JACFC Div 7: Cortown power past Pauls
August 17, 2026
Josh Keating keeps possession for Cortown during their JACFC Division 7 win over St. Pauls
Cortown 0-17
St Paul’s 2-5
For the second time this year, Cortown defeated St Paul’s - this time to open their Reserve Championship campaign on the right note on Saturday evening.
It was far from straightforward for the hosts but a much improved second half showing paved the way to an opening day success. It was the Clonee side who made a lot of the early running and deservedly established a four-point lead midway through the opening period.
Paul's player/manager Jason Ruane riffled a penalty high into the roof of the net which seemed to spur Cortown on before the interval. Indebted to the accuracy of Jake Coyne from placed balls including a two-point free, the home side managed to trim the deficit back to one before the break, 0-5 to 1-3.
With Ivor O’Halloran still ringing in their ears from the interval, the hosts started the second half much brighter with substitute Elliot Reilly equalising. With Decky Coyne excelling in midfield, Davy Rispin kicked a two-pointer to out Davy Wright’s side in front for the first time in the contest.
A string of missed goal opportunities including the post, Goalkeeper and last ditch defending denied Paudie Rennicks, Anthony Boyle and the returning Brian Faulkner certain goals but Coyne continued to point the way with frees to stretch the lead. Further scores from veteran’s Boyle and Glory Stephen Fitzmaurice sealed the deal with the St Paul’s challenge fading late on due to a red card to the aforementioned Ruane.
The win puts Cortown on the cusp of qualification to the Semi-Finals with a bout with St Mary’s to come in just under a month. All attention now returns to first team action this week and a meeting with Boardsmill in the second round of the Junior B Championship.
Cortown: Jammie Costello; Josh Keating, Barry Canning, Micky Costello; Gavin Clarke, Stevie Clarke, Markuss Watters; Decky Coyne, Daragh O’Halloran; Stephen Fitzmaurice (0-1), Jake Coyne (0-10 one two-point free, one two-pointer, five frees), Conor Mulroe; Davy Rispin (0-3 one two-pointer), Paudie Rennicks, Anthony Boyle (0-2).
Subs: Elliot Reilly (0-1), Brian Faulkner, Gary Coyne, Cormac Farrell, David Coyne, Miceal Reilly.
Referee: Seamus O’Connor (Carnaross)
