McBride’s Two-Pointer Turns the Tide as Stabannon Claim Seamus Flood Cup

CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Football Championship Final

Stabannon Parnells 0-13 St Brides 0-11

At The Grove, Castlebellingham

Stabannon Parnells produced a superb late surge to overcome St Brides and claim the CTI Business Solutions Intermediate Football Championship title, with substitute Charlie McBride delivering a magnificent two-pointer before Conor Clinton sealed a memorable victory for the Stabannon men.

In a tight final that remained in the balance until the closing stages, Stabannon showed tremendous character to deny a St Brides side who looked well placed to claim the silverware. With the scores level heading into the final quarter, the Knockbridge men edged ahead through Kieran McArdle, but the Parnells finished with a flourish to secure a deserved two-point triumph.

Stabannon made the brighter start, with Dylan Shevlin and Colm Giggins registering early points to give their side a two-point cushion. St Brides responded through a superb two-point free from Kieran McArdle, bringing the sides level shortly after.

Bernard Laverty of St Brides in action against Colm Giggins of Stabannon Parnells © Ciaran Culligan

Ryan Shevlin edged Parnells back in front with a fine score from a tight angle, but St Brides gradually worked their way into the game. Senan Hoey and Bernard Laverty found the target before Sean Marry delivered one of the outstanding scores of the afternoon, firing over a brilliant two-pointer from the stand side to give the Knockbridge men a three-point advantage.

Stabannon needed a response and found it through Sean Reynolds and Harry Butterly, while Ryan Shevlin added another to bring the sides level by half-time, deadlocked at 0-6 apiece.

The Stabannon men emerged with renewed purpose after the restart, with Butterly pointing before Ryan Shevlin added another to move Parnells two clear. St Brides, however, remained composed, with Marry converting two close range frees to restore parity by the 42nd minute.

The contest continued to be a tense affair with both sides coughing up possession in a nervy game. Giggins edged Parnells ahead once more before Donal McArdle replied for St Brides, and Kieran McArdle then converted a free to give Eamonn O’Neill’s side the lead.

Patrick Reilly of St Brides and Harry Butterly of Stabannon Parnells contest an aerial ball © Ciaran Culligan

Richard Rogers provided a point in the 53rd minute to bring the sides level at 0-10 apiece.

St Brides had an opportunity to regain the advantage, but a magnificent point-blank block from the Parnells defence denied Kieran McArdle and kept the Stabannon men firmly in contention. It was a crucial intervention in a game where the smallest margins were proving decisive.

McArdle eventually edged St Brides back in front in the 58th minute, leaving Parnells facing a late test of their championship credentials.

What followed was a decisive finish from the Stabannon men. Substitute Charlie McBride stepped forward in the 60th minute to land a magnificent two-pointer, swinging the momentum firmly in Parnells’ favour and igniting celebrations among their supporters.

With St Brides suddenly under pressure, Parnells sensed their opportunity. Conor Clinton delivered the final blow in the 62nd minute, adding the insurance point that confirmed a memorable championship victory for the Stabannon men.

Full-time: Stabannon Parnells 0-13, St Brides 0-11.

Man of the Match: Colm Giggins (Stabannon Parnells)

A toss up between Giggins and Bernard Laverty of St Brides – in a game that was more about collective efforts than individuals.

Colm Giggins delivered for Stabannon Parnells, providing crucial scores and helping drive his side towards Intermediate Championship glory. His composure in possession, work rate and ability to step up in key moments made him a worthy Man of the Match.

Colm Giggins of Stabannon Parnells was today’s man of the match © Ciaran Culligan

Stabannon Parnells team: Ryan Halpenny; Johnny McGee, Alan Reynolds, Mark Byrne; Richard Rogers (0-1), Bobby Butterly, Jake Corrigan; Colm Giggins (0-2), Harry Butterly (0-2); Conor Clinton (0-1), Sean Reynolds (0-1), Tadhg Gorman; Patrick Reynolds, Dylan Shevlin (0-1), Ryan Shevlin (0-3).

Subs: Charlie McBride (0-2, 1tp) for Patrick Reynolds 51 mins.

St Brides team: Aaron Devin; Steven Hoey, Cillian Kirk, Robert McCaughey; Ross Murnaghan, Bernard Laverty (0-1), Ruairi Carpenter; James Costello, Patrick Reilly; Donal McArdle (0-1), Kieran McArdle (0-4, 1tpf & 1f), Morgan Tobin; Andrew Smyth, Sean Marry (0-4, 1tp & 2f), Senan Hoey (0-1).

Subs: Neil Thornton for Ruairi Carpenter 47 mins, Kevin Hearty for Senan Hoey 56 mins, Michael Keane for Ross Murnaghan 58 mins.

Referee: Colm McCullough (Naomh Fionnbarra/St Annes GPG)

Photos: Ciaran Culligan

Match-winner Charlie McBride of Stabannon Parnells is congratulated by a supporter © Ciaran Culligan