Heartbreak for St. Mary’s as Cuala Edge Thrilling Leinster Club Final
Ardee News and Sport –Heartbreak for St. Mary’s as Cuala Edge Thrilling Leinster Club Final
Ardee St. Mary’s came agonizingly close to a historic Leinster Club Senior Football Championship victory but fell short against Dublin’s Cuala in a pulsating final at Croke Park. Despite a stirring second-half comeback, the Louth champions lost by the narrowest of margins, 1-14 to 2-10, leaving their dream of Leinster glory unfulfilled—for now.
The contest began in devastating fashion for St. Mary’s as Cuala showcased their dominance early, racing to a commanding 1-6 to 0-0 lead within the opening 20 minutes. Cuala’s pace and precision stunned the Louth side, and the mountain to climb seemed insurmountable. St. Mary’s goalkeeper Tiernan Markey, along with Ciaraan Keenan and Jonny Commins, managed to steady the ship with late first-half points, but the half-time scoreboard read 1-7 to 0-3 in Cuala’s favor.
The second half saw St. Mary’s regroup and rediscover their spirit. Points from Commins, Keenan (twice), Tadhg McDonnell, and Dáire McConnon narrowed the gap, but with just 15 minutes left, Cuala still led 1-11 to 0-8, maintaining a firm grip on the game.
Then, in an electrifying turn of events, substitute Ryan Rooney and Seán Callaghan struck two goals in quick succession for St. Mary’s, leveling the match and igniting hope among their supporters. The Mary’s, seemingly out of the contest earlier, were now back in it, with momentum firmly on their side.
Cuala, however, displayed remarkable composure under pressure. Almost immediately after Callaghan’s goal, Cal Doran scored a crucial point to edge the Dublin side ahead again. Rooney added two more points for St. Mary’s, but each time Luke Keating answered back for Cuala, ensuring that the Ardee side could never quite overtake them.
As the final whistle blew, there were scenes of contrasting emotions: heartbreak for St. Mary’s players and supporters, and relief and jubilation for Cuala.
The result means that Louth’s long wait for a first Leinster Club Senior Football Championship title continues. For St. Mary’s, the disappointment will linger, but their spirited second-half fightback, highlighted by two dramatic goals, showcased the heart and determination that has defined their journey this season.
Manager John Smith summed up the feelings of his team after the game: “We’re gutted not to get over the line, but the character the lads showed in that second half is something to be proud of. We’ll take this experience, learn from it, and come back stronger next year.”
As they turn their focus to 2025, St. Mary’s can take heart from the belief their performance has instilled in themselves and their community. Their journey to the Leinster final has inspired and united Ardee, and while the ultimate prize eluded them, their fight has cemented their place as one of Louth’s finest footballing sides.