Hunterstown triumph as Ryan Burns ends 26-year title wait
By ArdeePost Reporter @DEFY Páirc Mhuire, Ardee
Hunterstown Rovers end 26-year wait with Seamus Flood Cup victory
Hunterstown Rovers captain Ryan Burns led by example as his side captured their first Seamus Flood Cup since 1999, defeating Stabannon Parnells in a pulsating Louth Intermediate Football Championship final at DEFY Páirc Mhuire this afternoon.
It was a moment decades in the making — and one that Burns had visualised countless times. The talismanic forward produced a captain’s display, scoring 1-4 and lifting the famous cup aloft amid scenes of jubilation.
A dream realised for the captain
Speaking in the aftermath of the win, an emotional Burns admitted he had long dreamed of this day.
“Going to bed at night, I’ve probably said that speech a million times in my head, thinking about this day,” he said. “It’s not just the group — there’s a lot of people behind the scenes who deserve credit. Today, thankfully, we got there in the end.”
Burns, who has enjoyed a glittering personal season with Louth’s Leinster title and an All-Star nomination, said the Hunterstown success meant the most.
“This is where it’s at for me personally,” he added. “Winning team trophies — that’s what matters most.”
A new mentality drives Hunterstown forward
Reflecting on what has changed at the club, Burns credited the influence of managers Seán Barry and Seán Kelly, whose arrival brought a steely edge to the team.
“Years gone by, this club played lovely, free-flowing football. But when teams got stuck into us, we fell short,” he admitted.
“Seán Barry and Seán Kelly brought in a winning mentality. It doesn’t have to be fancy — just do the simple things right, win your dirty ball, work for each other. That’s what got us here today.”
Even when Jason Monaghan was sent off early in the second half, leaving Hunterstown with 14 men, the team’s composure and belief never wavered.
“We had 20-plus minutes a man down,” Burns said. “That’s just another compliment to the lads — we dug deep and found a way.”
Finn fires Hunterstown to glory
The decisive moment came late in the game when David Finn slotted over a match-winning point to secure a dramatic victory.
Finn, who has endured near misses in recent years, could barely contain his delight.
“I don’t think we ever make it easy for ourselves,” he laughed. “We’ve been through semi-final heartbreaks, last year’s replay defeat to Dundalk Gaels — this one just feels unbelievable.”
He praised the balance and resilience of the panel, highlighting the mix of youth and experience that helped deliver the title.
“There’s a great mix there,” Finn said. “It’s the strongest panel I’ve played on. We’re battle-hardened now, and that showed today.”
Hard lessons, harder battles
Hunterstown’s route to the final saw them overcome St Kevin’s and Mattock Rangers, tests that Finn believes prepared them for the physical challenge of Stabannon.
“Those were two tough teams — similar in style to Stabannon. We knew it would be a slog, but we were ready. The last few years have built character, and that stood to us today.”
Finn admitted he was unaware of the clock as he kicked the winner.
“I hadn’t a clue how much time was left,” he smiled. “It was just about the next ball. Thankfully, it was enough in the end.”
Tributes and legacy
As the celebrations began, Burns paid a heartfelt tribute to two cherished club figures, the late Tony Mathews and Syl Levin, both remembered fondly by the Hunterstown community.
“They were two men very close to me,” Burns said. “Syl would have been right on that sideline today. My grandfather had a big connection with the club too, so it’s emotional. I know they’ll be celebrating with us in spirit tonight.”
Eyes on senior football
The victory secures Hunterstown’s promotion to the senior ranks in 2026, marking a new chapter in the club’s proud history.
“This was our goal — but the goalposts move now,” Burns said. “The hard work starts again soon. But for now, we’re going to celebrate this one properly.”
Finn echoed that sentiment, promising that the celebrations will be well-earned before turning attention to the upcoming Leinster Club Championship.
“We’ll enjoy it. We’ll be up on ‘The Goose’ tonight for sure,” he laughed. “It’s been a long road, but it’s our time.”
A victory 26 years in the making
For the Hunterstown faithful, this triumph represents not just a championship but the reward for resilience, heart, and belief.
After 26 long years, Hunterstown Rovers are once again kings of Louth intermediate football — and under the leadership of Ryan Burns, the future looks brighter than ever.