Preview: Ardee St Mary's take on mighty Kilmacud Crokes on Sunday

Ardee St Marys’ reward for seeing off Wicklow champions Blessington in the Leinster club championship quarter final, is a semi clash against the might of Kilmacud Crokes on Sunday afternoon.

While facing the All Ireland Club champions of last year can be a daunting task, Ardee St Marys will be looking forward to testing themselves against the elite of club football in a match which will see the Deesiders have home advantage.

Having secured back to back Louth senior championships for the first time since the 1950s, Ardee St Marys saw off Blessington in their quarter final, playing a glorious brand of football, which saw them bag three goals in that victory in Aughrim.

Key to this has been the form of forward Ciaran Keenan. Man of the match in that victory over Blessington, Keenan played a key role in these majors, as well as kicking three points himself.

Keenan, alongside county stars Daire McConnon, Donal McKenny, and the Jackson brothers Liam and Tom will once again play key roles if the Marys are to produce a victory over Kilamcud, which would send shockwaves across club football, with Louth under 20 star Sean Callaghan also enjoying an impressive debut season at midfield.

The Marys also boast talented players to come off the bench if necessary, in the shape of Tadgh McDonnell and Shane Mathews, alongside former Louth players Darren Clarke and Ronan Carroll.

Having fended off Ballyboden St Endas’ in their county decider, Robert Brennan’s Kilmacud Crokes beat Carlow winners Éire Óg in their Leinster clash, with Galway star Shane Walsh bagging goals in both wins.

With forwards of the ilk of Walsh alongside Dublin’s Paul Mannion at their disposal, Kilmacud boast major firepower, with Dara Mullins also performing well at wing forward, having kicked 0-4 in that victory over Éire Óg, with former county star Rory O’Carroll providing vital experience in the middle sector for Crokes.

With home advantage behind them, Ardee St Marys, managed by former Down player and selector Cathal Murray, may have their work cut out if they are to prolong their season, but that sumptuous brand of football they play certainly gives the Louth champions a belief and a cause for optimism.