It was a memorable day for Moynalty on Sunday at Pairc Tailteann where they outscored Ballinlough in the Coolrite Refrigeration Under 21 F C final.

Moynalty 4-8

Ballinlough 2-6

Joey Curley's charges made most of the running and were 14 points clear, 4-7 to 0-5, after 55 minutes. The concession of two late goals softened the final scoreline from Ballinlough's perspective.

Moynalty had four different goalscorers. Ballinlough trebled their tally in the latter stages that included four minutes of stoppage time.

When their top scorer Paul Lynch netted, with assistance from Anthony Nevin, in the 45th minute the board read 4-7 to 0-5 and the Paddy Cooney Cup was bound for Moynalty.

Goalkeeper Jonathan Lynch saved well from Ballinlough sub Michael Geraghty seconds later at the expense of a fruitless 45.

Subs Daire Farrelly and Paul Farrelly pulled goals back for Ballinlough in the latter stages but merely improved the look of the final scoreline for the team clad in Kilskyre jerseys.

Clad in their alternative dark green jerseys, Moynalty took the game to Ballinlough from the off. Joey Curley's charges opened the scoring through a Paddy Farrelly free in the opening minute.

The scores were briefly tied during the first half when Mark McCullen levelled matters. It was the only time the scores were tied in the opening half.

Moynalty reasserted themselves, regaining the lead seconds later through Paul Lynch. They led by 0-2 to 0-1 heading into the second quarter before banging in three goals in the lead into half-time.

Adrian Maguire bagged the first goal for Moynalty in the 16th minute, finishing off a fine build-up. A fine Mark McCullen point cut the gap to a goal in the 18th minute, but it was soon countered by a Paul Lynch free.

In the time remaining before the break, Moynalty put some distance between themselves and Ballinlough. A sweeping 23rd minute move begun by Anthony Nevin deep in his own half ended with Paddy Farrelly netting at the old swimming pool end to leave the board at the opposite end of the ground reading 2-3 to 0-2.

Johnnie Reilly and Jack Tunney pulled points back for Ballinlough. Moynalty had the last say of the half with Paddy Byrne netting to leave it 3-3 to 0-4 at the break. The Moynalty players were roundly applauded by their supporters as they headed for interval refreshments.

Ballinlough resumed with intent to trim the deficit but Moynalty 'keeper Jonathan Lynch saved well from Oliver Brady within a minute of the restart. However, Joey Curley's young men responded to move 14 points clear before Tom Shine's men staged that late rally.

It was a second final defeat in a row for Ballinlough - following on their Corn na Boinne loss to Nobber - but doesn't detract on what is a great year for the club. The club has the Leinster Club IFC final to look forward to next Sunday.

It was an occasion to savour for competition sponsor John Brogan of Coolrite Refrigeration as he is a member of the Moynalty club.

Moynalty - Jonathan Lynch; James Nevin, Eoghan Allen; Pauric O'Connor, Ronan McMahon (0-1), Nicholas McKenna; Paul Lynch (1-4, 0-2fs), Thomas Owens (C); Paddy Farrelly (1-1, 0-1f), Ollie Sheridan (0-1), Adrian Maguire (1-0); Paddy Byrne (1-0), Anthony Nevin. Subs - Raymond Owens (0-1) for McKenna (bc 52), Kevin Maguire for Farrelly (54), David McMahon for Owens (56), Shane Farrelly for McMahon (57), Kevin Doyle for Maguire (60).

Ballinlough - Lorcan Gibney; James Baugh, Matthew Farrell; Adam Fox, Jonathan O'Reilly, Johnnie Reilly (0-1); Gary Reilly, Kevin Beirne; Jonathan Montgomery, Jack Tunney (0-1), Dylan Montgomery Francis; Mark McCullen (C) (0-2, 0-1 f), Brian Brady. Subs - Oliver Brady (0-1) for Fox (26), Michael Geraghty (0-1) for Dylan Montgomery Francis (36), Paul Farrelly (1-0) for Johnnie Reilly (bc 42), Daire Farrelly (1-0) for Brady (49), James Lydon for Jonathan Montgomery Francis (56).

Referee - Jason Plunkett (Clonard)

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