Ardee make light work of Dowdallshill in Kevin Mullen Shield opener

Powerscreen Kevin Mullen Shield, Group C, Round 1

Dowdallshill 0-1 St. Marys 2-17

Ardee St. Marys made a statement in their opening game of the Powerscreen Kevin Mullen Shield with a heavy victory against Dowdallshill, running out 2-17 to 0-1 winners at Pairc Naomh Brid this afternoon.

It was a one-sided contest from the outset as Ardee took control early and never looked back. Shane McMahon opened the scoring 25 seconds into the game with a well-taken point to set the tone for the visitors.

Cian Commins added another soon after, and by the 10th minute, Flynn Markey’s superb two-pointer had St. Marys cruising at 0-5 to no score.

The Dundalk side struggled to create meaningful chances, with their goalkeeper being called into action more than once to keep the scoreline respectable.

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He made a crucial save in the 9th minute to deny Commins a goal and again in the 16th minute to stop a certain goal from Caolán O’Callaghan.

However, Ardee's relentless pressure paid off before halftime. Luke Keenan struck twice in quick succession, first with a low shot to the near post, assisted by a clever backheel from

O’Callaghan, before rising highest to punch in his second just before the break. By halftime, the visitors had built an insurmountable 19-point lead, 2-13 to 0-0. 

Half time: Dowdallshill 0-0 Ardee St. Marys 2-13

Dowdallshill came out with renewed energy after the break, and they finally got on the scoreboard in the 36th minute through Daniel Kerr.

However, St. Marys continued to dictate the game, with Keenan, Commins, and Markey adding further scores. Even a late black card for Craig Keenan did little to slow them down as they closed out the match with ease. 

Ardee’s clinical finishing and superior movement were the difference on the day, while Dowdallshill, despite their effort, simply couldn’t match their opponents.

The home side will hope for better fortunes in the next round, but for now, it’s Ardee St. Marys who lay down an early marker in Group C. 

Full time:Dowdallshill 0-1 Ardee St. Marys 2-17.

Dowdallshill: Rudrun Budruin; Kevin McGonigle, Feidhlam O’Callaghan, Paddy McKenna; Paudie Murphy, James McDonald, Thomas Craig; Stephen Murphy, Justin Haley; Daniel Kerr (0-1), Paul Flynn, Gavin Boter, Eddie Lipinskes, Donal Magennis, Roy Campbell.

Ardee St. Mary’s: James McGillick, Bobby Carroll, Tadhg Caffrey, Oran McCormack-Grant; Shane McMahon, Noah Coyle, David Rooney; Cillian Keenan, Flynn Markey (0-4 2 2pt); Shane Carroll, Luke Keenan (2-5, 2f), Craig Keenan; Cian Commins (0-3, 1f), Brooklyn Gorman (0-1), Caolán O’Callaghan(0-1).

Referee: Peter Hoey.