly then capped off a fine team performance with the final point of the game.

The victory ensures O'Raghallaigh's advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face Sean O'Mahony's. 

Meanwhile, Dundalk Young Irelands must regroup as they prepare for a relegation playoff after a disappointing group-stage campaign.

O'Raghallaighs: Joe Finnegan; James Morgan, Alan Doyle, Kevin Magee; Danny Morgan, Stephen Murphy, Emmet King (0-1); Ruairi Moore (c) (0-1), Eseosa Omoregbe (0-1); Connor McGinty, Kyle McElroy (2-6, 0-4f), Danny Reilly (0-3); Olan Walsh, Barry Finnegan (1-1), Ben Rogan (0-2).

Subs: Caolan McCabe on for Con O'Donoghue (17'), Cillian Curran on for Euan Sweeney (42'), Conal Rice on for Danny Morgan (53').

Dundalk Young Irelands: Fergal Sheeky; Conn O'Donoghue, Ciarán Murray, Seán Murphy; Jamie Browne, Jordan O'Donoghue (c) (1-1, 0-1f), Liam McStravick; Peter Nixon, Ruairi Kelly (0-1, 1f); Cian O'Donoghue, Dermot Mone, Peter McStravick (0-3, 2f), Cian O'Nairaigh, Brendan Prendergast, Dean Maguire.

Subs: James Prendergast (0-1, 1mark) on for Cian O'Nairaigh (33'), Jack Watters on for Liam McStravick (51').

Referee: Cathal Sweeney (Stabannon Parnells).

Group 3

Dundalk Gaels 3-9 Glyde Rangers 0-4

Dundalk Gaels secured a dominant victory over Glyde Rangers in the final round of Group 3 in the Louth Intermediate Football Championship.

Kevin McKernan's Dundalk Gaels showed right away why they were the clear favourites coming into the game.

Jordan Keating's well-placed free kick opened the score after just three minutes. The Gaels rapidly established their superiority, setting the tone for the remainder of the game.

Cian Walsh had increased their lead by the seventh minute, and it didn't take long for Tom O'Connell to find the net thanks to a looping shot that fooled Glyde Rangers goalkeeper David Brennan.

Collie Campbell's Glyde Rangers tried to reply, and in the thirteenth minute, Ciarán Sheridan converted a mark to put the team on the scoreboard.

Despite this, the Tallanstown side struggled to make further inroads against a well-organized Gaels defence.

Dundalk Gaels continued to pile on the pressure, with Tony McDonnell and Tom O’Connell adding points to extend their lead.

Glyde Rangers managed a point from a free, courtesy of Sheridan, in the 25th minute, but a long-range effort from Liam O'Connor in the 26th minute re-established the Gaels' control.

The half ended with a point from Glyde's Lee Finnegan, leaving the score at 1-5 to 0-3 in favour of the Gaels.

The second half began with a glimmer of hope for Glyde Rangers as Sheridan added another point from a free in the 35th minute, reducing the deficit to four points.

However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly dashed when Tom O’Connell struck again in the 41st minute, finishing off a well-worked team move to put the game out of reach with his second goal of the night.

The Gaels continued to dominate the remainder of the match, with O’Connell, Seán Murray, Cian Walsh, and Tony McDonnell all adding points to seal an emphatic victory.

Despite their best attempts, Glyde Rangers were unable to break down the Gaels defence and failed to score after the 35th minute.

The final whistle signalled Dundalk Gaels' convincing 11-point victory. They now move on to the quarterfinals, where they will take on Kilkerley Emmets.

Meanwhile, Glyde Rangers, newly promoted to this level after winning the Junior Championship last year, will need to regroup quickly as they head into a relegation battle to preserve playing at the Intermediate grade.

Dundalk Gaels: Aaron Culligan; David McComish, Kyle Rafferty, Pauric Tinnelly; Oisin Murray, James O'Connell, Jordan Keating (0-1, 1f); James Stewart, Seán McCann; Liam O'Connor (0-1), Seán Murray (0-1), Luke Murray; Cian Walsh (0-2), Tom O'Connell (2-1), Tony McDonnell (0-2).

Subs: Jack Mullen (HT), Tom Murphy on for Luke Murray (50'), Eanna McArdle on for Jordan Keating (54'), Gary Shevlin on for Seán McCann (55') Chris Sweeney on for Tom O'Connell (55').

Glyde Rangers: David Brennan; Darren McKeever, Conor McCullagh (c), Aaron Myles; Tadhg Kellet, Jack McKeever, Gerard Bourton; Lee Finnegan (0-1), Adam Sweeney; Oisin Lynch, Brian Duffy, Conor Sheridan; Ciarán Sheridan (0-3, 2f, 1mark), Pauric Kearney, Aaron Devlin.

Subs: Fiachra Sheridan (39'), Leigh Byrne on for Lee Finnegan (51').

Referee: Stephen Fitzpatrick (Clan na Gael).

Group 4

St. Kevins 2-10 Stabannon Parnells 1-9

St. Kevin's defeated Stabannon Parnells in a thrilling match to go to the Louth Intermediate Football Championship quarterfinals.

In a thrilling final quarter, St. Kevin's emerged victorious in the winner-take-all match, which took place at DEFY Páirc Mhuire in Ardee.

The game promised intensity from the start. After barely one minute, Wayne Kierans' Stabannon Parnells team scored their first point thanks to a wonderful play by Seán Reynolds.

However, St. Kevin’s quickly responded with a free from Cameron Maher to level the score. The opening exchanges saw Stabannon edge ahead through another Harry Butterly free and a well-taken point from play.

Despite St. Kevin’s efforts to close the gap, Butterly’s accuracy from both play and placed balls kept Stabannon in the lead. St. Kevin’s, however, shifted the momentum just before half-time.

Following a foul on Tom Mathews, Lee Crosbie was awarded a penalty, which he comfortably converted and sent Barry McCoy the wrong way.

This goal gave St. Kevin’s a crucial advantage, leading 1-3 to 0-4 at the break. The second half saw St. Kevin’s start brightly.

Crosbie’s accuracy from a 45-yard free extended their lead. Yet, Stabannon Parnells fought back with Harry Butterly continuing his impressive form from placed balls, narrowing the deficit.

The game remained tight, with both sides exchanging points and neither team able to gain a decisive upper hand. It was in the 48th minute that Stabannon seemed to seize control.

A high ball struck the woodwork, and Daniel Clinton was quick to pounce, scoring a fortunate goal to put Stabannon ahead for the first time in the match, 1-8 to 1-7. However, the lead was short-lived as Crosbie equalized with another free.

A sweeping team move ended with Tom Mathews scoring a crucial goal to give St. Kevin’s a 2-8 to 1-8 lead.

Further points from Darren McMullen and a fisted score by Mathews in injury time ensured St. Kevin’s a 2-10 to 1-9 victory.

With this win, St. Kevin’s advance to the quarter-finals where they will face Hunterstown Rovers. This marks their third consecutive season reaching the last eight, reflecting the club’s consistent progress.

On the other hand, Stabannon Parnells face a relegation battle, having fallen short in their bid for qualification.

Stabannon Parnells: Barry McCoy; Daniel Clinton (1-0), Alan Reynolds, Mark Byrne; Ryan Halpenny, Bobby Butterly (c) (0-1), Johnnie McGee; Colm Giggins, Ryan Shevlin; Jake Corrigan, Harry Butterly (0-7, 5f), David Cluskey; Seán Reynolds (0-1), Barry Lynch, Robbie Callaghan.

Subs: Shane Sweeney on for Robbie Callaghan (54').

St. Kevin's: Danny Crosbie; Seán Powderly, Dylan Maher, Enda McKenna; Caoimhin Prout, Cameron Maher, (0-2, 2f) Darren McMullen (0-1); Evan Maher, Seánie Crosbie; Brian Callaghan, Tom Mathews (1-2), Caolan McMullan; Keelan Maher, Cian Callan (c), Lee Crosbie (1-5, 3f, 1 '45).

Subs: Jacob Finlay on for Keelan Maher (57').

Referee: Damien Connor (St. Patrick's).

CTI Business Solutions Louth Intermediate Football Championship Fixtures

Relegation semi-finals - Saturday, 14th September

Dundalk Young Irelands vs. Stabannon Parnells. Darver. 3.00 pm.

Glenn Emmets vs Glyde Rangers. Páirc Uí Mhuirí, Dunleer. 4.00 pm.

Knockout quarter-finals - Sunday, 15th September

Sean O'Mahony's vs. O'Raghallaighs. The Grove, Castlebellingham. 2.00 pm.

Hunterstown Rovers vs. St. Kevin's. DEFY Páirc Mhuire, Ardee. 4.30 pm.

Mattock Rangers vs. Clan na Gael. Páirc Parnell, Stabannon. 7.00 pm.

Knockout quarter-finals - Monday, 16th September

Kilkerley Emmets vs. Dundalk Gaels. Clan na Gael Park, Dundalk. 7.45 pm.

CTI Business Solutions Louth Intermediate Football Championship Groups

Louth IFC Group 1

Louth IFC Group 2

Louth IFC Group 3

Louth IFC Group 4