St. Mary's and Newtown Blues draw classic Louth final

Ardee St.Marys 1-12 Newtown Blues 1-12

It was a draw game in the Louth senior final between Ardee St. Mary’s and Newtown Blues as both sides whipped up a thriller in trying conditions.

The wind howled and the rain soaked the players' skin but their focus would not relent and thankfully for the neutral, they will get to see the two high quality sides go again next weekend.

Mary’s forward Dáire McConnon levelled the game as the announcement of additional time was called.

The slippy ball added to the tension as securing possession was a feat in itself.

Newtown Blues are sitting top of the roll of honours list in the Wee county and used all that experience to lead by three at half time.

Considering they were six down in the opening minutes showed their lack of panic in high pressure situations McConnon would give Ardee that perfect start with a goal in the game’s first attack.

A high ball in, fell perfectly for the left footer to collect and fire home. The full forward would add to his tally before Colm Judge responded to settle the Blues into the showpiece.

Five unanswered points before half time soon had the Newfoundwell men in control in fact.

Three points from Ciarán Downey in that sequence were of the highest quality. 1-08 to 1-05 a remarkable turnaround at the break and still a half full of more drama to come.

Ardee were in search of their first Joe Ward cup in 27 years and they used the wind at their backs to rattle off five unanswered scores themselves.

Liam Jackson gave them the lead but his marker Andy McDonnell was immense.

McDonnell drove his side back into the game and Downey and Jaime Kelly drew the slug-fest level.

Experienced substitute Ronan Carroll came on and pointed to swing the lead back in his young side's favour.

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