Conor Grimes goal sees Louth footballers begin O'Byrne Cup with a win

O’Byrne Cup Group A Round 1

Louth 1-8 Westmeath 0-9

The Louth Footballers began 2023 with a win as a Conor Grimes goal just before half time proved to be the difference in what was a tight affair at the Protection and Prosperity Centre of Excellence in Darver.

The Glen Emmet’s clubman originally had his close-range effort blocked down by Westmeath’s Conor McCormack, however he managed to get another touch on it before it went wide to put his side in the lead for the first time.

Dessie Dolan’s troops had led up until this point, having scored inside the opening minute, however in a cagey second half, full of countless stoppages for injuries and substitutions, the Wee County managed to keep their opponents to just a single point in the second half to eke out a victory.

Backed by a strong breeze, it was the visitors who came out of the blocks the faster, building up an early three-point lead courtesy of efforts from Tom Molloy (2) and Robbie Forde.

They were moving the ball very directly, gaining marks throughout the field with some nice fielding and were also able to take on defenders when required to gain scoring chances. Tom Molloy in particular impressing out on the wing.

Meanwhile Mickey Harte set up his team to move the ball at speed, with Dan Corcoran often used as the lynchpin to turn defence into attack, as he soloed forward from his corner back starting position.

The target man was usually Grimes, who parked himself mostly along the endline, his fielding and ability to almost plough his way through tackles making him a vital asset for Louth.

After failing to score from their first five attacks, two of which saw them denied goals by goalkeeper Trevor Martin, Jay Hughes eventually got his side off the mark with a close range free on 11 minutes.

Extra pressure then came on the Westmeath kickout, with four of the next five turned over by Louth around the middle. The first saw them get what was their only point from play, as a Conor Early mark set up an awaiting Hughes.

The other turnovers saw the Lake County fouling Louth players close to goal, allowing Hughes to bag another four frees throughout the half.

To their credit, when Westmeath managed to get past midfield, they remained a big threat and were very clinical when attacking. Efforts from Steve Smyth (2), TJ Cox and Robbie Forde making sure they stayed in front.

The biggest score of the tie came on 30 minutes, with Grimes again to the fore as he struck home the aforementioned rebounded goal to give Louth a 1-5 to 0-7 lead, the first time in the match that the home side were ahead. They would never trail in the contest again.

The sides traded one apiece before the changeover, via Hughes and Senan Baker, leaving the Wee County narrowly in front by a single point as they went into the dressing rooms at half time.

The second half was a much duller affair, with very little to note from either team. There were just four wides registered in this half, but also only three white flags raised as defences took control of proceedings.

The visitors struggled to play against the breeze and although they had a lot of possession in the second half, they just couldn’t break down Louth.

Forced to move the ball more and go through the phases, without the long ball tactics Westmeath failed to create enough scoring opportunities and were very well contained by the Men in Red.

They kept them to just a single score, got from Cox on 52 minutes, which was a credit to a Louth team that saw eight players introduced throughout the second half.

But it was a worry that they only managed to eke out two scores themselves, both from the boot of substitute Ciaran Keenan via frees bagged on 51 and 61 minutes respectively. The fact that with the wind they created just six scoring opportunities meaning there is still plenty for Harte to work on.

Overall, it was a great workout, with plenty of debutants making their mark, but much more will be needed if they are to gain revenge on their championship conqueror Kildare this Saturday afternoon in Newbridge (throw in 2PM).

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LOUTH: Declan Byrne; Dan Corcoran, Dermot Campbell, Alan Connor; Leonard Gray, Ciaran Murphy, Conal McKeever; Paul Mathews, Conor Early; Johnathan Commins, Tom Gray, Tom Jackson; Jay Hughes (0-6, 0-5 frees), Conor Grimes (1-0), Shane Matthews. Subs: Peter McStravick for Grimes (HT), Ciaran Keenan (0-2 frees) for Hughes (41), Conor Clarke for Corcoran (42), Jack Murphy for Jackson (43), Beanon Corrigan for Early (48), Shane Byrne for Tom Gray (48), Pauric McKenny for McKeever (55), Gabriel Bell for Lenoard Grey (68).

WESTMEATH: Trevor Martin; Boidu Sayeh, Andy McCormack, Danny Scahill; Anthony McGivney, Eoin Mulvihill, Conor Dillon; Conor McCormack, Johnathan Lynam; Tom Molloy (0-2, 0-1 mark), Senan Baker (0-1), Brandon Kelly; TJ Cox (0-2 frees), Robbie Forde (0-2 frees), Steve Smyth (0-2, 0-1 mark). Subs: Kevin O’Sullivan for Brandon Kelly (HT), Jack Smyth for Scahill (HT), Stephen McGonagle for McCormack (57), Sam Smyth for Cox (57), Adam Trainor for Sayeh (57).

Referee: Patrick Coyle (Meath)