Naomh Mairtin won the Louth SFC final with a 1-15 to 0-7 victory over St Mochtas on Sunday.
It was fitting that two saintly teams were in the final as it was refereed by a man of the cloth. Fr Derek Ryan, originally a Meathman but now a member of the Sean O'Mahonys club in Dundalk, took charge of the game.
Sportsfile's Ray McManus was present at the Holy Family Parish Church in Dundalk on Sunday morning as Fr Ryan celebrated mass, and later travelled to Páirc Mhuire in Ardree for the final.
7 November 2021; Fr Derek Ryan, a Catholic Priest in the Holy Family Parish Church in Dundalk, Louth, celebrates Mass before attending the Louth County Senior Club Football Championship Final between Naomh Mairtin and St Mochta's at Páirc Mhuire in Ardee, Louth, as the match referee. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Fr Derek Ryan distributes communion as he celebrates mass. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Fr Derek Ryan in conversation with Peter 'Flyer' Beglay, Na Piarsaigh GAA Club. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Match referee Derek Ryan dons the referee's jersey. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Match referee Derek Ryan with Naomh Mairtin captain Sam Mulroy. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile
David Lennon of St Mochta's, left, looks on as match referee Derek Ryan issues a black card to his teammate Danny Kindlon. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile