John Kermode’s Ruthless Blues Lay Down Marker
Anchor Tours Senior Football Championship – Group 4, Round 3
Venue: The Grove, Castlebellingham
Referee: Ultan McElroy (Kilkerley Emmets)
Result: Newtown Blues 2-18 : 1-7 St Josephs
Intro
Newtown Blues produced a performance of real authority and class in Castlebellingham as they brushed aside St Josephs to secure their place in the knockout stages. After a tough loss to Naomh Mairtin last weekend, the Blues responded emphatically with a stunning display of front-foot football. By half-time they led 1-16 to 0-1, a margin that reflected both their ruthless finishing and relentless work-rate. A display that deserves serious appreciation considering the performance level of St Josephs throughout this year as they competed in a League Final and once again, brought Naomh Mairtin to the wire in Round 1 of the Championship.
The combination of Andy McDonnell’s industry, Ciaran Downey’s class, and Emmet Carolan’s physical dominance defined the contest, with the Joes ‘struggling to find any answers throughout the game.
First Half
The Blues set the tone from the very first whistle. Conor Mac Criosta opened the scoring, before Andy McDonnell and Ciaran Downey each landed superb two-pointers inside four minutes to ignite the crowd. Moments later, a flowing move saw Brian Kermode flick down to Eoin McCoy, who rounded Shane Barron and finished clinically for the game’s opening goal (1-5 to 0-0). The Blues had found a shooting sweet spot for themselves on the stand-side, shooting into the far end in the O’Connells, every time a shot was released from those angles – a huge roar went up. An incredible place to be as a team.
From there, the Blues tore the Dromiskin outfit apart. Andy McDonnell added another outrageous two-pointer, and Conor Branigan’s solo run & point was followed by sharp scores from McDonnell and Daire Nally. The highlight came on 21 minutes when Emmet Carolan intercepted brilliantly, released Downey immediately, who in turn played a defence-splitting ball into Andy McDonnell, who finished off the move with style. A trademark Newtown Blues’ score, showing their capability to turn defence into attack in the blink of an eye.
By the 23rd minute, McDonnell had already racked up a catalogue of scores and was completely dominating proceedings, while Mac Criosta capped the half with a monster long-range 2-point effort, a player with a rising reputation – only enhanced by his group stage performances. St Josephs’ only first-half score came via Craig Doherty, and a late free from Downey left the margin at an astonishing 1-16 to 0-1 at the interval.
Second Half
The Joes showed more fight after the restart. A penalty was awarded to St Josephs for a foot block by Alan Connor, and Oisin McGuinness coolly converted to give his side a glimmer of hope. Johnny McDonnell was then forced into a superb save to deny Alan Quigley, but Blues’ responded with Eoin McCoy and Downey adding further points to maintain their dominance.
Downey then struck a thunderous low strike on 45 minutes that rattled Barron’s net, effectively putting the contest beyond any doubt. Though the Joes battled gamely, with Conall McCaul, Grimes-Murphy, Ben Collier (2-pointer) and Quigley all raising flags, the gap never narrowed. Indeed, McCaul (also excellent v Naomh Mairtin), put in another good display – battling for everything and showing real class when on the ball.
The game ended Newtown Blues 2-18 : 1-7 St Josephs, a result that firmly underlined the Blues’ intent for the knockout stages.
The Bigger Picture
This was an outrageously good Newtown Blues showing — controlled, stylish, and ruthless. After their setback against Naomh Mairtin, they have now pieced together two highly impressive performances, leaving them well placed heading into the business end of the championship.
Group 4 finishes with:
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Naomh Mairtin – 4 points (Quarter Final, winners pot)
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Newtown Blues – 2 points (Quarter Final, runners up pot)
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St Josephs – 0 points (Relegation Playoff)
For the Blues, their blend of foot-passing precision and powerful running game makes them one of the most complete teams in the Joe Ward Cup. If McDonnell, Downey, and Carolan continue their form, they will be very difficult to stop.
Player of the Match
Andy McDonnell (Newtown Blues) – Another classic display from the Blues talisman. Scored 8 points (including two superb 2-pointers), dominated kickouts, and led with his usual mix of work-rate and class. The heartbeat of this team, time and time again.
Other Standouts
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Emmet Carolan (Newtown Blues): Carried on from his duel with Sam Mulroy last week. Rock solid defensively, intercepted at key moments, and drove his team forward. A leader at the back – one of the best around.
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Ciaran Downey (Newtown Blues): Oozes class, arguably the most naturally gifted football in the county. Scored from frees and play, delivered sublime passes, and capped his day with a brilliant second-half goal.
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Conall McCaul (St Josephs): Worked tirelessly and capped his display with a fine late point.
Teams
Newtown Blues:
Johnny McDonnell; Liam Branigan, Ciaran Cluskey Kelly, Alan Connor; Daire Nally (0-1), Emmet Carolan, Conor Mac Criosta (0-3); Brian Kermode, Andy McDonnell (0-8); Ryan Kelly, Ciaran Downey (1-4), Conor Branigan (0-1); Jamie Kelly, Conor Moore, Eoin McCoy (1-1).
Subs: Fergal Donohue for Kermode (42), Iollan Farrell for Branigan (48), Colm Judge for Conor Branigan (48), Ian Connor for McCoy (54), Jack Healy for Alan Connor (55).
St Josephs:
Shane Barron; Rian Devlin, David Kierans, Ben McKeown; Michael O’Brien, Cormac McKeown, Gabriel Bell; Conall McCaul (0-1), Killian Staunton; Oisin McGuinness (1-1), Ben Collier (0-2), Pearse Grimes Murphy (0-1); Conal Smyth, Craig Doherty (0-1), Alan Quigley (0-1).
Subs: Conor Neary for O’Brien (23), Jack Mulligan for Doherty (HT).
