Sharkey Inspires Glyde Rangers to Semi-Final Spot

DKIT Sport Louth Junior Football Championship Quarter Final

Glyde Rangers 2-9 Na Piarsaigh-Blackrock 0-2

Venue: Páirc Baile Fiach, Hunterstown

Glyde Rangers booked their place in the semi-finals of the DKIT Sport Louth Junior Football Championship with a commanding 13-point victory over Na Piarsaigh-Blackrock on Sunday afternoon. Against all expectations, it was the Tallanstown men who produced a dominant display, spearheaded by an inspired Player of the Match performance from Niall Sharkey, who set the tone in midfield and contributed handsomely to the scoreboard.

First Half – Glyde Make Wind Count for Nothing

Na Piarsaigh-Blackrock chose to play with the strong breeze in the first half, but they struggled badly to make it count. Instead, it was Glyde Rangers who looked sharper, and they opened the scoring after eight minutes through Sean Devaney.

Ciaran Murphy briefly drew Na Piarsaigh-Blackrock level with a free on 17 minutes, but Glyde soon reasserted control. Ciaran Sheridan struck from a free before the game’s first turning point arrived: Jack McKeever surged forward and finished to the net with precision, a huge blow for Na Piarsaigh-Blackrock given the conditions.

Although Fionn Tipping responded with a point for the Rock approaching the half-hour, Sharkey quickly cancelled it out with a brilliant score from play. That effort underlined his growing influence, as he covered every blade of grass, breaking up play, driving his side forward, and ensuring Glyde carried a dangerous threat despite playing into the elements.

At the interval, Glyde Rangers led 1-3 to 0-2, a scoreline that told the story of their efficiency and Na Piarsaigh-Blackrock’s wastefulness.

Second Half – Sharkey Leads the Charge

Within a minute of the restart, Sharkey struck again, this time producing a moment of real class — a long-range two-point effort that lifted both the scoreboard and his teammates.

From there, Glyde played with freedom and confidence. Shane Byrne added a neat point, followed swiftly by another from Aaron Devlin. When Tadhg Kellet blasted home a superb second goal in the 49th minute, the result was beyond doubt.

Points from Killian Scott and another fine score from Sharkey, this time a confidently struck ’45, capped off a commanding team display.

Sharkey the Standout

Though there were important contributions across the field — McKeever’s goal, Kellet’s clinical strike, Sheridan’s leadership, and a rock-solid defence — the afternoon belonged to Niall Sharkey. His tireless work in midfield, his ability to win possession, and his attacking threat made him unplayable. With two points from play, a two-pointer, and a ’45 to his name, he was not only the game’s outstanding performer but also the heartbeat of Glyde’s victory.

What It Means

The win sends Glyde Rangers into the last four, brimming with belief and momentum. Na Piarsaigh-Blackrock, meanwhile, will rue their inability to take advantage of the first-half wind, as their challenge faded rapidly after the break.

Player of the Match: Niall Sharkey (Glyde Rangers) – tireless, commanding, and clinical, Sharkey was central to everything good about Glyde’s victory.

Teams

Glyde Rangers: David Brennan; Darren McKeever, Shane Byrne (0-1), Liam Gallagher; Gerard Bourton, Jack McKeever (1-0), Sean Devaney (0-1); Adam Sweeney, Ciaran Sheridan (0-1, f); Killian Scott (0-1), Niall Sharkey (0-4, incl. 1 two-pointer, 1 ’45), Aaron Devlin (0-1); Brian Duffy, Tadhg Kellet (1-0), Aaron Myles.
Subs: Cormac Lundon for A. Devlin (40), Conor McCullagh for S. Devaney (53), Conor McCauley for C. Sheridan (53), Leigh Byrne for S. Byrne (61), Lee Finnegan for B. Duffy (61).

Na Piarsaigh-Blackrock: Jordan Mackin; Fionn Tipping (0-1), Shane Roddy, Stephen McGuinness; John Galligan, Michael Woods, Conal Shields; Paul Mallon, Darren McEneaney; James Mahoney, Ciaran Murphy (0-1, f), Jamie Fealy; Joseph Woods, Robert Murphy, Tommy Muckian.
Subs: Matthew McAloon for P. Mallon (HT), Gerard Rice for R. Murphy (35), David Boyle for T. Muckian (40), James McCartney for C. Murphy (48), Tony McNally for J. Fealy (58).

Referee: David J. McArdle (St Brides).

Photo Credit: Padraig Wright Photography