Early Goals Propel Ardee St Mary’s to Leinster Club Semi-Final
Ardee News and Sport – Early Goals Propel Ardee St Mary’s to Leinster Club Semi-Final with Dominant Victory over Rathvilly
Ardee St Mary’s (Louth) 2-09 Rathvilly (Carlow) 0-08
Ardee St Mary’s secured their place in the Leinster Club Championship semi-final with a decisive seven-point win over Carlow champions Rathvilly at Pairc Mhuire, Ardee, on Sunday. Early goals by Donal McKenny and Tom Jackson within the first ten minutes set the stage for the Deesiders’ impressive performance, giving them an ideal start and momentum they would maintain throughout the game.
Ardee’s first goal came after Tom Jackson forced a crucial turnover, enabling McKenny to execute a quick one-two with Tadgh McDonnell before skillfully burying the ball in the bottom corner. Rathvilly fought back with a point from Ed Finnegan, who scored from long range, while Eric Molloy added another to keep the Carlow side competitive. However, Ardee’s intensity, backed by a home crowd, kept them firmly in control.
Despite moments of poor shooting and over-carrying that led to turnovers, Ardee St Mary’s managed to post 2-09 from 24 attempts. Jackson not only assisted in McKenny’s opening goal but also scored Ardee’s second major, following sharp approach play by McKenny, who would go on to rack up a notable 29 possessions throughout the match. This early lead was solidified with points from Andy Murphy and Jonathan Commins, as well as a free from Kevin Murphy, giving Ardee a 2-02 to 0-04 advantage by the break.
In the second half, Ardee’s defense remained resilient, with goalkeeper Tiernan Markey pulling off a critical save against Rathvilly’s Brandon Kelly, keeping the Carlow side from closing the gap. Kian Moran and Jackson added points to Ardee’s tally, extending the lead to seven points and effectively dousing any hope of a Rathvilly comeback.
Rathvilly continued to search for a goal, even sending direct balls into the square, but Ardee’s disciplined defense held strong, allowing only late frees from Liam Gavin and Eric Molloy. The game concluded with Ardee St Mary’s comfortably ahead at 2-09 to 0-08, setting up a promising pathway to the Leinster Club Championship semi-final.
Local supporters praised the team’s grit and cohesive performance, while manager Kevin Doherty commended the players’ composure and determination under pressure, particularly the teamwork that secured those early, pivotal goals.
As they advance, Ardee St Mary’s will now focus on the upcoming semi-final, bringing with them the strength of a high-scoring, united squad ready to push forward in their Leinster campaign.
Ardee St Mary’s: T Markey; T McDonnell (0-01), K Faulkner, E Keenan; J Commins (0-01), D McKenny (1-02), A Murphy (0-01); RJ Callaghan, S Callaghan; C Keenan, L Jackson, K Moran (0-01); P McKenny, R Carroll, T Jackson (1-02).
Subs: T Corrigan for E Keenan (44 mins), R Leavy for R Carroll (46 mins), C Gillespie for A Murphy (57 mins), E Malone for J Commins (58 mins), J Crawley for L Jackson (61 mins)
Rathvilly: R Molloy; C Byrne (0-01), D Curran, P Deering; P Bolger, J Moore, E Molloy (0-03) (1f); B Smith, A Burgess; B Kelly, C Doyle, E Finnegan (0-01); D Murphy, K Murphy (0-02) (2f), K Curran.
Subs: Regan Murphy for R Molloy (25 mins), BJ Molloy for Curran (36 mins), L Gavin (0-01) (1f) for B Smith (40 mins), J Elliot for P Bolger (43 mins), R Murphy for D Murphy (48 mins).
Referee: F. Pierce (Co Offaly).