Stabannon Parnells Book Their Place In IFC Final

CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Championship Semi-Final

From Haggardstown

Stabannon Parnells 1-16

Clan Na Gael 1-6

2022 Junior Champions Stabannon Parnells are a step closer to claiming another title after a commanding win over Clan Na Gael in Sunday’s quarter-final at Haggardstown.

In an unfamiliar semi-final clash, it was Stabannon who came out on top to book a place in the Seamus Flood Cup Final with a ten-point victory. Clan Na Gael started quickly with a Jack Callan two pointer but Parnells quickly asserted themselves.

Moments later Jake Corrigan opened their scoring as Dylan Shevlin backed this up before Corrigan struck his second to put Stabannon into the lead for the first time. Conor Clinton landed a huge blow to the Dundalk outfit on 12 minutes as he cooly slotted home.

However, Clan Na Gael immediately fired back as a long ball in was met by Shay Coleman who palmed to the net. Gavin Gaffey then added to their tally but this was as good as it got for the Clans as they failed to stay in touch for much longer.

Harry Butterly (0-4), Robert Callaghan and Dylan Shevlin all chipped in while a Liam O’Hanlon free was all Clan Na Gael could muster up.

Stabannon Parnells had gained clear separation at the break, leading 1-9 to 1-4.

Once again, Stabannon looked the more comfortable team in the second half as goalscorer Conor Clinton quickly opened the second half scoring.

A Harry Butterly free and two well-taken Padraig Reynolds points quietened any hope of a Clans comeback as they now trailed by nine points with 17 minutes remaining.

Butterly, Shevlin and captain Colm Giggins all added points before Liam O’Hanlon hit over a close range free at a time when the contest was well and truly petering out.

Sean O’Hanlon hit over a late point as both sides ran their benches with the general consesus that Stabannon had professionally went about their business.

With time running out, the Pats struggled to mount any serious threat, Stabannon played a lot of keep ball with no real threat to go at the opposition.

The victory sends Stabannon into the CTI Business Solutions IFC Final, where they will join either Mattock Rangers and Hunterstown Rovers who played a draw out earlier on Sunday. Clan Na Gael fought bravely, but Stabannon’s superior quality shown through.

Player of the Match:

Conor Clinton (Stabannon Parnells)

Clinton was Stabannon’s standout as he showed great energy throughout the game. Hit 1-1, inclduing an extremely well-taken goal.

Notables:

Jake Corrigan (Stabannon Parnells)

Another one of the many young Stabannon players that has come through in recent years. Was a standout early on as he knocked over 0-2 and was a consistent influence throughout proceedings.

Colm Giggins (Stabannon Parnells)

Giggins is a dominant force in the middle. He adds a great deal of experience to a youthful side and his maturity is crucial on the pitch.

Stabannon Parnells Team:

Michael Lynch; Johnny McGee, Alan Reynolds, Daniel Clinton; Richard Rodgers, Bobby Butterly, Jake Corrigan (0-2); Colm Giggins (0-1), Sean Reynolds; Conor Clinton (1-1), Dylan Shevlin (0-3), Ryan Shevlin; Padraig Reynolds (0-2), Robert Callaghan (0-1), Harry Butterly (0-6, 5f).

Subs: Barry McCoy for Dylan Shevlin (46 Mins), Ryan Halpenny for Padraig Reynolds (55 Mins), Mark Byrne for Bobby Butterly (60 Mins), Niall Fanning for Robert Callaghan (62 Mins).

Clan Na Gael Team:

Sean Smyth; Craig Callan, Gerard Curran, Paul Crewe; Craig Long, Conor Noonan, Jack Callan (0-2); Conall McKeever, Robbie Curran; Michael McDonnell, Liam O’Hanlon (0-2, 2f), Gavin Gaffey (0-1); Shane Carroll, Shay Coleman (1-0), Sean O’Hanlon (0-1).

Subs: Billy Smith for Gavin Gaffey (Half Time), Brian McDonnell for Michael McDonnell (45 Mins), Aodhan Kirk for Shane Carroll (45 Mins), John Byrne for Craig Long (49 Mins).

Referee: Damien Connor (St Patricks)