Nugent goal steers Cullyhanna towards All-Ireland club IFC glory

January 14, 2024

Cullyhanna's Barry McConville and Caolan Ready celebrate at the final whistle ©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

Aidan Nugent’s first-half goal proved a crucial moment as St Patrick’s Cullyhanna (Armagh) overcame Cill na Martra (Cork) by 1-8 to 0-7 to triumph to the All-Ireland club intermediate football title.

The south Armagh men made history at Croke Park by punishing their wasteful Cork counterparts who tallied 16 wides over the hour in the decider.

The opening stages had been airtight and, after Daniel O'Dunnin’s goal effort went wide in the opening 30 seconds for Cill na Martra, it was the Ulster champions that kicked on to edge a 0-3 to 0-2 lead after 16 minutes.

Three minutes later, the ball would be in the back of Cill na Martra’s net after Nugent made the most of a lapse at the back to hammer in from close range.

It sent Cullyhanna towards a 1-5 to 0-4 interval lead and, after the Rebel County champions narrowed their deficit to three, points at the far end from Gavan Duffy and Shea Hoey left their club with one hand on the trophy.

While Cill na Martra saw chances drop wide, Jason Duffy’s superb point in injury-time would ensure Cullyhanna’s victory in the end to help send the All-Ireland club IFC crown north.


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