Whitecross win U21 Intermediate Club Championship Shield

Cullyhanna 0-11 Whitecross 2-10

ST KILLIAN’S Whitecross stunned St Pat’s Cullyhanna to win the Armagh U21 Intermediate Club Championship Shield title.

Played at Corrinshego Thomas Davis on Sunday, the St Killian’s young men went into this south Armagh derby quietly confident going in as underdogs.

Mickey Nugent’s first half goal may have had a touch a fortune about it, but it was stunning shooting from the same lad that blasted a brace of two-pointers over the bar to give Whitecross a commanding 1-08 to 0-03 lead.

Cullyhanna grew frustrated, having won virtually each midfield battle, their shooting let them down at times and luck wasn’t on their side as they struck the woodwork. With the wind to the backs, St Pat’s threw everything at Whitecross in second half.

However, St Killian’s defended definingly with some crunching tackles, last gasp interceptions and a lot of bravery to put their bodies on the line.

Whitecross saw their lead decrease but Oscar Glass’ fine point settled nerves somewhat and then Oisin Cunningham scored a cracking goal that suggested his side was not prepared to lose. He must have run over 30-metres before he was bundled to the ground, but he got up and tore towards goal, before coolly slipping the ball into the net, giving the Cullyhanna keeper no chance.

Again, St Pat’s dug deep and tried to get back into the game, indeed they were denied a goal by the woodwork but after a nervy final few minutes Whitecross had hung on to clinch the title.

The curtain comes down on the Armagh club championship season on Wednesday (November 19) when Carrickcruppen and St Peter’s battle for the U21 Intermediate Championship title at the Box-IT Athletic Grounds, throw-in at 7.30pm.