Naomh Mairtin Exit Leinster At Quarter Final Stage

AIB Leinster Club SFC Quarter Final

From Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda.

Naomh Mairtin 1-8

Portarlington 0-14

Louth Senior champions Naomh Mairtin exited the Leinster SFC after a 3-point defeat at the hands of Laois winners Portarlington on Sunday afternoon in Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda.

The Laois champions hit their groove late in the first half, rattling off six unanswered points that ultimately shaped the contest. Galvin, who caused problems for the Louth defence all afternoon, added three more after the interval to keep his side in control.

Their victory looked even more impressive considering the turbulent start: corner-forward Jordan Fitzpatrick was ruled out after suffering an injury during the warm-up, leaving Portarlington forced into a reshuffle before the ball was even thrown in.

Naomh Mairtín opened the brighter. All-Star forward Sam Mulroy played with confidence, gliding in for the opening score, while Jack Murphy’s hard running from wing-back doubled their early advantage. The hosts seemed settled and sharp.

Portarlington found their feet through Galvin’s first point, and a couple of inspirational blocks from Alex Mohan lifted the Louth men again. Rioghan Murphy levelled matters as both sides began to trade blows in an entertaining first quarter.

The turning point arrived after 20 minutes. Mikey Bennett — lining out at wing-back despite wearing No. 2 — burst forward to nudge Portarlington ahead for the first time. That strike lit a spark.

Suddenly the Laois champions were everywhere: Colm Murphy was flawless from placed balls, Jason Moore and Ronan Coffey punched holes in the defence, and Portarlington supporters watched a dominant six-point surge unfold. By the time the whistle sounded for half-time, they held a commanding 0-9 to 0-4 lead.

Naomh Mairtín responded exactly as they needed to on the restart. County star Dara McDonnell raised the orange flag to narrow the gap, and Tom Gray’s composed finish moments later dragged the sides level within seven minutes of the second half.

But when the game threatened to swing away from them, Portarlington steadied. Galvin, growing in influence, clipped over a crucial score and another Murphy free restored daylight. From there, they managed the contest with maturity and confidence, never allowing the Louth champions to build a full comeback.

Galvin fittingly had the final say, his late point sealing a win built on work rate, efficiency, and experience in the provincial arena.

Portarlington now march on to face Athy on Saturday week — a challenge they will embrace with momentum very much on their side.

Naomh Mairtin Team: 

Darren Morgan; Cian Sands, Thomas Sullivan, Conor Healy; Evan Whelan,Eoghan Callaghan, Jack Murphy (0-1); Adam Booth, Dara McDonnell (0-2); Wayne Campbell, Sam Mulroy (0-4, 2f), Sean Healy; Tom Gray (1-0), Val Leddy, Darragh Dorian (0-1).

Subs: Joe McGrane for Darragh Dorian (ht), Shane Morgan for Cian Sands (41), Jack Lynch for Campbell (50) Darragh Dorian for Sean Healy (61).

Portarlington Team:

Luke O’Reilly; Curtis Lyons, Robbie Piggott, Alex Mohan; Mikey Bennett (0-1), Jason Moore (0-1), Paddy O’Sullivan; Keith Bracken, Sean Byrne; Rioghan Murphy (0-2), Ronan Coffey (0-1), Darragh Slevin (0-1); Tom Corcoran, Darragh Galvin (0-4), Colm Murphy (0-4, 0-4f).

Subs: Diarmuid Bennett for Curtis Lyons (43), Sean Michael Corcoran for Tom Corcoran (59).

Referee: Patrick Coyle (Meath)