“Gallagher and Co. Power Mitchels Past McDermotts in Style”

DKIT Sport Louth GAA Junior Football Championship – Group 1, Round 2

John Mitchels 0-23 Sean McDermotts 2-8

Venue: Páirc Uí Taibh, Tallanstown

John Mitchels underlined their credentials as one of the favourites for this year’s Junior Championship with a commanding victory over Sean McDermotts that sees them progress to the quarter-finals as Group 1 winners. The win also extended the Mitchels’ remarkable unbeaten run in league and championship football to fifteen games, a streak that speaks volumes of their consistency and quality.

From the outset, the Ballybaile side set about their task with a ruthless efficiency. John Gallagher opened the scoring with a neat point after just two minutes, settling any early nerves and signalling Mitchels’ intent. Moments later Andrew and John Bingham combined to add two quickfire scores, before Gallagher and Gareth Kane tagged on further points to put the favourites firmly in the driving seat. By the 11th minute, Jake Gillespie had weighed in with a brace, and when Gallagher split the posts again at the quarter mark, the McDermotts defence was already under huge pressure.

Jamie Durnin and Adam Keenan added their names to the scoresheet as Mitchels continued to dominate possession and attack in waves. Sean McDermotts finally found a way to respond when Cormac Walsh produced a fine effort for a 2-pointer, and Daniel Commins landed another long-range effort to briefly lift their spirits. However, Mitchels’ response was clinical. Gallagher, Kane and Ruairi McCann all found their range before Gallagher capped a magnificent first-half display with his fourth point.

At the break, Mitchels were cruising, 0-16 to 0-4 in front, with the contest already looking beyond McDermotts’ reach.

The second half brought a greater contest, as McDermotts showed resilience and hit back with more intent. Daniel Commins, their most dangerous attacker on the day, landed another two-pointer before Peter Tuite raised the game’s first green flag with a well-taken goal after 43 minutes. That score briefly gave McDermotts a lifeline, cutting the deficit to single digits.

Yet Mitchels’ response was once again measured. Andrew Bingham and Trevor Matthews pointed from frees to restore control, while Gallagher continued to torment the McDermotts defence with his relentless movement and accuracy. Even when Commins fired home McDermotts’ second goal on 54 minutes, Mitchels never looked rattled, quickly replying through the Bingham brothers and Matthews to keep their tally ticking over.

Commins, who finished as McDermotts’ top scorer, added another free late on, but by then the game was beyond their reach. Mitchels had simply been too strong, too organised, and too clinical in front of goal.

The full-time whistle sounded with Mitchels comfortable 0-23 to 2-8 winners, their strength in depth and spread of scorers once again on full display.

Standout Performers

John Gallagher was the star man on the day, finishing with an impressive tally and leading by example throughout. His accuracy and work rate set the tone for Mitchels, while the Bingham brothers, Andrew and John, provided real drive in attack. Gareth Kane and Jake Gillespie also stood out with key first-half scores, and Trevor Matthews was steady from placed balls.

For Sean McDermotts, Daniel Commins was their shining light, hitting 1-7 and proving their main attacking threat, while Peter Tuite’s goal gave them a brief foothold. Cormac Walsh and Niall Babbington also worked tirelessly, but they faced an uphill battle against a Mitchels side in top form.

What It Means

The result ensures John Mitchels top Group 1 with a 100% record, and they head into the quarter-finals full of confidence, with their unbeaten run now at fifteen games. Sean McDermotts now face Dowdallshill next weekend in a winner takes all for second spot in the group.

Scorers:

• John Mitchels: John Gallagher (0-6, 2f), Andrew Bingham (0-4), John Bingham (0-2, 1f), Gareth Kane (0-2), Jake Gillespie (0-2), Jamie Durnin (0-2), Trevor Matthews (0-3, 2f), Adam Keenan (0-1), Ruairi McCann (0-2).
• Sean McDermotts: Daniel Commins (1-7), Peter Tuite (1-0), Niall Babbington (0-1).

John Mitchels Team: Michael Quinn, Barry Kirk, Aaron Kane, Jake Gillispie, John Bingham, James Clarke, Trevor Matthews, Ruairi McCann, John Gallagher, James Sands, Andrew Bingham, Gareth Kane, Tristan Knowles, Jamie Durnin, Adam Keenan

Subs: Cole Leavy for Jake Gillispie, Robert Coyle for Adam Keenan, Stephen Bingham for Gareth Kane, Aaron Kealy for James Sands, Stephen Campbell for Barry Kirk.

Sean McDermotts Team: Finbar Moran, David McArdle, Sean McMahon, Ronan Kerley, Conor Walsh, Ian Corbally, David O’Neill, Patrick Osborne, Emmet Duffy, Lorcan Myles, Cormac Walsh, Daniel Commins, Kevin McMahon, Peter Tuite.

Subs: Matthew Little for Cormac Walsh (HT), Ronan Kerley for Ian Corbally (45)

Referee: Craig Kirwan (Wolfe Tones)