Five-star Ardfield end long wait for silverware as Niall Keane scores brace in Championship Cup final win | The Southern Star
Source: southernstar.ie
TL;DR
- Ardfield beat Beara United 5-1 in Championship Cup final.
- Niall Keane scored brace in West Cork League win at Skibbereen.
- Ends Ardfield's long wait for adult silverware.
The story at a glance
Ardfield dominated Beara United 5-1 in the West Cork League Championship Cup final at Ollie McCarthy Park, Skibbereen, on Sunday amid heavy rain. Niall Keane scored twice, with Michael Maguire, Sam Linehan, and Paul Hodnett also netting as Ardfield led 1-0 at half-time before adding four second-half goals. This victory ends their long wait for West Cork League adult silverware.
Key moments & milestones
- 7th minute: Daniel Hanley forces save from Aaron O’Brien.
- 26th minute: Niall Keane side-foots home after Paul Hodnett setup for 1-0.
- 47th minute: Michael Maguire thunders in 2-0 post-restart.
- 65th minute: Niall Keane long-range strike makes it 3-0.
- ~70th minute: Sam Linehan scores 4-0.
- 75th minute: Declan Dunne penalty for Beara (4-1), then Paul Hodnett heads 5-1.
Signature highlights
- Ardfield scored four second-half goals despite atrocious rain and wind.
- Niall Keane hit both posts before brace, named match star.
- Beara United sought first men's West Cork League trophy but faded.
- Ardfield line-up: Aaron O’Brien, Caolan Hayes, Fintan Barrett (capt), Michael Maguire, Ronan Hayes, Niall Keane, Sam Linehan, Sean Lawless, Paul Hodnett, George Cannon, Conor Twomey.
- Ardfield still chase Championship title and prep for Beamish Cup final vs Drinagh Rangers.
Key quotes
- "‘Overall, I’m very happy with the lads and absolutely delighted to win this trophy,’ Johnny Lawless told The Southern Star."
- "‘This is Ardfield’s first West Cork League adult trophy in a long time – it’s a nice achievement.’ Johnny Lawless."
Why it matters
West Cork League cups mark key milestones for local clubs chasing regional dominance. Ardfield fans and players celebrate ending trophy drought, boosting momentum for league and Beamish Cup. Watch Ardfield vs Aultagh Celtic next, then Beamish Cup final vs Drinagh Rangers.