McHugh magic drives Marist into Leinster final in epic battle

Marist College 4-14 Ardee Community School 2-15 (after extra-time)

Marist College eventually claimed a sensational victory over Ardee Community School in this Leinster Schools SF 'A' semi-final in Kinnegad today (Wednesday).

Having won their quarter-final against Terenure College on penalties, a spirited Marist side again had to dig deep to secure victory after extra-time.

Garrycastle's James McHugh scored a hat-trick of goals and a total of 3-5 as the Marist secured their place in the Br Bosco Cup final for the first time since 2018. It was McHugh's two-pointer from a free which brought the contest to extra-time - when Ardee were on the brink of victory with just seconds remaining - and his third goal swung the pendulum in the Marist's favour during the second additional period.

Both sets of players deserve immense credit for the hugely entertaining spectacle served up in difficult conditions, amid an often raucous atmosphere.

In truth, the Athlone outfit was staring defeat in the face on several occasions during this incredible encounter. Indeed, the Marist had to overcome several setbacks on the day. Clann na nGael's Diarmuid O'Higgins was unable to start, Andrew Henson was forced off with what looked like a hamstring injury and the player who replaced him, Darragh Lough, also went off injured. In addition, Adam Smyth appeared to be carrying an injury, but he battled on manfully until the end.

The Marist found themselves eight points down inside the opening 17 minutes after conceding two soft goals (2-3 to 0-1). The first came when Pauric Maguire's point attempt deceived the Marist defence and went all the way to the net (11th minute).

Jack Martin pounced for Ardee's second goal after Marist keeper Zac Mullally was unable to hold a delivery inside from Patrick Reynolds.

And although the Marist would have the strong wind at the backs in the second half, it still seemed a long way back at that stage.

The injury-enforced withdrawal of Henson (who operated in a sweeper role) was an additional blow. But Darragh Lough made an immediate impression by scoring a point and he also helped to set up McHugh's first goal.

McHugh's superbly taken second goal cut the deficit further, leaving Ardee CS leading 2-6 to 2-3 at half-time.

Sean Whittaker's majestic two-pointer gave the Marist a major boost shortly after the restart. Points followed from Doon's Cian Duffy and Whittaker to level matters.

And when Darragh Lough struck for the Marist's third goal, the momentum was now with the wind-assisted Westmeath school.

But Ardee refused to yield as they sought a first ever Leinster final appearance at this level. The Louth side got on top in the kickout battle with players like midfielder Flynn Markey to the fore, while team captain Tadhg Devaney drove them on by attacking from centre half-back.

In the 58th minute, a superb goal from Jack Martin gave Ardee a 3-11 to 3-9 lead and it looked like it would be the decisive. After points were exchanged between McHugh and Devaney, the same margin of two points divided the sides.

But McHugh stepped up to the mark again, nailing a two-pointer from a 64th-minute free amid incredible tension among supporters of both sides. The final whistle quickly followed to signal extra-time on a scoreline of 3-12 each.

Ardee had the wind in the first period and they led 3-15 to 3-12 at half-time in extra-time. Substitute Luke Keenan continued to make a striking impact, scoring two points to bring his tally to 0-3.

As we moved into the final stanza of this enthralling battle, Donal Dawson edged the Marist closer with a point and it was the same player's pass inside which found McHugh to complete his treble with another splendid finish (75th minute).

The tireless Darragh Murray of Moate All Whites moved the Marist two clear with what proved the game's final score. But the Marist still had to defend with vigilance and defiance before the final whistle was greeted by scenes of joy mixed with relief.

The scoring exploits of James McHugh stole the show, but the Marist had heroes all over the pitch. Tubberclair's Sean Whittaker was hugely impressive, contributing five points as well as winning valuable possession in the midfield sector. Midfielders Adam Smyth and Donal Dawson never stopped toiling against strong opponents, while William Geraghty's workrate was a notable feature throughout the contest.

Goalkeeper Zac Mullally recovered from the setback of the second Ardee goal and made some important interventions. The entire defence battled manfully against some accomplished opponents, including the influential Charlie McBride, on a day when all the Marist players emptied the tank in pursuit of victory.

Marist now look forward to a Leinster final against either defending champions Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar or Naas CBS, with the other semi-final taking place on Friday in Gracefield (throw-in 11.30). The prospect of an all-Westmeath final is still on.

Scorers - Marist: J McHugh 3-5 (1tpf); S Whittaker 0-5 (1tp); D Lough 1-1; C Duffy, D Dawson and D Murray 0-1 each. Ardee CS: P Maguire 1-4 (2tp); J Martin 2-0; L Keenan and C McBride (2f 0-3 each; T Devaney and D Mannion 0-2 each; C Clinton 0-1.

Marist College, Athlone - Zac Mullally; Tadgh Fallon, Jacob Bourke, Sean Keegan; Darragh Murray, Sean McDonnell, Gary Staunton; Adam Smyth (joint captain), Donal Dawson; William Geraghty, Darragh Glennon, Cian Duffy; Sean Whittaker, James McHugh (joint captain), Andrew Henson. Subs: Darragh Lough for Henson (injured, 18 mins); Rory McMickan for Gary Staunton (26); John Timlin for Lough (inj., 18); Daire Burke for McMickan (54); Andrew Cotton for Geraghty (inj., 75); Gary Staunton for Duffy (inj., 77.)

Ardee Community School - Oisin Dromgoole; Shane McMahon, Ciaran Titley, Fionn Coyle; Luke Woods, Tadhg Devaney (captain), Patrick Reynolds; Flynn Markey, Conal Mannion; Pauric Maguire, Charlie McBride, Calum Caffrey; Tomás Dillon, Jack Martin, Jake Loughran. Subs: Luke Keenan for Dillon (41 mins); Conor Clinton for Loughran (46); Olan Crosbie for Woods (46); Shane Byrne for Caffrey (49); Aodhan Gibbons for Coyle (inj., 69).

Referee - Eamon O'Connor (Offaly).