Dundalk Young Irelands defeated Stabannon in the final match in Division 3 on Saturday night to finish the season unbeaten.

The Young Irelands burst out of the traps and built up a big lead with points from Maguire and an excellent long-range point from Conor McCrory from 45 metres out. However, Stabannon battled back and by the end of the half there was only the minimum between the sides.

Half Time: Dundalk Young Irelands 0-06 Stabannon Parnells 0-05

The Irelanders got the opening point of the second half to stretch the lead to 2. Once again Stabannon battled back and actually drew level mid-way through the half. But they could not push on and take the lead. In the end it was the Irelanders who finished the stronger of the two teams and finished up 3 point winners.

After the match, Secretary of the County Board – Pat Hamilton, presented the Division 3 McArdle Cup to Dundalk Young Irelands captain Aaron Rogers.

In a close game Derek Maguire and Nicholas O’Connor stood out for the Irelanders while Stabannon were best served by their full forward Giggins.

Dundalk Young Irelands: Kevin Keelan; Ciaran Murray, Graham Carr, Robbie Farrell; Michael Mone, Aaron Rogers, Peter Flynn; Gerard Nixon, Nicholas O’Connor (0-01); Conor Nixon (0-02), Derek Maguire (0-6), Johnny Lynch (0-01); David Lally, Conor McCrory (0-02), John Boland.
Subs: Dermot Mone for John Boland; Ryan Moran for Robbie Farrell; David Bailey for Gerard Nixon.

See Match photos