Danske Bank Ulster Schools Football MacLarnon Cup Final

St. Ciarán’s College, Ballygawley 1-19 Our Lady’s Secondary School, Castleblayney 2-10                                        17/3/17

Our Lady’s Secondary School, Castleblayney fell short in their bid to win a second MacLarnon Cup in three years and to keep the title in Monaghan for the third consecutive campaign when they lost to first-time finalists St. Ciarán’s College, Ballygawley in an entertaining decider at the Athletic Grounds on Friday.

Our Lady’s got off to a great start with a first-minute goal by James Wilson and David Hanley also netted at the end of the opening quarter, but despite playing with the wind at their backs, the 2015 winners’ lead was just three points (2-8 to 0-11) at half-time. Man of the Match Darragh Canavan was influential throughout for St. Ciarán’s and with him and Caoimhín O’Donnell hitting a combined 0-11, the Ballygawley school gained the upper hand. Our Lady’s remained within two points until the final five minutes, but a late goal by Callum Corrigan secured victory for the Tyrone side.

St. Ciarán’s College, Ballygawley: P Traynor; J Murray, Conor Quinn (Capt.), M Lennon; Cathal Corrigan, Cathair Quinn (0-1), Callum Corrigan (1-1); J Oguz (0-1), D Millar (0-1); P Donaghy (0-2), C Donnelly, C Traynor; D Canavan (0-6), C O’Donnell (0-5, 3f), T Hoy (0-2).

Subs: P McNelis for Murray (52), J Doyle for Hoy (58).

Our Lady’s Secondary School, Castleblayney: K O’Connor; C Callan, C Blanche, T Geehan; J Gorman, F Connolly (Joint-Capt., 0-1), S Markey; T Duffy, H McGinn; G Kelly, D Hanley (1-1), D Drury (0-1); A Courtney (0-2), J Wilson (Joint-Capt., 1-5, 0-4f), K Duffy.

Subs: D Caraher for K Duffy (H-T), M Mooney for Kelly (45).

Referee: P Falloon (Down).