Crumlin Star retained the McComb’s Coach Travel Intermediate Cup with a 3-1 victory over Rathfriland Rangers at the Clearer Twist National Stadium at Windsor Park.
It marked a fourth consecutive final appearance for Crumlin Star, who previously lifted the trophy in 2022/23 and 2024/25, while Rathfriland Rangers - winners in 2021/22 - were looking to reclaim the silverware. Indeed, for Crumlin, it was a fourth success in six years if the 2018/19 triumph is included.
Star made a dream start and edged in front as early as the third minute.
A well-delivered corner from the right by Stephen Smyth caused problems in the Rathfriland box, with Joseph McNeill knocking the ball on and Niall Hawkins keeping the move alive before David Fearon applied the finishing touch from close range.
Rathfriland looked to respond quickly, but Stephen McCavitt skewed an effort wide from inside the area.
McCavitt remained a threat, firing over again on 12 minutes after earlier pressure had seen the ball end up on the roof of the net following a foul on the keeper.
Crumlin continued to press, with James Doyle forcing a smart save from Bryan McMullan midway through the half, while at the other end Rathfriland came close when McCavitt raced onto a ball over the top only to see the danger cleared off the line.
The holders doubled their advantage in first half stoppage time.
McMullan rushed from his goal in an attempt to deal with a long delivery but brought down Pól Óg Hendry inside the area. Smyth stepped up and confidently dispatched the resulting penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way.
Crumlin extended their advantage just three minutes into the second half. Aidan Lillis played a precise ball in behind the defence and Doyle showed strength and composure to hold off Dalton Tate before firing a left-footed finish into the bottom corner.
Rathfriland continued to battle, with Ruairi Fitzpatrick driving forward on a number of occasions, although his efforts from distance failed to trouble Ciaran McNeill.
McCavitt came closest to pulling one back when his powerful strike from the edge of the area was saved by McNeill's feet.
Crumlin remained dangerous going forward, with Conall Cunningham going close to adding a fourth when he cut inside and fired narrowly wide, while further late efforts from Cunningham and Finlay McMullan kept the Rangers defence occupied.
Rathfriland did find a late consolation in the 89th minute when Jake Corbett turned home from close range after a knockdown by Cahoon, but it proved too little too late.
Crumlin Star: C. McNeill, Og Hendry, A. McNeill, Hawkins, Lillis, J. McNeill, Cosgrove, Lyons, Fearon, Doyle, Smyth subs Trainor, Cunningham (replaced Smyth 58), McKinney (replaced Cosgrove 39), McAlea (replaced J. McNeill 73), Doyle, McMullan (replaced Fearon 73), Hayes
Rathfriland Rangers: McMullan, Barbour, Tate, Hayes, Fitzpatrick, Kilmartin, McCavitt, Neale, Cooper, Campbell, Cahoon subs McCauley, Dalzell, Willis (replaced Tate 81), Johnston, Rooney (replaced Cooper 58), Corbett (replaced Campbell 73), McCullough
