Ardee CS claim Lennon Cup after late surge seals four in a row
By ArdeePost Reporter
Ardee CS Make It Four in a Row With Late Lennon Cup Triumph
Three late points secure dramatic victory over St Joseph’s Drogheda
Ardee Community School cemented their dominance of Louth post-primary football on Wednesday night as they captured the Louth Lennon Cup for the fourth year in succession, overcoming St Joseph’s Drogheda in a tense and thrilling finale under the floodlights in Collon. The holders edged home on a 1-14 to 2-8 scoreline, but the contest was only decided in the dying minutes.
Packed Crowd Witnesses a Nail-Biting Finish
With a very large crowd in attendance, the game remained finely balanced deep into the second half. The sides were level with just six minutes remaining, after St Joseph’s County Minor Cillian McQuillan coolly converted a penalty to give the Drogheda side fresh momentum.
But champions respond like champions — and Ardee CS did just that.
McBride’s Accuracy Turns the Tide
Just as he had been throughout the night, Charlie McBride proved the difference when the pressure was at its peak. The Stabannon sharpshooter struck two of the final three points, showcasing remarkable composure, before Tomás Dillon landed an injury-time score that sealed the victory and sent the Ardee supporters into full voice.
McBride finished with an exceptional tally of 0-9, including three 2-pointers, and was unquestionably the standout performer on the pitch.
Joeys Left to Rue Missed Opportunities
While St Joseph’s created several excellent chances, particularly in the second half, their shooting lacked the accuracy required to topple the champions. A number of wides at crucial junctures ultimately proved costly.
Drogheda forward Connell Kelly registered 0-4, though on another evening he might have walked away with double that. Earlier, Cillian Duff had sparked the Joeys to life with a well-taken goal on 17 minutes, drilling low into the bottom corner to temporarily tie the contest.
First-Half Drama Sets Up Tense Second Period
Ardee led 1-5 to 1-4 at the interval thanks to a clinical finish from Jack Martin, who goaled after 21 minutes following a swift attacking move. It ensured the holders took the narrowest of advantages into the dressing room.
Joeys’ goal from Duff minutes earlier had kept them in touch and highlighted just how evenly matched the sides were for long stretches of the contest.
Leadership on Display
Ardee captain Tadgh Devaney, a member of this year’s Louth Minor panel, lifted the cup to loud celebrations. His leadership from midfield was integral to Ardee’s composure in the tense final passages of play.
Part of the winning management team was Mark Gilsenan, whose sideline decisions and tactical awareness helped steer the team’s late surge.
What’s Next for the Champions
There’s no time for Ardee CS to rest on their success. Their attention now turns to next week’s Leinster Colleges Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final, where they will face the winner of Knockbeg College vs Good Counsel New Ross.
With four Lennon Cups in a row now secured, Ardee CS head into provincial action as a battle-hardened and confident side — and one that knows exactly how to win when the stakes are highest.
Four Lennon Cups in a row — Ardee’s dominance continues.
PLAYER STATS
Ardee Community School – Key Performers
- Charlie McBride — 0-9 (incl. 3× two-pointers) Man of the Match; decisive in closing minutes.
- Jack Martin — 1-0 First-half goal provided vital momentum.
- Tomás Dillon — 0-1 Sealed victory with injury-time point.
- Tadgh Devaney (Captain) Strong midfield leadership and control.
- Team Defence Disciplined display limiting Joeys’ scoring chances.
St Joseph’s Drogheda – Key Performers
- Cillian Duff — 1-0 Clinical first-half goal to level the match.
- Cillian McQuillan — 1-0 (Penalty) Second-half penalty kept Joeys in contention.
- Connell Kelly — 0-4 Dangerous throughout; unlucky not to score more.
- Joeys Half-Forward Line Created opportunities but struggled with accuracy.
