Tom Jackson Controls Proceedings As Ardee Open With A Win

Ardee St Marys 0-15 – 0-10 St Fechins

Venue: Protection and Prosperity Louth GAA Training Centre, Darver
Referee: Stephen Fitzpatrick (Clan na Gael)

Ardee St Marys showed once again why they are the team to beat in Louth, overcoming a spirited St Fechins side by five points in Darver. Despite missing the experienced county trio of Donal McKenny, Tommy Durnin, Liam Jackson as-well as their routine free-taker; Jonathan Commins, the champions had too much composure in attack and organisation in defence, guided brilliantly by Tom Jackson, who dictated the tempo from start to finish.

For St Fechin’s, the result was a setback but not a disaster. They went toe-to-toe with the champions for long spells, created goal chances, and once again showcased their growing talent, highlighted through Ryan Walsh and Paul Matthews. With two points already banked from last week, their group campaign can still be looked upon with a degree of satisfaction as they will hope to progress with plenty to build on.

First Half – Missed Chances Costly

Ardee’s fast start came courtesy of Dáire McConnon, who clipped over two neat points inside three minutes. Ryan Walsh responded in kind with an excellently struck 2-pointer free, before Fechins’ skipper Danny Burnell nudged his side briefly in front. That was as close as they came to taking control, however, as Ardee quickly reasserted themselves and took control of proceeding in an extremely winding Darver.

Andy Murphy’s clever dummy and point set the champions on their way, while Tadhg McDonnell launched a booming strike from distance that underlined Ardee’s confidence. A point that mirrored what the talented wing-back has been doing all year at county u-20 level. At the other end, Fechin’s rued missed opportunities: Walsh’s thunderous effort cannoned off the crossbar after a beautiful Paul Matthews pass, and moments later Tiernan Markey produced a superb save to deny Matthews himself, who had opted to go for goal from quite a distance. Almost spectacular.

Those missed chances loomed large as Ardee finished the half with scores from Markey (’45) and Shane Matthews, establishing a 0-9 to 0-6 interval lead.

Second Half – Jackson Pulls the Strings

Ardee always seemed to keep Fechin’s at arm’s length in the second half. McConnon curled over another fine score, and Jackson, having orchestrated matters from deep, finally got himself on the board with a classy left-footed effort. A score deserving of his performance.

Fechin’s, to their credit, never wilted. Walsh kicked another excellent point, Evan Dolan judged the wind to perfection for his own effort, and Matthews surged forward to clip one over late on. But every rally was met with an Ardee response — Carl Gillespie, Kian Moran, and McConnon all ensuring the scoreboard ticked over in a manner in which champions know how to do.

By the final whistle, Ardee had seen it out with confidence, 0-15 to 0-10, maintaining their perfect record in the group. Though, St Fechins have impressed throughout their 2 games.

Ardee St Marys TEAM:

Tiernan Markey (0-2 – 1’45’ , 1f), Noah Coyle, Éimhin Keenan (C), Páraic McKenny, Tadhg McDonnell (0-3), Karl Faulkner, Carl Gillespie (0-2 – 1f), RJ Callaghan, Sean Callaghan, Kian Moran (0-1), Tom Jackson (0-1), Andy Murphy (0-1), Ciarán Keenan, Dáire McConnon (0-4), Shane Matthews (0-1).

Subs: Robert Leavy for RJ Callaghan, Adam Gillespie for Ciarán Keenan (Both, 45 Mins), Conor Gillespie for Kian Moran (52 Mins).

St Fechins TEAM:

Niall McDonnell, Rob McCarthy, Niall McCabe, Mark Holohan, Ciaran McGinty, Shane Reilly (0-1), Paddy Keane, Evan Kelly, Colm Hackett, John O’Connell (0-1), Paul Matthews (0-1), Colm O’Neill, Ryan Walsh (0-5 – 3f), Evan Dolan (0-1), Danny Burnell (0-1).

Subs: Dan Reilly for Evan Kelly and Garbhan O’Reilly for Niall McCabe (42 Mins)

Player Of The Match

• Tom Jackson (Ardee St Marys): The heartbeat of this Ardee team, dictating tempo and finding space others couldn’t. He has an extremely good ability at judging the weight and timing of his passes. Classy player.

Photo: Padraig Wright Photography

Notable Performances:

• Ryan Walsh (Fechin’s): Really promising performance, five points and unlucky not to find the net.

• Paul Matthews (Fechin’s): The driving force, constantly involved in building attacks. Has had an excellent group stage.

• Daire McConnon (Ardee St Marys): Lethal in attack. Hit 0-4 really good scores.

What It Means

For Cathal Murray’s men, the win puts them top of the group ahead of their clash with Geraldines, where the return of experienced campaigners will make them even more formidable. Their depth was on display here, with fresh subs and different scorers ensuring they never lost their grip on the contest. They also have appeared to add fresh quality to their backroom team as Kieran McGeeney’s Assistant Ciaran McKeever is on the line for the reigning champions.

For St Fechins, while the defeat stings, there is no sense of crisis. They’ve competed well across the group, sit second with a respectable return of two points, and have shown flashes of attacking quality that will stand to them in the knockout stages. With leaders like Walsh and Matthews, and the steel of Hackett in midfield, Fechin’s can reflect on their group campaign with a degree of satisfaction — they’ve proved they can live with the best, and will take confidence from that going forward. If Geraldine’s’ fail to win next week – they will advance. Get Aaron McGlew, Bevan Duffy, Joe Corrigan and Ronan Holcroft back on the field – they will be a match for anyone in the Anchor Tours Senior Football Championship.

Photos thanks to Michelle Mooney of ST FECHINS GAA, unless specified.