Erne Gaels Belleek end 43-year wait for Fermanagh SFC title

November 02, 2024

Erne Gaels Belleek's Ultan Kelm accepts the New York Gold Cup. Photo: Fermanagh GAA

Erne Gaels Belleek are Fermanagh senior football champions for the first time since 1981 thanks to a 1-13 to 1-9 victory over Enniskillen Gaels in this evening’s replay final at Brewster Park.

Declan Bonner’s men were propelled by a Ryan Lyons goal on the stroke of half-time and the points of Shane Rooney, Seamus Ryder and Barry McCann down the home stretch ensured them a sweet New York Gold Cup success.

The sides had been level on 0-2 apiece when Conor Love hammered in Enniskillen Gaels’ goal in the 12th minute and they’d move five in front after points from Brandon Horan and Love flew over.

A brace of Ultan Kelm points (one a free) would help narrow the deficit down to two for Belleek before Lyons struck their goal in the fourth minute of injury-time, leaving them 1-6 to 1-5 ahead when the teams went in.

While they kept the margin at one, the 2022 champions couldn’t get back on level terms after the change of ends and scores via McCann and Rooney made it 1-11 to 1-8 in favour of Bonner’s side with seven minutes left in normal time.

Callum Jones (free) would send over Enniskillen’s last point deep in injury-time, but it only reduced their arrears to four as Erne Gaels saw out a coveted victory.


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