THE annual Stevie Burke memorial Cup took place at Shanballymore on Sunday last when the home side helped by three goals from Paul Burke edged out their near neighbours Castletownroche.

Following a close contest the winners held the slight edge all through and were only to trail on one occasion when David Relihan opened the scoring for Castletownroche when pointing in the second minute.

Shanballymore were quick to level matters when Colman O'Reilly pointed. The home side were to have some good displays from Johnny Enright, Brendan Hayes, Colman O'Reilly, Paul Burke, Jonathan Dennehy and Miceal Burke throughout and in the ninth minute struck for their first goal when a lengthly delivery by Brian Sheedy was finished to the net.

Both sides traded a number of points before Paul Burke struck for his second goal in the 23rd minute following good work by Kenneth and Brian Barry to make it 2-3 to 04. Castletownroche staged a good revival from here to the interval with Dave Relihan, Muiris Browne, Jonathan O'Callaghan, Harry Farrell and Derek Noonan all finishing the half well and they managed to cut the deficit to just two points at half time 2-5 to 0-9. On the changeover, Shanballymore were to make a positive start reeling off three early points before Paul Burke hit for his third goal in the 42nd minute to move into a 3-8 to 0-10 advantage.

Castletownroche battled back well and at the three quarter stage came right back into contention when John Batterberry's goal bound effort was well saved by the Shanballymore keeper Declan Fitzgibbon with Maurice Madden first to react to finish the rebound to the net. Exchanges were very close during the last quarter with Castletown having points from Harry Farrell, Muiris Browne, Michael Farrell and Michael Browne, but there was no denying Shanballymore their deserved win with Richard Burke, Brian Sheedy and Vincent Burke having late points to emerge winners by a three point margin.

After the game Michael Burke on behalf of the Burke family presented the cup to the winning captain Jonathan Dennehy.