Stabannon Parnells clinched their fourth title of the decade following up wins in 1991, '94 and '97 with victory over Kilkerley Emmets in the Louth SFC final in Haggardstown, Dundalk, yesterday. Stabannon made the best possible start with two early goals to lead 2-3 to 0-0 after just ten minutes with the goals coming from former Monaghan star, Bernie Murray and John Prendergast.
For Kilkerley defeat was a bitter disappointment. Playing in their first final since 1986 the small parish team, who have yet to win a county title, have now been beaten in three finals. Despite their best efforts Kilkerley were no match for the vastly-experienced Stabannon side who led 2-6 to 0-2 at the interval. The second-half was much less entertaining.
STABANNON PARNELLS: B McConnon; D Hurst, F Bell, M Butterly; M King, C Quinn, G Hoey (0-2); J Prendergast (1-0), K Reilly; I Quinn (0-1), N Butterly (0-3), D Reilly; B Mur- ray (1-0), P Donnelly, P Butterly (0-3). Subs: S Gorman for B Murray; S Sweeney for I Quinn; G Reynolds for P Donnelly.
KILKERLEY EMMETS: S Quigley; N Litchfield (0-1), J Mulholland, P Litchfield; V Litchfield (0-1), R Lennon, D Litchfield; P Kirk, T Lennon (0-1); D McElroy, R Tasker, B CLarke (0-1); D Lennon, D Conneughton, C McGuinness. Subs: C Clarke for P Litchfield; D Grant for R Tasker.
Referee: P Connolly (Louth).
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