Phelan Shines as Annaghminnon Rovers Open Championship with Victory

Annaghminnon Rovers 3-13 Naomh Malachi 1-10

Annaghminnon Rovers made an impressive start to their 2026 DKIT Sport Louth Junior Football Championship campaign on Saturday afternoon, running out comfortable winners over Naomh Malachi in the opening game of the championship in Roche.

Rovers produced a strong and composed performance, particularly after half-time, with their pace and attacking threat proving difficult for Naomh Malachi to contain. Three well-taken goals ultimately proved decisive, while goalkeeper Shane Grimes also played an important role with a superb penalty save in the second half.

Naomh Malachi made the first move on the scoreboard when Iarla McMahon opened the scoring with a point from play after just a minute.

Annaghminnon Rovers quickly responded, with Rory Phelan finding the target from the left after two minutes. Donal Begley restored Naomh Malachi’s lead two minutes later with a point from play.

The opening exchanges were lively, with both sides showing plenty of attacking intent.

Phelan then produced one of the early highlights of the afternoon, converting a fabulous two-point free after seven minutes to put Annaghminnon Rovers back in front.

James O’Connor added another point from play four minutes later before Naomh Malachi hit back through Conor Nicholson.

Nicholson was beginning to make his presence felt for the Malachis and added another score from a free after 13 minutes before finding the target again from play six minutes later.

Despite Naomh Malachi enjoying a productive spell, Annaghminnon Rovers remained composed and began to create some excellent attacking opportunities.

The first goal arrived after 20 minutes, and it was an excellent team move. Dylan McArdle did much of the hard work before Tiernan O’Brien finished brilliantly to give the Rovers a significant boost.

Annaghminnon continued to apply pressure and were rewarded again after 27 minutes. Tiernan O’Brien turned provider this time, delivering a great pass for James O’Connor, who made no mistake in finding the net.

With two goals on the board, Annaghminnon Rovers appeared to be taking control.

Naomh Malachi refused to give up and pulled a goal back just before half-time. Donal Begley supplied an excellent pass for Conor Nicholson, who finished superbly to give his side renewed hope.

Dwayne Markey added a point for the Stonetown men following a great pass from James O’Connor, leaving Annaghminnon Rovers ahead by four points at the interval.

Half-time: Annaghminnon Rovers 2-6, Naomh Malachi 1-5.

The second half belonged largely to Annaghminnon Rovers.

Aidan Lee Martin got the Rovers off to an excellent start after the restart, registering two points in quick succession to stretch the lead.

Then came the game’s third Annaghminnon goal.

After 34 minutes, Conor Russell finished an excellent move following a sublime pass from Fergal Markey, putting further daylight between the sides and leaving Naomh Malachi facing a difficult task.

Phelan continued to contribute on the scoreboard, converting a free after 36 minutes, as the Rovers maintained their momentum. Naomh Malachi battled hard to get back into the contest and Darren Kearney reduced the deficit with an excellent two-point free after 40 minutes. Jason Clarke then added a point from play five minutes later as the Malachis attempted to build some momentum.

Their best opportunity to get right back into the game came when they were awarded a penalty, with Conor Nicholson stepping forward to take responsibility. However, Shane Grimes produced a brilliant save in the Annaghminnon goal to deny Nicholson and preserve the Rovers’ advantage.

It was an important moment in the game, and Annaghminnon Rovers responded by taking control once again.

Aidan Lee Martin added another point after 48 minutes before Rory Phelan registered another score from the left following good work and a pass from Dylan McArdle. Naomh Malachi continued to battle, and Nicholson added another point from a free after 56 minutes, but Annaghminnon were now firmly in command.

Phelan added another point from a free before James O’Connor finished off the Rovers’ scoring with a fisted point 60 minutes.

Dean Murtagh added a late point for Naomh Malachi, but there was little doubt by then that the Rovers were heading for victory.

Annaghminnon Rovers will be delighted with an the performance that saw them show plenty of attacking quality, with Tiernan O’Brien, James O’Connor and Conor Russell all finding the net, while Dylan McArdle and Fergal Markey also played key roles in creating scores.

For Naomh Malachi, Conor Nicholson was their main scoring threat, contributing heavily throughout the game, while there were also encouraging passages of play from Donal Begley, Darren Kearney and Jason Clarke.

However, once Annaghminnon established a platform in the second half, their greater attacking efficiency and ability to convert chances ultimately saw them pull clear.

The men from Stonetown can now look ahead to their next championship outing with plenty of confidence after an impressive opening-day performance in Roche.

Man of the Match: Rory Phelan – Annaghminnon Rovers

Rory Phelan was outstanding for Annaghminnon Rovers and was a key figure in their convincing opening-round victory. He contributed 0-6 to the scoreboard, including a superb two-point free.

Phelan was a constant threat from placed balls and open play, while his accuracy and composure helped the Rovers maintain control throughout the game.

A deserved Man of the Match award for Rory.

Annaghminnon Rovers: Shane Grimes, Christopher Connolly, Ryan Cash, Richie Ashfield, Nathan Buckley, Colin Campbell, Fergal Markey, Conor Russell 1-0, Dylan McArdle, Tiernan O’Brien 1-0, Rory Phelan 0-6 (1x2ptf, 2f), Dwayne Markey 0-2, Aidan Lee Martin 0-3, Ciaran O’Reilly,  James O’Connor 1-2. Subs: Ronan Byrne for Ciaran O’Reilly (16), Tony Brennan for Christopher Connolly (HT), Kyle Martin for Ciaran O’Reilly (61).

Naomh Malachi: Darren Kearney 0-2 (2ptf), Conor Begley, Lee McShane, Jamie Kelly, Shea Burns, Daniel Mulligan, Donal Begley 0-1, Kevin McShane, Jason Clarke 0-1, Daithí Conway,  Iarla McMahon 0-1, Andrew Begley, Conor Nicholson 1-4 (2f), Collie Rooney, Harry Kirk.  Subs: Sean McArdle for Jamie Kelly (33), Shayne Kirk for Daithí Conway (40), Dean Murtagh 0-1 for Harry Kirk (40), Paul Burke for Collie Rooney (49).

Referee: Paul Burke (Naomh Mairtin)

Pictures: Ciaran Culligan Photography