Mochta’s went close to spoiling the party

You could say the cream has come to the top in the Louth senior championship. The teams to contest the final, St Mary’s and Naomh Máirtín, were the leading fancies before the competition began.

Mary’s accounted for Newtown Blues in the first of the semi-finals on Saturday evening, creating a big gap on the scoreboard in the second half; but on the following day, Mairtín's looked to be on the way out the door as their tussle with St Mochta’s came to a close.

This was a full-blooded contest, too full-blooded at times. The most between the sides was never greater than a goal. When Mochta’s went that far in front with the finish line looming, we looked to be in for a surprise.

The Villagers had come from the same distance behind early in the half but fought determinedly, and when they hit the net for the second time, Máirtín knew they had to come up with something big to rescue the tie.

The goal they scored to level matters was of a scrappy nature, but more than that was needed. The challengers went back in front and again looked to have opened the door to a place in the final.

The game was in time added on when Máirtíns drew level once again. But as extra-time loomed, the recent-year champions had an inch-perfect pass sent in Val Leddy’s direction. The No 12 made a mark, and though he had plenty of work to do, his kick was as true as the pass he had received.

Just one point in it, in complete contrast to Saturday’s match. But although St Mary’s were comfortably ahead at the finish, Blues were well in it at half-time, and for part of the second half.

Ciarán Keenan’s name was on everyone’s lips after the match. And for good reason. The Louth player was good in the first half, but devastating after the break, his jinking runs too much for his marker, the vastly experienced Colm Judge, as well as the other Blues defenders.

The final, a repeat of last year’s, should be a clinker. We’ll have Máirtíns attempting to win a title that last came their way three years ago, and Mary’s going for a three-in-a-row, something the great Mary’s teams of the past never achieved.