Louth GAA club | St. Marys get SFC campaign off to winning ways

Reigning champions, Ardee St. Marys, began the defence of their Anchor Tours Louth Senior Football Championship crown in winning fashion on Saturday night, seeing off a spirited St. Fechins side by five points at PPFS Darver.

Despite missing several players, including Donal McKenny, Liam Jackson, and new recruit Tommy Durnin, Cathal Murray’s men showed their composure to overcome a determined opponent and run out eventual five-point winners.

READ NEXT: Dundalk and District League round-up

A sizeable crowd braved the blustery evening to watch the champions take their first steps towards a fourth successive Joe Ward.

Playing into a strong wind in the first half, Ardee had to rely on their accuracy, but they managed the elements impressively.

The action began in electric fashion, with Daire McConnon curling over a left-footed point inside 42 seconds. The forward quickly added a second in the fourth minute, but Fechins hit back in style.

Ryan Walsh levelled matters with a two-point free on six minutes before Danny Burnell and Walsh again nudged the Termonfeckin men in front.

By the 11th minute, St. Fechins held a 0-4 to 0-2 advantage. St. Mary's, however, have proven time and again that they do not panic. Goalkeeper Tiernan Markey came forward to clip a free, before Carl Gillespie restored parity with another dead ball.

Shane Reilly’s point put Fechins ahead again, and Walsh almost landed a hammer blow on 18 minutes when his thunderous drive rattled the crossbar. Instead, Ardee seized the momentum.

Andy Murphy replied instantly with a fine score to level things, and moments later, the lively Tadhg McDonnell delighted the crowd with a superb two-point strike to put the champions ahead. From there, they never looked back.

Markey, who had an outstanding evening, denied Paul Mathews with a sharp save, and then struck a ‘45 over the bar himself to extend the lead.

A late John O’Connell point kept Fechins within reach, but just before the break, Shane Matthews burst through on a driving run to fire over and send Ardee in three clear at half time.

Half time: St. Mary's 0-9 St. Fechins 0-6

The second half was about control, and St. Mary's showed why they remain the team to beat in Louth football. McConnon opened the scoring once more with his third point, before Tom Jackson stretched the margin to five.

Walsh tried to rally the Fechins, clipping over from play, but McDonnell, Gillespie and Kian Moran added scores to keep the gap comfortable.

Fechins did show flashes of threat, with Evan Dolan and Walsh cutting the margin briefly, but they struggled to break down a disciplined Ardee defence marshalled by the likes of Ronan Carroll and Darren Clarke.

Markey continued to inspire confidence with his accurate kickouts and interventions, while up front, McConnon and McDonnell kept the scoreboard moving.

By the 55th minute, Moran’s fisted effort had Ardee sitting on a six-point lead, and although Mathews grabbed a late consolation for Fechins, the champions were never in danger.

The five-point winning margin reflected their dominance, particularly in the second half when they limited their opponents to just four scores. For Murray and his backroom team, it was an ideal way to begin the campaign.

The absence of some big names did not unsettle the side, and the balance between youth and experience was once again evident.

St. Fechins, to their credit, asked plenty of questions, and will look back on those missed goal chances, Walsh’s shot against the bar and Mathews’ effort saved, as turning points in the contest.

Ardee now move on to face the Geraldines in Round Three next weekend, while St. Fechins will take encouragement from their display.

Full time: St. Mary's 0-15 St. Fechins 0-10

Ardee St. Marys: Tiernan Markey (0-2, 1 ’45’, 1f), Noah Coyle, Éimhin Keenan (c), Páraic McKenny, Tadhg McDonnell (0-3), Karl Faulkner, Carl Gillespie (0-2, 1f), RJ Callaghan, Seán Callaghan, Kian Moran (0-1), Tom Jackson (0-1), Andy Murphy (0-1), Ciarán Keenan, Dáire McConnon (0-4), Shane Matthews (0-1).

Subs: Robert Leavy on for RJ Callaghan (45'), Adam Gillespie on for Ciarán Keenan (45'), Conor Gillespie on for Kian Moran (52').

St. Fechins: Niall McDonnell, Rob McCarthy, Niall McCabe, Mark Holohan, Ciarán McGinty, Shane Reilly (0-1), Paddy Keane, Evan Kelly, Colm Hackett, John O’Connell (0-1), Paul Matthews (0-1), Colm O’Neill, Ryan Walsh (0-5, 3f), Evan Dolan (0-1), Danny Burnell (0-1).

Subs: Dan Reilly on for Evan Kelly (42'), Garbhan O’Reilly on for Niall McCabe (42').

Referee: Stephen Fitzpatrick (Clan na Gael).