Preview: Kilmacud Crokes v St Mary’s Ardee - AIB Leinster Senior Football Semi Final

Mon, 13th November 2023

By Conor Martin

Kilmacud Crokes step up their pursuit of three Leinster titles in a row as they take on Ardee St Mary’s in the semi-finals of the AIB Leinster Club Senior Football Championship on Sunday afternoon.

After claiming their third Go-Ahead Senior Dublin Football title in succession, the south Dubliners took on Carlow’s Éire Óg in the quarter-finals at the start of the month.

The Carlow champions failed to fire in front of the posts, as they only scored four points. Shane Walsh continued his good form from the Dublin finale and raised a green flag once again on the way to scoring 1-2.

Dara Mullins and Andy McGowan were impressive last time out and will look to build on that performance this weekend when Crokes head to Louth.

St Mary’s one-point win over Naomh Máirtín in the Louth decider saw them secure back-to-back titles and a 12^th Louth Senior Football Championship.

Jonathan Commins scored half of his personal tally from frees as he racked up six points. Daire McConnon added five to the tally as the pair helped St Mary’s to the Louth crown.

An excellent performance in front of goals saw them brush past Blessington 3-9 to 2-5 to set up this weekend’s showdown.

Tom Jackson bagged a brace, while McConnon also hit the net as Ardee St Mary’s added scores from all over the pitch to advance.

The prospect of facing the current All-Ireland and Leinster champions may sound daunting on paper, but Ardee St Mary’s have more than enough in their panel to make Kilmacud really work for a place in next month’s final.