“Markey Inspires Barrs to Vital Group 3 Win”

DKIT Sport Louth GAA Junior Football Championship – Group 3, Round 2

Naomh Fionnbarra–St Anne’s produced a strong second-half display to see off Na Piarsaigh–Blackrock in an entertaining Group 3 clash, with Ciarán Markey’s scoring power proving decisive in Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda.

The game opened at a blistering pace, with Na Piarsaigh–Blackrock’s Ciarán Murphy firing over a superb long-range two-pointer inside the first 30 seconds. Gerard Rice followed with another fine score, but Naomh Fionnbarra–St Anne’s hit back through Jack Murtagh, who slotted over a 2-pointer free, before Chris McGlynn leveled matters with a classy effort off his left.

The big moment of the half came on 22 minutes when Naomh Fionnbarra moved the ball the length of the field, ending with Markey finishing off a sweeping move with a brilliant goal. That score gave his side a lead they would never surrender.

Points from Jamie Fealy and Murphy (two frees) kept Na Piarsaigh–Blackrock in touch, but further efforts from Markey ensured the Barrs reached the break ahead by three, 1-6 to 0-6.

William Woods, introduced at half-time, wasted no time in adding his name to the scoresheet with a well-taken point. Murphy (free) and Murtagh extended the advantage, before Na Piarsaigh–Blackrock hit back through another outstanding Murphy two-pointer to keep their hopes alive.

Despite pressure from Na Piarsaigh–Blackrock, including two superb saves by goalkeeper Jordan Mackin to deny Conor Osborne and later Butterly, Naomh Fionnbarra–St Anne’s grew stronger as the game went on. Markey added another brilliant two-pointer followed by a string of scores from Osborne and himself to seal the contest in the final minutes.

Na Piarsaigh–Blackrock battled to the end, making several substitutions in search of scores, but they were unable to break through a resolute Barrs defence marshalled by Josh Crosbie, Máirtin Murphy and Chris McGlynn.

In the end, Naomh Fionnbarra–St Anne’s ran out comfortable winners, with Markey’s goal and seven-point haul the highlight of a well-rounded team performance.

Final Score:  Naomh Fionnbarra–St Anne’s 1-14 Na Piarsaigh–Blackrock 0-9

Man of the Match – Ciarán Markey (Naomh Fionnbarra–St Anne’s)

Markey was the standout performer on the evening, leading from the front with a superb tally of 1-3. His goal midway through the first half was a decisive blow, showing composure and accuracy at the end of a flowing team attack. In the second half, he continued to torment the Na Piarsaigh-Blackrock defence with intelligent runs, sharp link play, and two points of the highest quality.

Beyond his scoring, Markey’s relentless work rate, tracking back to support his defence and his ability to create space for teammates, made him the heartbeat of the Naomh Fionnbarra–St Anne’s performance.

Scorers:
Naomh Fionnbarra–St Anne’s:
Ciarán Markey 1-6 (1 two-pointer), Jack Murtagh 0-3 (1 two-pointer), Chris McGlynn 0-1, William Woods 0-1, Stephen O’Reilly 0-1, Conor Osborne 0-1, Colin McGrane 0-1.

Na Piarsaigh–Blackrock:
Ciarán Murphy 0-7 (2 two-pointers), Gerard Rice 0-1, Jamie Fealy 0-1.

Naomh Fionnbarra–St Anne’s Team:
Fionn McQuillan, Máirtín Murphy, Ronan Callaghan, Kieran Lenihan, Chris McGlynn, Colin McGrane, Josh Crosbie, Matthew O’Reilly, Jack Butterly, Jack Regan, Stephen O’Reilly, Conor Osborne, Ciarán Murphy, Ciarán Markey, Jack Murtagh.
Subs: William Woods for Ciarán Murphy (HT), Sean Boyle for Kieran Lenihan (39), Andy McCann for William Woods (inj) (47), Padraig Butterly for Matthew O’Reilly (47), Adam Hanratty for Josh Crosbie (54).

Na Piarsaigh–Blackrock Team:
Jordan Mackin, Fionn Tipping, Paul Mallon, Stephen McGuinness, John Galligan, Michael Woods, Eoin Farrell, Conal Myles, Darren McElhinney, James Mahoney, Ciarán Murphy, Jamie Fealy, Joseph Woods, Gerard Rice, Tommy Muckian.
Subs: Robert Murphy for Paul Mallon (48), David Boyle for Gerard Rice (54), Matthew McAloon for Joseph Woods (54).

Referee: Bryan Smith (O’Raghallaighs)