Memorable display gives Red High win

18 December 2013

ST PATRICK’S Grammar School, Downpatrick, pulled out all the stops in a thrilling Danske Bank Loch an Iúir Cup final at the Dub last Wednesday night.

St. Paul’s played with the assistance of the breeze and took the game to a hitherto free-scoring Downpatrick side leading by 1-5 to 0-1 after 19 minutes.

However, the East Down side recovered before the break to go in only three points in arrears.

They played the more enterprising football during the second half, going ahead in the 37th minute with a goal from Jamie Morgan and holding off the south Armagh side until the final whistle sounded four minutes into injury time.

Seamus Loughran was the star of the opening half. He shot St. Paul’s opening three points and then scored a wonder goal in the 19th minute.

Loughran finished the half with 1-4, but will feel a little short-changed by the interval score of 1-6 to 1-3.

The Red High goal close on the break was controversial, the referee adjudging that the Bessbrook ‘keeper was over the goal line when he fielded a high ball from Pearse Davidson.

At 1-6 to 1-3, with the breeze behind them for the second half, Downpatrick were in the driving seat and Callum Shields quickly fired over two points before Morgan’s goal put the Red High ahead for the first time.

Following points from Shields and Rory Anderson, Fintan Canavan found the net and there was now too much for Bessbrook to make up.

They rallied to some extent with Ciaran Mackin scoring three points, but Downpatrick were in control and points from corner back Ryan Tweedy and Callum Shields from a monster free sealed the victory.

St. Patrick’s scorers: Fintan Canavan (1-0), Pearse Davidson (1-0), Jamie Morgan (1-0), Callum Shields (0-7, 0-5 frees), John McGeough (0-2), Rory Reilly (0-1), Ryan Tweedy (0-1), Rory Anderson (0-1).

St. Paul’s: Seamus Loughran (1-4), Ciaran Mackin (0-3), Shane Magill (0-2), Niall McGuinness (0-1).

St. Patrick’s, Downpatrick 3-12

St. Paul’s GS, Bessbrook 1-10

CORN LOCH AN IUIR FINAL

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