“Crosbie Leads the Charge as St Kevins Edge Epic Battle with Young Irelands”

CTI Business Solutions Louth GAA Intermediate Football Championship Group 1 – Round 1

St Kevins 4-12 Dundalk Young Irelands 3-11

Venue: The Grove, Castlebellingham

St Kevins and Dundalk Young Irelands served up one of the finest games of this year’s Intermediate Football Championship to date, with a pulsating contest in The Grove that kept the large crowd enthralled from start to finish. Both sides went at it with full intensity from the first whistle, producing a classic encounter full of goals, drama and high-quality scores.

The opening minutes were cagey as both teams felt each other out, but in the 5th minute St Kevins burst into life when Cameron Maher produced a brilliant run, exchanged passes with Tom Mathews, and coolly finished to the bottom corner past Fergal Sheekey. Just a minute later, Danny Crosbie flicked a long delivery beyond Sheekey to double the advantage, and when Mathews added a superb individual point, the Philipstown side had stormed seven points clear.

Dundalk Young Irelands, though, responded in style. The lively Liam McStravick sparked their revival with an excellent two-point score from distance. Points from Jacob Finlay and Cian O’Donoghue followed before Dean Maguire (2-pointer) and Cameron Maher traded efforts. The town side struck for their first goal when Dermot Mone finished superbly after an inspirational surge from Derek Maguire, bringing them right back into the contest. Further points from Seanie Crosbie and Jordan O’Donoghue left the sides level entering stoppage time, but a fine score from McStravick sent the Irelanders in at the break 2-6 to 2-5 in front.

The second half began with the Dundalk side on top, Jordan O’Donoghue and Michael O’Shea extending their lead, the latter firing a two-point free. Then came a moment of brilliance from McStravick, who gathered possession deep in his own half, raced the length of the field, and rifled an unstoppable shot to the net – a goal that had the crowd on their feet and pushed his side seven clear.

Just when it seemed the Young Irelands might pull away, St Kevins showed their character. Robbie Mathews and Danny Crosbie narrowed the deficit before Seanie Crosbie, who had been immense throughout, finished clinically to the net. McStravick again hit back with a point, but soon afterwards Crosbie turned provider, setting up Cian Callan for St Kevins’ fourth goal to edge them back in front, the pass from Crosbie was simply sublime.

The closing stages were tense and physical, with substitutes making their mark. Jack Stokes fired over a point, while Tom Mathews and Cameron Maher converted frees putting the result beyond doubt.

Man of the Match

While several players stood out, Seanie Crosbie of St Kevins was the undisputed man of the match. He was everywhere for his side – driving forward from midfield, tackling hard in defence, linking the play intelligently, and showing composure in attack. His brilliantly taken goal in the second half was the turning point that shifted momentum back towards the Philipstown men, while his sublime pass to set up Cian Callan’s goal underlined his vision and leadership. Crosbie’s relentless work rate and influence across the field inspired St Kevins to this memorable win.

Notable Mention
While Seanie Crosbie deservedly took the Man of the Match honours for his all-action display in midfield, Liam McStravick was simply outstanding for Dundalk Young Irelands. His stunning solo goal early in the second half lit up the contest and underlined his exceptional pace, vision and finishing ability. Time and again he carried the fight to St Kevins, chipping in with crucial scores and showing why he now can be regarded as one of the most dangerous forwards in the Intermediate Championship this year.

Scorers

St Kevins:

Danny Crosbie 1-3 (2f), Cameron Maher 1-2 (1f), Seanie Crosbie 1-1, Cian Callan 1-0, Tom Mathews 0-2 (1f), Robbie Mathews 0-1, Jacob Finlay 0-1, Jack Stokes 0-1

Dundalk Young Irelands:

Liam McStravick 1-3 (1 two-point score), Dermot Mone 1-0, Jordan O’Donoghue 0-3 (2f), Michael O’Shea 0-2 (1 two-point free), Dean Maguire 0-2, Cian O’Donoghue 1-0, Jack Waters 0-1

Teams

St Kevins: Josh Finlay, Caoimhin Prout, John Callaghan, Darren McMullen, Cameron Maher, Donnacha Boylan, Ciaran King, Seanie Crosbie, Brian Callaghan, Tom Matthews, Niall Gregory, Jacob Finlay, Robbie Matthews, Danny Crosbie, Cian Callan.
Subs: Jack Stokes for Danny Crosbie (47), Josh McArdle Lynch for Cian Callan (59).

Dundalk Young Irelands: Fergal Sheekey, Conn O’Donoghue, Ciaran Murray, Cian Ó Nairaigh, Joe Mee, Derek Maguire, Michael O’Shea, Liam McStravick, Jack Waters, Dean Maguire, Caolan McCabe, Dermot Mone, Sean Murphy, Cian O’Donoghue, Jordan O’Donoghue.
Subs: Lee O’Donoghue for Derek Maguire (47), Evan McArdle for Sean Murphy (54), Derek Maguire for Dermot Mone (58).

Referee: Ultan McElroy (Kilkerley Emmets)