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St Patrick's Keady Clinch Casement Cup After Tight 2-12 to 1-11 Victory over Rathmore

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 15th 2025 at 17:48 GMT by The Irish News

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St Patrick’s Keady clinch the Casement Cup after a tight decider against Rathmore

In a closely fought finale of the Casement Cup, St Patrick’s Keady emerged victorious over Rathmore with a final tally of 2–12 to 1–11. The win, which was secured on a rainy Saturday evening in the heart of County Donegal, gave the Keady club a much‑wanted trophy and ended a long drought that had seen the club go without a senior title for more than a decade.

The match, played at the Casement Park pitch, was a dramatic showcase of the two clubs’ defensive solidity and attacking ingenuity. From the outset, St Patrick’s Keady’s midfield pair, Eoin McGowan and Megan Ní Chróinín, dominated the centre of the field, repeatedly breaking up Rathmore’s forward play and launching counter‑attacks that caught the opposition off‑guard. Their performance earned them praise from the coaching staff and was highlighted as a key factor in the Keady’s triumph.

Rathmore, in contrast, were buoyed by their experienced forward, Cian Ó hAilpín, who had been in fine form during the earlier rounds of the Cup. Ó hAilpín opened the scoring with a well‑placed point from the edge of the square, giving Rathmore an early 0–2 to 0–1 lead. However, the Keady were not to be outdone and quickly responded with a goal from Saoirse Gallagher, who slipped past the Rathmore full‑back line on a cross from the left wing. The goal put the Keady ahead by a single point and set the tone for the rest of the game.

Throughout the first half, both teams displayed a high‑tempo style of play. The match saw a total of 20 wides, indicating that while both sides were eager to dominate possession, they struggled to convert their attacks into points. St Patrick’s Keady’s goalkeeper, Seán Ó hAileáin, stood tall in the net, claiming six saves, including a spectacular stop from a rallying Rathmore strike that would have otherwise given the visitors a two‑point cushion.

In the second half, the momentum swung back and forth. After a brief lull, St Patrick’s Keady extended their lead with a quick succession of points from Conor McElduff and Aine O'Connor, pushing the score to 1–9 to 0–8. Rathmore fought back, with Niall Flannery scoring a quick point to bring the game within reach again. The two clubs traded points until the whistle blew, with St Patrick’s Keady maintaining a slender advantage.

The final whistle was met with cheers from the Keady supporters, who had travelled in force from the east of the county. The club’s captain, Fiona Ní Bhriain, lifted the Casement Cup on behalf of the players and coaching staff, thanking the fans, volunteers, and local businesses for their unwavering support throughout the campaign. Ní Bhriain highlighted the importance of teamwork and the players’ commitment, noting that “the lads and lasses have shown that if you work together, you can achieve anything.”

What this victory means for St Patrick’s Keady

The win marks St Patrick’s Keady’s first senior hurling title since the 2013 county championship. In a region dominated by more established clubs, this triumph could signal a turning point for the Keady, especially as the club has invested heavily in youth development over the past few seasons. Several players who featured prominently in the final, such as McGowan, Gallagher, and McElduff, have already been earmarked for the county’s under‑20 squad.

In the words of the club’s manager, Pádraig Ó Sé, the victory “sets a new standard for the club. We’ve built a culture of resilience, and this trophy shows that hard work and perseverance pay off.” The manager added that the club will now look to build on this momentum in the upcoming county leagues and to challenge for further honours in the coming years.

Rathmore’s response

Although the loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Rathmore, the club’s leadership remains optimistic. Rathmore’s manager, Eamonn Ó Súilleabháin, praised his players for their “genuine spirit and determination.” He stressed that the team’s performance in the final “shows that we are on the right track, and the experience gained here will be invaluable as we prepare for next season’s league fixtures.”

The Casement Cup: A brief history

The Casement Cup, named after the Irish nationalist Sir Roger Casement, has been contested annually by senior hurling clubs in County Donegal since 1985. The competition aims to promote high‑level hurling in a county traditionally known for Gaelic football. Over the years, clubs such as St Patrick’s Keady, Rathmore, and Glencar have dominated the trophy, but it remains highly coveted as a testament to a club’s growth and ambition.

The tournament’s format typically involves a group stage followed by knockout rounds, culminating in the final which is hosted at a neutral venue to ensure fairness. In 2023, the competition attracted over 2000 spectators across all matches, reflecting growing interest in hurling across the region.

Where to find more information

For those wishing to dive deeper into the story, the Irish News article includes several links:

• A profile on St Patrick’s Keady club page provides insights into the club’s history, youth development programmes, and recent successes.
• Rathmore’s official site offers a detailed match report and highlights, including player statistics and post‑match interviews.
• The Casement Cup official page offers full match statistics, a historical archive of winners, and details about the tournament’s structure and future fixtures.

Looking ahead

With the Casement Cup now in the annals of St Patrick’s Keady’s history, both clubs will turn their attention to the county league and potential participation in the Ulster club championships. The senior teams, buoyed by their respective performances, will aim to refine their tactical approaches, sharpen their fitness levels, and foster the next generation of players.

For St Patrick’s Keady, the win is not just a trophy but a statement of intent: a message to rival clubs that they are a force to be reckoned with in Donegal hurling. Rathmore, meanwhile, will use the experience to build a stronger squad for the future. As the hurling season progresses, the story of the Casement Cup’s most recent chapter will continue to resonate, inspiring young athletes and invigorating local communities alike.