IT’S QUITE CLEARY… CELTIC ARE BOSS

CLEARY CELTIC 2 NEWRY CELTIC 0 (21.4.25)

Cleary Celtic players and Management celebrate their Mid-Ulster Shield win over rivals Newry Celtic at the Newry Showgrounds on Monday Picture: Brendan Monaghan Sports/DNA

It took 70 minutes for holders, Cleary Celtic, to break the spirit of an excellent Newry Celtic side at the Showgrounds on Monday. In doing so the team from the Kilmorey Street end of town collected their fourth Mid-Ulster title in a row.

The Newry side have now equalled a record held by Lurgan kingpins, Oxford United, who lifted the trophy four seasons in a row during the early nineties.

The best two teams in Mid-Ulster battled for over an hour on Easter Monday before Cleary forward Declan Monaghan was brought crashing to the ground on 70 minutes by Newry Celtic defender, Ronan Byrne, and referee, Graham Mitchell pointed to the penalty spot.

It was a big blow to the Newry Hoops, who had their fair share of chances in a tight game. First-half efforts from Keith Johnston, Ryan Fearon, and Stephen Wylie were not taken with Marty Havern and strike partner Decky Monaghan also guilty of missed chances for the holders in the first half.

Cleary Celtic goalkeeper Joe Goodwill blocks a first half effort from Newry Celtic Captain Stephen Wylie on Easter Monday Picture: Brendan Monaghan Sports/DNA

Marty Havern stepped up to take the aforementioned penalty and slotted it passed Newry Celtic custodion Mark McReynolds to put Cleary 1 up. Five minutes later from a left sided over hit corner kick, Brendan Coulter returned the ball across the Newry Celtic box and Cleary centre-back Stephen Quinn fired home a left foot shot to McReynolds net.

It was no more than the Kilmorey Street team deserved after an energetic second-half performance against a fighting and well drilled Newry Celtic outfit.

Cleary Celtic Manager John Hogg celebrates at the final whistle at the Newry Showgrounds Picture: Brendan Monaghan Sports/ DNA

Chapter 2 of this well-matched rivalry will be played out on Saturday (26-4-25) at Artie Green Park, with both teams going for the Carnbane Premier League title.