Anchor Tours SFC Group 4 – Round 1

Naomh Mairtín 0-18 : 0-15 St Joseph’s
Venue: Stabannon | Referee: David Fedigan (Hunterstown Rovers)

Naomh Mairtín had to dig deep in Stabannon on Monday night, but the 2020 and 2021 champions found a way past a fresh St Josephs outfit, largely thanks to the brilliance of Sam Mulroy, whose 0-13 haul proved the decisive difference in this pulsating Group 4 opener. Although, any lingering questions over the Joes’ power and resilience following their heavy league final defeat were firmly put to bed here, as they pushed one of the county’s top outfits to the wire. In front of a big crowd, this was championship football at its finest—intense, physical, and full of high-quality scores.

First Half – The Joes make the early running

The Joes were lightning in front of the large crowd early on, settling quickest, with Ben McKeown and Pearse Grimes Murphy landing early points after a physical opening. Conal Smyth and Gabriel Bell kept the scoreboard ticking, and by the 21st minute the Joes had established a 0-5 to 0-1 lead. Their energy and physicality caused problems, while Conall McCaul’s influence grew even larger.

Mulroy’s 45 finally got the Jocks on the board, and he added a superb two-pointer off a loop, but Alan Quigley’s sharp shooting-eye left St Joseph’s deservedly ahead at the break. A lead that could have been more only for a neat late score from Jocks’ skipper Eoghan Callaghan: 0-6 to 0-5.

Second Half – Mulroy takes over

Wayne Campbell levelled matters on the restart, but McCaul responded with a magnificent 2-pointer and then a classy effort from distance as the Joes pushed 0-11 to 0-6 ahead. Oisin McGuinness, one of the games most prominent player – struck a lovely score off the left – into the school end in Stabannon.

It looked ominous for the Mairtins at this stage, but then Mulroy stamped his authority. He struck frees, points from play, and a series of extraordinary 2-pointers off the ground that swung the tie back towards Naomh Mairtín. This coupled with Eoghan Callaghan gaining more possession allowed the 20′ and 21′ county champions, get themselves a proper foothold in the game.

Adam Booth hand-passed over and Tom Grey chipped in as the momentum shifted, and although Quigley and – McCaul’ boomers kept the Joes in it, Mulroy’s catalogue of strikes — including late back-to-back 2-pointers — sealed a three-point victory in front of a packed Stabannon crowd. His last one, a faded strike from left to right – his trademark – was quality and indeed, the pick of these scores.

Final Score

Naomh Mairtín 0-18 : 0-15 St Joseph’s

Teams

Naomh Mairtin Team:

Darren Morgan, Shane Morgan, Thomas Sullivan, Conor Healy, Evan Whelan, Sean Healy, Jack Murphy, Sam Mulroy (0-13), Dara McDonnell, Adam Booth (0-1), Eoghan Callaghan (0-1), Wayne Campbell (0-2), Darragh Dorian, Tom Grey (0-1), Craig Callanan.

Subs:

Joe McGrane for Dara McDonnell, Daire O’Donnell for Craig Callanan.

St Josephs Team:

Shane Barron, Ben McKeown (0-1), Michael Staunton, David Kieran, Michael O’Brien, Cormac McKeown, Gabriel Bell (0-1), Killian Staunton, Oisin McGuinness (0-1), Craig Doherty, Conall McCaul (0-7), Pearse Grimes Murphy (0-1), Conal Smyth (0-1), Ben Collier, Alan Quigley (0-3).

Subs:

Rian Devlin for Cormac McKeown, Cormac McKeown for Michael Staunton, Conor Neary for Michael O’Brien.

Notable Battles

• Sam Mulroy v Conall McCaul – They didn’t mark one another, but their duel on the scoreboard lit up the evening. For long spells it was a shootout between the pair, before Mulroy pulled clear late on.

• Eoghan Callaghan v Michael O’Brien – O’Brien, in his debutant season, tracked the Mairtín captain relentlessly. Callaghan’s influence grew after O’Brien was booked and substituted, but O’Brien can hold his head high after a top display.

Standouts

Player of the Match – Sam Mulroy (Naomh Mairtín)
Another masterclass. Finished with 0-13, including several outrageous long-range efforts, and dragged his side through when they needed him most. A gem – not much more to say.

Other Notables:

• Conall McCaul (St Joseph’s): On another night, he was a homerun for Player of the Match. Hit 0-7, including two sublime 2-point frees. Top player – deserved to be on the winning side.

• Oisín McGuinness (St Joseph’s): Bright and lively throughout, excellent leap and relentless work-rate. Combines brilliantly with McCaul.

• Jack Murphy (Naomh Mairtín): Showed great composure, especially when Callaghan was tightly marked, starting attacks from deep. Extremely consistent player.

• Michael Staunton (St Joseph’s): Rock-solid until forced off with a knock; calm, steady defender who rarely wasted possession.

The Verdict

It was an extremely physical contest, with the wind favouring the goals at the school end.

The Joes, a young side, can be immensely proud of their display and will trouble plenty of teams yet. With Newtown Blues the third team in this group — and John Kermode watching closely from the stands — the next two rounds could go a long way to shaping where the Joe Ward Cup ends up.

Once again, Monday night football delivered for the Louth Championship, with Stabannon treated to a thriller. A credit to the Stabannon Parnells club on their immaculate grounds.