Mary’s return to the top ranks
THERE were wild celebrations in Saggart on Saturday evening after St Mary’s senior footballers secured promotion back to the top ranks in the senior football league.
The Saggart side came out tops in the Division Two league play-offs as they saw off Round Tower’s (Lusk) 2-15 to 1-5 in what was a superb display to secure automatic promotion to Division One.
With Whitehall Colmcille’s already secured top spot in Division Two, Mary’s needed to beat Tower’s to secure promotion and what a performance they produced.
Right from the outset, Mary’s set the tone for the match and by the break they had established a 1-9 to 0-1 cushion.
Former Dublin player Blaine Kelly led by example in the opening half and kicked three points from play while another stalwart Eoin Murray helped himself to two pointed frees.
Mick O’Keeffe netted the Mary’s goal in the first half and they have opportunities for more goals but struck the post on two occasions.
Blaine Kelly of St Mary’s skips past Jack Hussey of Round Towers
The hard-working Shane Buckley along with Conor Jameson popped up with points in the first half as Mary’s were in the driving seat by the break.
The hosts continued to apply the pressure in the second half with Adam Brady, Ed Mahon and Jacob Clarke posing problems while Conor Jameson netted the goal in the second half.
In total, nine Mary’s players found the target as they cruised to a comfortable victory and will be playing Division One football, the first time since 2014.
St Mary’ senior footballers secured promotion to Division One
Having lost their three opening games of the season, the Saggart outfit certainly turned their campaign around under the management team of Jimmy Callaghan, Wes Callaghan, Paddy Brophy, Dermot Redmond, Brian Jacob and Dominic Maguire.
Mary’s have now made it back-to-back titles having secured promotion out of Division Three last year.
Its has been a great campaign for the Saggart club who only last week saw their senior ladies team complete the league and cup double.
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