Louth hurlers remain unbeaten in league campaign to earn promotion

A 12-point victory ensured they topped the group and gained promotion to Division 3 to cap off an impressive unbeaten NHL Division campaign.

Played in bright and windy Saturday afternoon at Páirc Naomh Bríd, Dowdallshill, the match began at a fast pace with the home side wasting no time in chalking up their first score.

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The Wee County struck first with a well-taken point from Adam Plunkett within the opening 30 seconds to setting the tone for an intense battle.

Darren Geoghegan added another score from distance, but Longford quickly responded through Reuben Murray and Martin Farrell to level the game at two points apiece after just five minutes.

Longford gained momentum and adding two more points to take the lead, while home side were wasteful in front of goal with several wides.

Thomas McCreesh’s fine point in the 14th minute kept the Reds in touch, and when Geoghegan converted a free soon after, the teams were level once more at four points each.

The game remained finely balanced, with Mark Gahan scoring for Louth to draw level again at 0-5 to 0-5 in the 25th minute.

However, the visitors struck a major blow just two minutes later when Reuben Murray pounced in a crowded goalmouth to fire the ball into the net.

Louth responded immediately through Sean Flynn, before Geoghegan’s accuracy from a free brought them within two points.

Yet, Longford managed to edge further ahead before halftime, with Evan Tully’s powerful shot turned over the bar by Louth keeper Conor Clancy. That left the visitors leading 1-7 to 0-7 at the break. 

(Allianz National Hurling League - Division 4 table)

Half time: Louth 0-7 Longford 1-7 

Despite trailing by three points, Louth had played against the wind in the first half and looked primed for a strong second-half performance. 

They wasted no time in getting started, as Brian Corcoran fired over within the first 30 seconds.

Sharpshooter Geoghegan then hit three points in quick succession from placed balls, putting Louth ahead by a point for the first time since the early stages.

The home side’s intensity continued, but they were dealt another setback when Longford were awarded a penalty in the 49th minute and Martin Farrell converted to put his side back in front 2-8 to 0-11.

That proved to be Longford’s final score of the game, as Trevor Hilliard's side completely took control from there.

Mark Gahan and Darren Geoghegan cut the deficit before Sean Flynn landed a stunning point from distance to bring the sides level at 0-14 to 2-8.

Geoghegan then produced a brilliant individual score to push Louth in front, and from that point, they never looked back. Louth ran riot in the closing stages, outscoring Longford 11 points to none in the final 20 minutes.

Thomas McCreesh, Sam Phelan, and Geoghegan continued to find their range, while Longford struggled to break through Louth’s resolute defence.

A late save from Longford’s keeper denied Conor Murphy a goal, but it was merely a consolation effort as Louth cruised to victory.

The final whistle confirmed a well-deserved win for Louth, securing their place in the Division 4 final at Croke Park against Fermanagh.

Promotion to Division 3 is now in the bag, but Trevor Hilliard’s side will be determined keep their unbeaten run going when the take to the field in the league final at HQ at the end of the month.

Full time: Louth 0-22 Longford 2-8

Louth: Conor Clancy (c); John Casey, Conor Quigley, Stephen Kettle; Seán Hodgins, Leon Fox, Aaron McGuinness; Ben Goss-Kieran, Mark Gahan (0-2); Conor Murphy, Seán Flynn (0-2), Darren Geoghegan (0-12, 7f); Thomas McCreesh (0-2), Adam Plunkett (0-1), Brian Corcoran (0-1).

Subs: Sam Phelan on for Adam Plunkett (48’), Seaghan Connelly on for Brian Corcoran (66’). 

Longford: Jonny Maher; Seán Lancaster, Oisin Gately, Kealan Cox; Diarmud Caslin, Declan Hayes, Dan Crossan; Eamon Allen, Reuben Murray (1-2, 1f); Johnny Casey (0-1), Evan Tully, Micheal Mulcahy; Killian Courtney, Martin Farrell (1-2, 1f), Ronan Courtney.

Subs: Niall Hawes on for Ronan Courtney (15’), David Buckley on for Killian Courtney (45’), Matthew Hawes on for Dan Crossan (60’) 

Referee: Nicholas Barry (Waterford).