“Wayne Campbell Lands A Stoppage Time 2-Pointer To Win Group 4”

Anchor Tours Senior Football Championship

Group 4 Round 2 

Naomh Mairtin 4-13 : 1-21 Newtown Blues

Venue: Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda

Referee: Damien Connor

Introduction

A pulsating south-Louth showdown delivered everything a GAA fan could hope for. Naomh Mairtin and Newtown Blues clashed in a heavyweight encounter at Integral GAA Grounds, drawing a serious crowd to witness the standout game of the weekend. The rivalry between the sides promised a cracker, and the contest certainly did not disappoint, with both teams showcasing skill, physicality, and tactical nous. At the heart of the spectacle were two of Louth’s finest: Sam Mulroy and Ciaran Downey, whose influence on proceedings would tell a huge tale.

The last two games have showed us. Naomh Mairtin come alive when the going is at it’s toughest. An incredible trait to have in a team.

First Half

The game exploded into life within the first five minutes. Sam Mulroy opened the scoring for Naomh Mairtin from a free, only for Andy McDonnell to respond immediately with a brilliant two-pointer. Newtown Blues then capitalized on McDonnell’s vision as he set up Conor Mac Criosta for a goal, giving the Blues an early lead. The Louth U20 deserves enormous credit for the composure he showed, super finish.

Naomh Mairtin responded instantly. Tom Gray’s composed finish restored parity – he drew on the ball in a languid style along the ground, but Newtown Blues refused to be outdone. Jamie Kelly and Conor Branigan extended the Blues’ advantage with a pair of excellent two-pointers, leaving Naomh Mairtin chasing them for large spells of the half. Despite the pressure, Sam Mulroy kept Mairtins’ in the contest with a series of frees, demonstrating his composure under pressure.

Physicality was a theme throughout the half. Emmet Carolan and Adam Booth collected yellow cards for robust challenges, while Darren Morgan’s sharp reflexes denied Downey from close range, keeping Mairtins’ within striking distance. Blood subs also came into play, with Mulroy temporarily replaced by Joe McGrane and Daire Nally taken off after a clash contesting a kickout.

By halftime, Newtown Blues led 1-13 to 2-4, having dominated large spells but with Naomh Mairtin showing they could respond with moments of quality.

Key First Half Moments:

• 5’ – Blues’ first goal: Mac Criosta finishes McDonnell assist.
• 6’ – Instant reply: Tom Gray nets for Mairtin.
• 15’ – Mairtin regains lead: Adam Booth goal following a smart lay-off from Val Leddy.
• 33’ – Brilliant save from Darren Morgan keeps Naomh Mairtin within touching distance.

Second Half

Sam Mulroy returned to the field after the break, immediately reasserting his influence. Newtown Blues opened strongly, with Emmet Carolan and Jamie Kelly registering points to maintain their lead. Carolan’s was an extremely well-taken point from quite an awkward angle. For a large spell, the Blues genuinely looked like they were headed for the 2-points, controlling possession and dictating play with their slick, football-oriented style. Ciaran Downey got the world of ball and used it so cleverly throughout the half, allowing the Blues’ a major foothold.

Naomh Mairtin, however, refused to lie down – muchlike the game in Stabannon last Monday. Tom Gray and Wayne Campbell started chipping away at the deficit with a series of crucial scores, gradually clawing back into contention. Tom Gray kicked a score underneath the stand that was a thing of beauty – connecting with the ball as sweetly as possible, firing his side back into action. Val Leddy’s alertness turned a rebound from a Tom Gray shot into a vital goal for Mairtin, igniting a thrilling comeback. Leddy’s reaction told a story of Naomh Mairtin’s campaign thus far – a fierceness that they would not quit and this determination shone through. Gray’s follow-up point further tightened the contest, demonstrating Mairtin’s never-say-die attitude.

The climax came in the 61st minute when Wayne Campbell’s majestic two-pointer from the clubhouse side of the O’Raghallaighs pitch, sealed a 4-13 to 1-21 victory for Naomh Mairtin in breathtaking fashion, completing a remarkable turnaround that stunned the Blues and the Drogheda crowd alike. Campbell’s courage earns the Mairtins’ top spot in the group and an ability to solely focus on that Quarter Final and not worry about other results.

Key Second Half Moments:

• 38’ – Val Leddy pounces on a rebound to score crucial goal.
• 55’-61’ – Mairtin’s comeback spree, scoring unanswered points to snatch victory.
• 61’ – Wayne Campbell’s winning 2-pointer, monumental to conclude a thrilling contest.

The Bigger Picture

Naomh Mairtin’s performance cements their credentials as genuine contenders in this championship. Taking four points from four against St Josephs and Newtown Blues highlights their resolve and refusal to quit, a point emphasized by Mattie Rice in his post-match Louth GAA interview. They’ve navigated Group 4 perfectly and can now set targets on how they plan on de-throning Ardee St Marys.

Newtown Blues, despite dominating large portions of the game and producing attractive, football-oriented play, will feel the sting of letting a strong lead slip. They face a week to regroup before another high-stakes clash against a vibrant St Josephs side in what promises to be yet another classic encounter. This group has served it all up and Round 3 will be no different.

A classic Louth Club Championship game. That will live long in the memory.

Player of the Match

Tom Gray (Naomh Mairtin) – The linchpin of Mairtin’s attack today, Gray was instrumental throughout, scoring crucial goal and points at key stages. His composure and ability to step up when the team needed him most made him the standout performer.

Notables

• Val Leddy (Naomh Mairtin) – Two decisive goals and intelligent link-up play.
• Conor Mac Criosta (Newtown Blues) – Dominant in attack, scoring 1-3 and constantly testing Mairtin’s defense.
• Andy McDonnell (Newtown Blues) – Battled through injury to influence the game with four points and key assists.
• Wayne Campbell (Naomh Mairtin) – Clinched the win with a spectacular two-pointer and added three points earlier in the second half. Looked extremely sharp.

Big Duel:

• Sam Mulroy vs Emmet Carolan – County-level talents clashed in a fierce, physical battle. Carolan’s tough defending inspired the Blues, but Mulroy’s influence was key in setting up Mairtin’s scores.

Naomh Mairtin Team:

Darren Morgan, Shane Morgan, Thomas Sullivan, Conor Healy, Evan Whelan, Eoghan Callaghan, Sean Healy, Adam Booth (1-0), Wayne Campbell (0-3), Craig Callanan, Sam Mulroy (0-5), Jack Murphy, Darragh Dorian, Val Leddy (2-1), Tom Gray (1-4).

Subs: Joe McGrane for Sam Mulroy (28 Min, Blood) – reversed at HT, Joe McGrane for Adam Booth (53 Mins), Cian Sands for Shane Morgan (56 Mins).

Newtown Blues Team:

Johnny McDonnell, Iollan Farrell, Ciaran Cluskey-Kelly, Ian Connor, Daire Nally (0-2), Emmet Carolan (0-1), Alan Connor, Brian Kermode, Ryan Kelly, Conor Mac Criosta (1-3), Ciaran Downey (0-5), Andy McDonnell (0-4), Niall Devlin, Conor Branigan (0-2), Jamie Kelly (0-4).

Subs: Fergal Donohue for Daire Nally (28 Min), Aiden O’Brien for Ian Connor (36 Min), Colm Judge for Jamie Kelly (53 Mins), Conor Moore for Niall Devlin (53 Mins).

Photo: Ciaran Culligan