Gavin McParland sensational for Armagh in Dr McKenna Cup win

Armagh 2-11 St Mary’s 0-14: A stunning 2-4 contribution from livewire corner-forward Gavin McParland underpinned this hard-earned Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup win for Armagh at the saturated Athletic Grounds last night.

St Mary’s looked lively in the first quarter and led 0-4 to 0-1 with Ryan Johnston (2), Jack Grugan and Thomas Canavan on target. But Armagh found their feet and enjoyed parity when McParland complemented his four points up until then with a penalty.

St Mary’s, though, led still led 0-11 to 1-5 at the break but Armagh’s power and physique surfaced in the second-half and McParland’s second goal cemented their dominance.

Armagh scorers: G McParland 2-4, C McKeever 0-1, T Kernan 0-1 (f), J Clarke 0-2, E McVerry 0-1, S Connell 0-1, D McKenna 0-1.

St Mary’s scorers: T Canavan 0-5 (2f), J Johnston 0-3, R Johnston 0-2 (1 ‘45’), J Grugan 0-2, K McGeary 0-1, A Forker 0-1.

ARMAGH: T Harney; E McArdle, B Donaghy, J Donneelly; S Connell, C McKeever, C Vernon; D McKenna, S Harold; S Forker, T Kernan, F O’Neill; O MacIomhair, S Sheridan, G McParland.

Subs: P Courtney for O’Neill (h/t), M Murray for Donnelly (43), E McVerry for MacIomhair (49), J Clarke for Forker (50), C Rafferty for McParland (62),

ST MARY’S: R Burns; R Wilson, J Morgan, D Morrow; P McBride, A Forker, H Loughran; C McCann, B Og McGilligan; J Johnston, K McGeary, R Johnston; T Canavan, M Fitzpatrick, J Grugan. Subs: B O’Hagan for Fitzpatrick, C Quinn for McCann (63m).

Referee: Ciaran Trainor (Down).