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An
Riocht lift their first senior title - 06/10/02
 An
Riocht claimed their first adult football championship title
in the clubs 20 year history on Sunday past when in the
Premier Reserve Championship Final they defeated Burren
by 1 - 13 to 0 - 08 at Castlewellan. The Kingdom survived
a strong first half from Burran to go in at half time leading
0 - 06 to 0 - 04.
 On
the restart it was An Riocht who played all the football.
Aidan Flanagan would have had an early goal but for a courageous
block by Stephen O'Hara. The Kilkeel side finally got the
goal they deserved on the 47th minute following a sweeping
movement between Brian Annett, Jonny McBirney and Pat Small.
Kevin Flanagan provided the vital flick past Kevin Collins.
This goal put An Riocht 1 - 10 to 0 - 05.
Soon after, Collins had to make a spectacular save from
Michael Harper. Burren battled back with scores from James
McGovern and Barry Heaney but they had too much to do to
catch up. The Kingdom's victory was built on an accomplished
half back line of Liam Fitzpatrick, Aidan Flanagan and Colm
Cunningham. Eamon O'Rourke, Conrad McAlinden and Brian Annett
also made significant contributions.
 Burren's
most impressive men were Stephen O'Hara, Declan Rooney,
Marty McKibben and Anthony McClorey but it was fitting that
such loyal servants for An Riocht over the years like Eamon
O'Rourke, Seamus Sloan, Michael O'Rourke, Pat Fearon, and
Conrad McAlinden should finally lay hands on a championship
medal.
An Riocht Team and Scorers: Gavin Flanagan Michael
Clarke Eamon ORourke Patrick Fearon, Liam Fitzpatrick Aidan
Flanagan Colm Cunningham, Michael Harper 0-01 and Patrick
Small, Kevin Flanagan 1-01 Conrad McAlinden 0-02 Johnny
McBurney 0-01, Neil Doran 0-03 Michael ORourke Brian Annett
0-03. Subs used Stephen Sloan Sean McArdle Christopher Mulligan.
Burren Scorers: Kevin Collins Stephen OHare Larry
Duggan Darren OHare, Jonathan Poland Chris McGovern Declan
Rooney, Sean OHare and CP McCartan 0-01, Anthony McClorey
Declan McStay Kevin McGovern 0-01, Jimmie McAlinden 0-02
Stefan White 0-01 Martin McKibbin. Sub used Brian Murphy
James McGovern 0-02 Barry Heaney 0-01 Paul McGovern.
Referee Eugene OHare
(photos scanned from Mourne Observer)
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