Ardee and Jocks set for thrilling Louth SFC final

The stage is set for one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Louth GAA football calendar as St. Mary’s and Naomh Máirtín prepare to battle it out in the Anchor Tours Louth Senior Football Championship final this Sunday, October 20th, in McGeough Park, Haggardstown at 3.30pm.

The final is a chance for Ardee to claim a historic third Joe Ward Cup title on the bounce having already lifted the championship at the previous two attempts.

Their journey to this year's final has seen them make their way through a tough group with a comprehensive quarter-final win and a statement victory in the semi-final against familiar foes Newtown Blues.

Meanwhile, Naomh Máirtín claimed back-to-back titles in 2020 and 2021 and will be looking to reclaim their crown after coming up short against St. Mary’s in last year’s final.

With both teams possessing incredible talent and a severe will to win the final promises to be an exciting clash. 

St. Mary’s kicked off their campaign with a convincing win over Geraldines, followed by a setback in the form of a loss to Newtown Blues.

The Ardee side then bounced back with a string of impressive performances in the knock-out stages including a quarter-final win over St. Patrick’s and their semi-final victory over the Blues.

St. Mary’s manager, Cathal Murray, acknowledges the challenges his team has faced this season but remains confident in their abilities.

"We’re just hoping for a clean bill of health from the players," Murray told the Dundalk Democrat in the lead-up to the final.

"We’ve struggled a bit with getting the full squad on the pitch this year. So we just hope everybody comes through the last few training sessions and is good to go for Sunday."

Murray is well aware of the quality of the Monasterboice opposition. He said: "I don't expect anything different that we had last year or in any time that we've played them.

"They are a big strong physical side, they're well organised and set up, and they know how to play their game.

“It's going to be a battle between the two sides. We are both fairly familiar with each other but it will be a battle no doubt.”

Naomh Máirtín’s route to the final has been filled with ups and downs. Their campaign started strongly with a win over Cooley Kickhams but a loss to St. Mochtas in the group stage saw them having to regroup and refocus.

They then found their form when it mattered most and secured a narrow one-point semi-final win in a tight rematch with the Mochtas to earn their place in the final.

Naomh Máirtín boss, Declan McCoy, is realistic about his team’s journey this year. He said: “We haven't been putting good performances together.

"We have been efficient and we've been getting results but we certainly haven't been good or even enjoyable to watch Id image.

“A lot of players are getting experience and developing. I couldn't hang my hat on a performance but it is a results business.

“If we win on Sunday 0-1 – 0-0 then I would take it but we aren't playing particularly brilliant if the truth be told.” Sunday’s final represents more than just a chance to avenge last year’s defeat for the Jocks.

McCoy said: “It is a new game and it will take on a life of its own. We have a new team this year. We have probably five or six players that didn't play last year with Australia, injuries, and younger players coming in.

“Whereas you just don't know. Everything goes out the window in a final because once it starts you don't know what way it's going to happen. 

"It could be a win, there could be a black card, a free kick, you don't know until the game is over but you can only hope that it will.”

St. Mary’s joint captain, Liam Jackson, is relishing the chance to lead his side out in the final. Sharing his thoughts on the prospect of winning a third consecutive title, he said: "There is probably a bit more pressure added to it. After winning the last two we are probably expected to win another one.

"But when you are coming up against an opposition like the Máirtíns then you can't get too ahead of yourself. When you see the calibre of a lot of the players they have.

"I think it was a one-point game in the final last year so we aren't going to take anything for granted and we are definitely not going to take them for granted.

He added: "Momentum is a big thing, but if you don’t show up on the day, then it’s anyone’s game. Finals are there to be won.

"We had a good performance the last day out, but it’s just about trying to replicate that in the next game."

On the other side of the house, Naomh Máirtín captain Sam Mulroy shares a similar sentiment. He said: “It's a great feeling this is what every team at the start of the year is setting out to be in the last two and give yourself a chance so I am delighted to be heading for the final.”

Mulroy knows his side will have to be at their best to overcome the reigning champions. When speaking about facing a formidable Ardee side, he said: we have tried to learn some lessons to try and stop some of their big players who have got them dotted all over the pitch.

“They are a serious outfit and play some brilliant stuff. Attacking football with lots of good flair players. 

"I'm not sure if last year's game will have much bearing but it will be a case of trying to stop how they play. They bring lots to the table so it will be a case of trying to stop that.”

Both managers agree that the balance between experience and youth will play an important part in this year’s final.

For St. Mary’s, having seasoned players who’ve been in this position before is vital. "It’s key," Murray said.

“These lads are still learning their trade but to come into a team which has such experience who look after the young fellas, they guide them, and they advise them. 

The young lads learn the right way of doing things from the standards that the senior players set for them.”

McCoy echoed this sentiment and highlighted the strength of his squad. He said: “The experienced player drives the whole thing and the younger players bring that bit of freshness so there is a good blend there.

“The experienced players aren't particularly old and the young players aren't too young, we are at a good middle ground at the minute.

“It is a competitive squad and sometimes you find that the younger players in the squad know it all, but they're not, they just want to learn as much as they can.

"The experienced players are very good with their time and are serious players.

“I'm very lucky to be involved with this squad. I don't do a whole lot, I am just along for the ride but to be involved in such a good squad is brilliant.”

Both teams are putting the final touches on their preparations as the day's countdown to the final. The prospect of completing a historic three-in-a-row for St. Mary’s is a mouth-watering one, while it’s a chance for the Jocks to restore their championship pedigree and reassert themselves as the top team in Louth.

Murray’s message to his players will be simple: "The important thing is to enjoy it. Play the game, not the occasion."

Meanwhile, McCoy’s advice to his side is equally straightforward: "No regrets. You can live with disappointments, but no regrets."

The supporters who make their way to Haggardstown on Sunday are in for a thrilling contest as two of the finest footballing teams in the county prepare to lock horns.

Can St. Mary’s complete their remarkable three-peat or will Naomh Máirtín spoil the party and lift the Joe Ward Cup once again? Only time will tell.