Aghabullogue Edge Uibh Laoire in PIFC Final Thriller
McCarthy Insurance Group Premier Intermediate Football Championship Final
Final Score: Aghabullogue 2-12 (2-2-8) – Uibh Laoire 2-11 (2-3-5)
Aghabullogue claimed the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier Intermediate Football Championship (PIFC) title on Sunday evening, defeating Muskerry rivals Uibh Laoire by a single point in a thrilling final at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
The final was a tense, high-scoring affair that saw the lead change hands repeatedly. Uibh Laoire secured control in the first half by registering two goals, leading by five points at one juncture. However, Aghabullogue showed significant resolve to chip away at the deficit, reducing it to two points by halftime.
The Coachford-based side carried their momentum into the second half, with their second goal restoring their lead. In the closing stages, Uibh Laoire battled back to level the contest, but Aghabullogue secured the crucial victory when Matthew Bradley landed the decisive point two minutes into added time. The win elevates Aghabullogue to the senior football ranks for the first time, marking their second county crown in three seasons.
Scorers
Aghabullogue: L Casey 1-3, A Murphy 0-4 (2 2pt), J Corkery 1-0, M Bradley 0-3 (0-1 f, 0-1 45), P O’Sullivan, A O’Sullivan 0-1 each.
Uibh Laoire: C Vaughan 0-7 (2 2pt, 1 2pt f), C Óg Jones 1-3 (0-2 f), I Jones 1-0, S O’Riordan 0-1.
Teams
Aghabullogue: J Buckley; C Smyth, P Dilworth, D Merrick; P Ring, S Tarrant, B O’Sullivan; C Gillespie, A Murphy; P O’Sullivan, J Corkery (c), A O’Sullivan; M Bradley, E O’Sullivan, L Casey.
Subs: C O’Sullivan for E O’Sullivan (48), D Thompson for P O’Sullivan (59).
Uibh Laoire: J Creedon; B Murphy, D O’Donovan, D O’Riordan; C Galvin, S O’Leary (c), K Manning; T Roberts, C O’Leary; S O’Riordan, C Vaughan, B O’Leary; C O’Riordan, C Óg Jones, I Jones.
Subs: S Pickering for B O’Leary (40), B Cronin for C O’Riordan (50).
Referee: Pa O’Driscoll (Bride Rovers).
