Marys Make Light Work of Dowdallshill in Kevin Mullen Shield Opener
Ardee News and Sport – Marys Make Light Work of Dowdallshill in Kevin Mullen Shield Opener
Ardee St. Marys Dominate in Commanding First-Round Victory
Powerscreen Kevin Mullen Shield, Group C, Round 1
Dowdallshill 0-1, St. Marys 2-17
Ardee St. Marys delivered a commanding performance in their opening game of the Powerscreen Kevin Mullen Shield, securing a resounding 2-17 to 0-1 victory over Dowdallshill at Pairc Naomh Brid this afternoon. The visitors established their dominance from the outset and never allowed their Dundalk opponents to gain a foothold in the contest.
The game ignited within seconds, with Shane McMahon opening the scoring just 25 seconds in, setting the tone for what would become a relentless attacking display from the Ardee side. Cian Commins followed up with another point soon after, and by the 10th minute, Flynn Markey’s powerful goal had propelled St. Marys into a comfortable 0-5 to 0-0 lead.
Dowdallshill found themselves pinned in their own half for much of the opening period, struggling to create any meaningful chances. Their goalkeeper was called upon early to keep the scoreboard from spiraling out of control, pulling off key saves in the 9th and 16th minutes to deny Commins and Caolán O’Callaghan, respectively.
Despite the valiant goalkeeping efforts, St. Marys’ relentless pressure eventually broke through. Luke Keenan added to Dowdallshill’s woes with two goals in quick succession—the first a low strike at the near post following an audacious backheel assist from O’Callaghan, and the second a brave, leaping punch into the net just before halftime. By the interval, the visitors had built a commanding 2-13 to 0-0 lead.
Half-Time: Dowdallshill 0-0, Ardee St. Marys 2-13
Dowdallshill returned to the field with renewed determination and managed to break their scoring drought in the 36th minute when Daniel Kerr slotted over their only point of the game. However, this solitary effort did little to shift the momentum, as St. Marys maintained control with clinical efficiency.
Keenan, Commins, and Markey continued to find the target, extending their lead with a series of well-worked points. Even the temporary loss of Craig Keenan to a black card failed to disrupt the visitors’ rhythm. Their defensive solidity and attacking flair ensured a dominant conclusion to the match.
The result leaves Ardee St. Marys sitting comfortably at the top of Group C, having delivered a performance that will undoubtedly resonate throughout the competition. Meanwhile, Dowdallshill will need to regroup and refocus ahead of their next outing.
Full-Time: Dowdallshill 0-1, Ardee St. Marys 2-17
Team Line-Ups:
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. Marys: James McGillick, Bobby Carroll, Tadhg Caffrey, Oran McCormack-Grant; Shane McMahon, Noah Coyle, David Rooney; Cillian Keenan, Flynn Markey (0-4, 2x2pt); 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.
The convincing win sets Ardee St. Marys on the right path in the Kevin Mullen Shield, with their sights firmly set on progressing deep into the competition. Fans will no doubt be eager to see if they can maintain this impressive form in the rounds to come.