North End United hit Celtic for six

NORTH End United showed they mean business in their bid to wrest the Premier Division title back from Shamrock Rovers with a 6-1 opening day demolition of newly-promoted Gorey Celtic.

Paul Murphy, who was recently signed from Kilmore United, opened the scoring from the penalty spot, with Robert Dempsey, Adam Beary, Andy Moore, John ‘Rocky’ Fenlon and Jason Murphy also getting on the scoresheet.

North End would like to extend their deepest sympathies to the Beary family on the sad passing of Martin, who was a member of their Division 2A team.

A late Pa O’Rourke winner earned Moyne Rangers the three points against Bunclody after a seven-goal thriller.

Peter Marsden and James Peare (two) also got on the scoresheet for the Enniscorthy side, but last season’s Division 1 winners looked to have earned a point thanks to a Johnny Melay double and a beautifully-flighted Johnny Thorpe free-kick.

However, O’Rourke hit the back of the net in the 87th minute to get Moyne off to a winning start.

Gorey Rangers signalled their intent for the season as they hit Campile United for six in a commanding display.

Eric Quinn helped himself to a hat-trick, while David Behan, Gary Murphy and Daniel Brennan added a goal apiece.

New Ross Celtic fought back from a goal down to earn a share of the spoils against Courtown Hibs. Courtown took the lead through Colin O’Brien but Eoin Rhodes got on the end of a Stephen O’Leary corner to grab the equaliser.

Rosslare Rangers and Kilmore United also played out a 1-1 draw (see focus match).