Tannaghmore retain all county title

They defeated local rivals and near neighbours St Francis’ in an all North Armagh final. With Tannaghmore seeing off Crossmaglen in the semi-final and St Francis beating Mid Armagh School, CBS, the stage was set for a repeat of the 2007 final.

The talent on show from both schools was evident throughout and both schools can be justly proud of their performances.

Tannaghmore started brightly but their first three attacks resulted in wides. St Francis then launched their first attack and after a great move, Lee Haughian crashed the ball into the net.

Tannaghmore then settled into their stride and levelled the game with super points from Eoghan Mulholland, Aodhan McConville and Conor Turbitt. Barry Mc Cambridge grew in stature in midfield and he linked up well with Jack Haddock who scored Tannaghmore’s first goal.

Both sides exchanged scores and with tenacious defending from Ruairi Mc Conville, Patrick McPartland, Rory Shine and the brilliant Sean McCarthy, Tannaghmore led by two points at half-time.

St Francis, straight from the throw in, moved up the field and Caolan McCann had the ball in the net. However, from the kick out Patrick McPartland passed to Aodhan Mc Conville who passed to the newly introduced Tiernan Kelly and Tiernan took his goal with great skill.

This gave Tannaghmore a great boost and they began to assert their dominance. Another goal by Jack Haddock and a goal by Rioghan Meehan was followed by a great solo point from Ruairi McConville.

With Barry McCambridge attacking more he saw his efforts rewarded with a great goal and Tannaghmore stretched their lead with another solo effort from Conor Turbitt. When Tiernan Kelly scored his side’s last goal the game was over.

Nathan McCann was typically consistent in goals. Tannaghmore’s defence was strong throughout, with Sean McCarthy playing his best game to date.

Team captain, Aodhan McConville was immense from start to finish and Barry McCambridge was a huge influence in midfield. Rioghan Meehan, Conor Turbitt, Jack Haddock, Eoghan Mulholland and Tiernen Kelly showed fantastic movement and finishing.

Tannaghmore now boast the tremendous record of having claimed seven county titles in the last eight years, along with two Ulster titles.

The young North Lurgan footballers are now firmly focussed on adding a third Ulster title. As Armagh champions they now go forward to represent their county in the prestigious Ulster McGreevey Cup competition.