Patrician High of Carrickmacross take MacLarnon Cup after extra-time winner settles final replay
Joseph McArdle’s extra-time go-ahead point was the first time the Monaghan school led in the final replay at Brewster Park
Danske Bank MacLarnon Cup Final:
Dean Maguirc Carrickmore 0-12 Patrician High Carrickmacross 1-10
Patrician High Carrickmacross won the Danske Bank MacLarnon Cup for the 5th time in their history when they won a gripping replay against Dean Maguirc Carrrickmore at Brewster Park in Enniskillen last night.
Centre half-back Joseph McArdle proved to be the match-winner with a point deep into injury time which was ironically the only time that they had their noses in front.
In a frantic finish, Ryan McCallan looked to have won it for Dean Maguirc but Peter Connolly held his nerve to convert a free to level matters before McArdle’s winner.
Both sides deserve immense credit…
By Kevin Kelly Published in The Irish News February 11, 2025
Dean Maguirc Carrickmore 0-12 Patrician High Carrickmacross 1-10
Patrician High Carrickmacross claimed the Mc Larnon Cup for the 5th time in their history when they narrowly defeated a gallant Dean Maguirc side in a pulsating replay at Brewster Park in Enniskillen on Tuesday evening.
A match winning point from centre back Joseph McArdle snatched the win deep into added time as Patrician took the lead for the first time in the contest. Two minutes earlier Ryan Mc Callan had put the Dean one in front before Patrician free taker Peter Connolly showed nerves of steel to level the scores with a well struck free. Then came Mc Ardle’s match winner to take the title and leave the Tyrone school devastated at the outcome.
Credit to both sides for serving up such a high quality contest just over 48 hours after their drawn game at Celtic Park on Sunday. The Dean were the better side in the first half and would have been disappointed to go off at the break only leading by three 0-8 to 0-5.
Centre half forward Shea Munroe hit the first scores of the night with two fine points.Two minutes later Patrician High opened their account with a well struck effort from Tom Maguire. Dean displayed a serious hunger and over the next ten minutes moved 0-6 to 0-2 ahead. Michael Mc Callan, James Mc Callan and Ryan Mc Callan were all on target.
Connolly replied for Carrickmacross and this was followed by a fine score from the outstanding Dean full back Ciaran McCrystal. Fergal McEneaney hit a point before Munroe and Connolly swapped scores. Dean had several good chances before the break and should have gone in further ahead.
Carrickmacross upped the pace after the break carrying the game to the Dean. Luke Poval pointed before Kevin Cuddy replied for the Dean and a Sean Donnelly score moved the Tyrone school four clear and looking good.
Carrickmacross looked to be in trouble at this stage but they dug deep and got themselves back in the contest. Connolly converted a brace of frees with corner back Conor Meehan on target from play with Munroe responding from a placed ball.
With the game well into the final ten minutes substitute Sean O’Brien launched a high testing towards the Dean square and man of the match Maguire got on the end of it to punch to the net and level the scores. With normal time all but up Ryan McCallan took a short 46m free to Tiarnan Mullin and hit a brilliant score.
Carrickmacross though came straight down the field and Connolly held his nerve to level the contest from a free before McArdle scored that dramatic winner. The Dean pushed hard to try and force extra time but a resolute Carrickmacross defence held out to take the title.
Dean Maguirc Carrickmore : C Tracey, M Gallagher, C McCrystal (0-1), T Mullin, S Og Teague, E Conway, F Donnelly, J McCallan (0-1), M McCallan (0-1), R McCallan (0-2), S Munroe (0-5, 4F), P Donaghy, O Curran, K Cuddy (0-1), S Donnelly (0-1). Subs: P McCrory for M McCallan, C Fox for Donaghy, V Gormley for Cuddy
Patrician High Carrickmacross: D Gormain, C Corrigan, C Mulligan, C Meehan (0-1), C Rafferty, J McArdle (0-1), L Poval (0-1), S O’Connor, T Maguire (1-1), M Hanratty, F McEneaney (0-2), H Reilly, P Connolly (0-4, 4F), J O’Farrell, G Murray. Subs: S O’Brien for Hanratty, D Farrelly for Corrigan, C McCarthy for Reilly
