MacRory Cup newcomers St Paul’s, Bessbrook, reached the final at the first attempt with a sparkling attacking performance at the Athletic Grounds last night.
Conor Nugent and Caolan McCullough scored the goals that blew the St Macartan’s challenge apart. The south Armagh lads tore the opposition defence to shreds in the opening quarter,
Eoghan Burns and midfielder Blaine Malone each steered over two points, and by the end of the opening quarter, they held a commanding six point lead.
There was no way back for St Macartan’s after substitute Caolan McCullough crashed home a brilliant 39th minute goal.
St Paul’s now meet the winners of Saturday’s replay between St Patrick’s Maghera and St Colman’s, Newry, in the final.
ST PAUL'S, BESSBROOK:S McDonnell; J Cosgrove, P Campbell, K Mallon; C Boyle, D Nugent (0-1), G McCabe; A McKay, B Malone (0-3); E Burns (0-2, 1f), F Burns, C Mackin (0-2); C Nugent (1-0), C O'Hanlon (0-3), C Toner. Subs: C McCullough (1-1) for Toner, C McConville for Malone, M McNamee for E Burns, M McCabe for G McCabe, P Hughes for F Burns. ST MACARTAN'S:C Forde; S Treanor, C Carragher, C McElwain; K Loughran, L Smyth, M O'Dowd; N Rooney, J McAleer; D McAllister, M McCarville, A Curran; C McCarthy (0-2, 1f), F McMahon (1-3 (1-0 pen, 0-1f), T Hayes (0-1). Subs: M Fox for Carragher, R Sheehan for McAleer, R McGuinness for Rooney, G Brennan for McAllister. Referee: C Branagan (Down).
