Dundalk Young Irelands Cruise Past Lannléire to Continue Christy Bellew Cup Push

DKIT Sport JFC Group 3 Round 2

From Stabannon

Dundalk Young Irelands 3-15 Lannléire 1-9

Dundalk Young Irelands continued their pursuit of the Christy Bellew Cup with an impressive victory over Lannléire at Stabannon on Saturday evening.

Ian Mulroy celebrates after scoring his sides goal

Lannléire made the brighter start and took an early lead when Ian Mulroy rose highest to claim a long delivery before finishing confidently to the net. Young Irelands quickly settled, however, and responded with scores from Liam McStravick, Jordan O’Donoghue and two from Dean Maguire to move in front after 10 minutes.

Dean Maguire and Bob Murphy exchanged scores before Liam Callan levelled proceedings with a well-struck 45. Lannléire then regained the initiative, with Darragh Malone and Mulroy pointing to put the Dunleer side back ahead.

Young Irelands finished the opening half strongly. Jordan O’Donoghue and Derek Maguire added points before Liam McStravick found the net with an excellent finish to put the Dundalk side in front.

Mulroy produced a spectacular sideline score late in the half, but Young Irelands went into the interval with a narrow advantage.

Half-time: Dundalk Young Irelands 1-7 Lannléire 1-5.

The second half belonged firmly to Young Irelands. They hit five unanswered points during a dominant 15-minute spell, with Michael O’Shea, Jordan O’Donoghue and Derek Maguire all contributing as the lead grew to seven.

Brendan Cassidy finally stopped the scoring run for Lannléire, with Malone adding another shortly afterwards. Young Irelands responded immediately, Jordan and Cian O’Donoghue extending their advantage before the Young Irelands captain found the net for the second consecutive week.

Derek Maguire (Dundalk YI) beats Killian Gregory (Lannléire) to the ball

Cassidy added a late two-pointer for Lannléire, but Dermot Mone put the finishing touch on an excellent Young Irelands performance with a late goal.

Full-time: Dundalk Young Irelands 3-15 Lannléire 1-9.

Man of the Match: Jordan O’Donoghue (Dundalk Young Irelands)

For the second week running, Jordan O’Donoghue was the standout player on the pitch as the Young Irelands captain completely dictated the game. He displayed extreme accuracy throughout, landing 1-6 – including a neat goal.

Dundalk Young Irelands team: Fergal Sheeky; Peter McCourt, Ciaran Murray, Conn O’Donoghue; Evan McArdle, Brendan Prendergast, Tadhg Hoey; James Prendergast, Peter Nixon; Jack Watters, Jordan O’Donoghue (1-6, 1tpf, 4f), Sean Murphy; Dean Maguire (0-3, 1f), Derek Maguire (0-2), Liam McStravick (1-1).

Subs: Michael O’Shea (0-2) for Ciaran Murray (18-23 Mins; blood), Michael O’Shea for Jack Watters (23 Mins), Cian O’Donoghue (0-1) for Evan McArdle (36 Mins), Ruairi Kelly for Tadhg Hoey (47 Mins), Dermot Mone (1-0) for Derek Maguire (53 Mins), Lee O’Donoghue for James Prendergast (60 Mins).

Lannléire team: Liam Callan (0-1, 1’45’); Jack O’Connor, Paul Doyle, Jason Torris; Darragh Goodman, Briain McGuinness, Paul McGeough; Andrew O’Dowd, Bob Murphy (0-1); Aaron McArdle, Darragh Malone (0-2), Killian Gregory; Conor Dunne, Ian Mulroy (1-2, 1’sideline’), Ryan McArdle.

Subs: Brendan Cassidy (0-3, 1tp) for Conor Dunne & Larry McEntee for Darragh Goodman (both half-time), Thomas Doyle for Andrew O’Dowd (38 Mins), Garry Monaghan for Aaron McArdle (44 Mins).

Referee – Stephen Devlin (St Josephs)

Photos – Ciaran Culligan