Ardee advance to Leinster semi-final

St. Mary’s progress into the Leinster Club Senior Football Championship semi-final with an impressive victory over Carlow champions Rathvilly on Sunday afternoon at DEFY Páirc Mhuire.

Rathvilly came into the game off a hard-fought replay win two weeks ago and struggled to keep up with the relentless pace of a well-organised Ardee team.

The home side didn’t waste any time asserting themselves and in the opening minute, their All-Star nominee Donal McKenny took full advantage with a goal.

Tom Jackson’s neat assist set McKenny up and he drilled a low shot into the corner of the net in their first attack of the game. 

Rathvilly responded quickly as Ed Finnegan put over a fine point from distance just two minutes later, but the Louth side soon re-established their control.

After a point from Andy Murphy to keep momentum with Cathal Murray’s men it was Tom Jackson’s turn to score a goal. 

McKenny initiated a slick move, and Jackson finished it with a low strike past Rathvilly goalkeeper Robbie Molloy to give Ardee a 2-1 to 0-2 lead in the ninth minute.

Rathvilly found themselves up against a well-disciplined and skilled Ardee defence despite efforts to stay in contention. 

Eric Molloy and Kevin Murphy each added points for the Carlow side, but they struggled to string together the attacking moves needed to truly threaten St. Mary’s.

In contrast, Ardee continued to find their scoring rhythm with Tadhg McDonnell and Jonathan Commins landing points to keep Rathvilly at bay.

St. Mary’s displayed confidence on the ball and looked particularly dangerous on the attack throughout the first half as they stretched their lead to 2-4 to 0-4 at half-time.

The second half continued much as the first had ended with St. Mary’s maintaining a firm grip on the proceedings. 

Kian Moran kicked off the scoring after the restart as he slotted over a fine point to extend the lead further.

Rathvilly added scores through frees from Kevin Murphy and later Liam Gavin, but the Ardee defence remained resolute. 

Tom Jackson added another point for St. Mary’s midway through the half as he opted for the score despite a goal opportunity.

Tadhg McDonnell followed up shortly after as he burst through the Rathvilly defence to send a powerful shot over the bar. 

It could have been a goal for McDonnell but his decision to take the point only strengthened Ardee’s control over the game.

Rathvilly’s Brandon Kelly had a chance to pull his team back into contention with a shot from close range on 51 minutes. 

But St. Mary’s goalkeeper Tiernan Markey was equal to the task and pulled off a brilliant save to keep his side comfortably in front.

Donal McKenny capped off his outstanding performance with a superb point from distance for Ardee. As the game wound down Rathvilly added two late scores from frees but by then the result was no longer in doubt.

The victory secures Ardee’s place in the Leinster Club SFC semi-final where they will face either St. Loman’s of Westmeath or Castletown of Wexford in a fortnight.

After last season’s disappointing semi-final loss to Kilmacud Crokes, St. Mary’s look hungry to make an even deeper run in the competition this year. 

With players like D. McKenny, T. Jackson, and McDonnell in fine form, they appear well-prepared for the challenges ahead. 

Ardee St Marys: Tiernan Markey; Tadhg McDonnell (0-2), Karl Faulkner, Éimhín Keenan; Jonathan Commins (0-1), Donal McKenny (1-2), Andy Murphy (0-1); R.J. Callaghan, Seán Callaghan; Ciarán Keenan, Liam Jackson (c), Kian Moran (0-1); Páraic McKenny, Rónán Carroll, Tom Jackson (1-2).

Subs: Tiernan Corrigan on for Éimhín Keenan (44’), Robert Leavy on for Rónán Carroll (46’), Carl Gillespie on for Andy Murphy (57’), Evane Malone on for Jonathan Commins (58’), Jay Crawley on for Liam Jackson (61’).

Rathvilly: Robbie Molloy; Colin Byrne (0-1), Dara Curran, Páraic Deering; Padraig Bolger, Josh Moore (c), Eric Molloy (0-3, 1f); Brian Smith, Adam Burgess; Brandon Kelly, Conor Doyle, Ed Finnegan (0-1); Darragh Murphy, Kevin Murphy (0-2, 2f), Keith Curran.

Subs: Regan Murphy on for Robbie Molloy (25’), B.J. Molloy on for Dara Curran (36’), Liam Gavin (0-1, 1f) on for Brian Smith (40’), Jake Elliot on for Padhraig Bolger (43’), Robbie Ryan on for Darragh Murphy (48’).

Referee: Fintan Pierce (Offaly).