There was good football from both sides but with Ardee men producing better performances over their visitors in a few positions St. Marys deserved to take the points, but just.
St. Marys, Ardee 1-13(HT 1-6) Roche Emmets 0-11(HT 0-6)

Roche opened the scoring through Martin Carroll in the 2nd minute equalised two minutes later. Sean O’Hare (Roche) done well to save a low shot to the corner, for a ’45, a minute later. The Ardee No13 goaled for his second score on 11 minutes, a fine effort and added two further points in the 13th and 14th minutes to open a five point lead. He was popping up everywhere to good effect. Barry O’Hare (Roche) opened his account with a fine ‘45’ effort on 15 minutes followed by two very good scores, one from the Ardee full forward and Dan O’Connell on the 18 th and 20th minutes respectfully. Ardee converted a 20 metre free before Darren McConnon scored a fine point on the run in the 22 minute to bring the score to 1-5 to 0-4. Ardee number 13 added another point from a free 34 metres out before Barry O’Hare (40 metre free) and Dan O’Connell from all of 55 metres off the ground to push the score to 1-6 to 0-6 in the 27th minute. Adree could have reached the halftime further ahead only for Sean O’Hare who took off two further good saves. He caught one from a free which was slipping in under the crossbar at the post and a second from a good Ardee chance. Roche added two wides before the half time whistle. Half time score 1-6 to 0-6 in favour of Ardee.

Roche opened the second half scoring with a pointed free from Barry O’Hare but Ardee added two points of their own before Philip Quinn pulled one back in the fourth minute. Ardee added three further points before Roche put a bit of a run together with three points of their own, all from Barry O’Hare, two from play, the second, a very well taken score on the 18 th minute. With three points again the margin Roche failed to convert any of their chances while Ardee send over two fine efforts to run out winners by 5 points.

Roche: Sean O’Hare, James Tiffney, Harry O’Connell, Duane Callan, Aaron Callan, Dermot Craven, David Quigley, Dan O’Connell 2pts, Martin Carroll 1pt, Bernard McConnon, Darren McConnon 1pt, Barry O’Hare 6pts, Philip Quinn 1pt, Kieran Sloane, Owen O’Hare. Subs used: Robert O’Hanlon and Patrick Quigley. Best were Sean O’Hare, Harry O’Connell, James Tiffney and Barry O’Hare.

[Report: Eamonn Reilly]