Louth GAA club | St. Pats open Division One League campaign with win

St. Patrick’s opened their Louth GAA John O'Neill Sand and Gravel, Division One League campaign with a narrow win over Dundalk Gaels in difficult conditions at The Ramparts, Dundalk on Saturday evening.

Following heavy wind and rain from Storm Dave earlier in the day, underfoot conditions remained slippery despite a late burst of sunshine at throw-in.

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The Gaels made a dream start despite playing against the wind in the first half as Chris Sweeney found the net inside two minutes after good work from Thomas O’Connell, and a point from John O’Hare soon after left the home side ahead.

St. Patrick’s settled with a free from Jack Murphy, but the Gaels continued to press, O’Connell adding a point before the visitors struck back with a fortunate goal from Seán Fearon, whose high effort dropped into the net.

A penalty from O’Connell restored the Gaels’ advantage, but the Lordship men began to take control through long-range scores.

Two-pointers from Conor McGuinness and Murphy turned the game around, and despite late points from Jack Mullen and Seán Murray, Murphy edged the visitors ahead before the break.

Half time: Dundalk Gaels 2-5 St. Patrick's 1-9

With the wind in their favour, the home side drew level early in the second half through O’Hare. However, a goal from McGuinness put St. Patrick’s back in front when he finished from close range after a scramble.

The Gaels responded with points from O’Connell and Michael Quinlivan to level matters again, but the game swung decisively when James O’Connell was sent off.

St. Patrick’s took advantage, with points from McGuinness, Micheál O’Shaughnessy and Murphy pushing them three clear entering the closing stages.

Luke Murray gave the Gaels hope with a late two-pointer, but a missed free in the final moments denied them the chance to rescue it.

St. Patrick’s held on for a one-point win and took the opening league points, while the Gaels will look back on missed opportunities.

Full time: Dundalk Gaels 2-11 St. Patrick's 2-12.

Dundalk Gaels: Aaron Culligan; Cian Bromley, James O’Connell, Liam Coleman; Luke Murray (0-2, 1tp), Oisin Murray, Jordan Keating; James Stewart, Tom Murphy; Seán Murray (0-1), Michael Quinlivan (0-1), Jack Mullen (0-1); Chris Sweeney (1-0), Thomas O’Connell (1-3, 1-0pen, 1f), John O’Hare (0-4).

St. Patrick’s: Martin McEneaney; Conor Grogan (0-1), Daniel Tumilty, Jack Elvin; Sean Holland, Micheál O’Shaughnessy (0-1); Padraig Duffy, Rory Duffy; James Savage, Aidan McCann, Jack Murphy (0-7); Conor McGuinness (1-3), Joe Connor, Seán Fearon (1-0).

Subs: Brian Commons on for James Savage (38'), Darren O'Hanlon on for Padraig Duffy (46'), Ruairí Traynor on for Rory Duffy (49'), Tadhg O’Connor on for Conor McGuinness (56').

Referee: Ultan McElroy (Kilkerley Emmets)