Louth suffer tough National Football League defeat to the Breffnimen 

Allianz National Football League, Division 2, Round 3 

Louth senior footballers suffered a tough defeat at Kingspan Breffni Park as a late Cavan surge saw them clinch victory in the Allianz National League Division 2 clash on Sunday afternoon. 

The Wee County had the wind at their backs in the first half and started brightly, with Ryan Burns opening the scoring with a two-pointer inside the first couple of minutes after a counterattack led by Donal McKenny set up him.  

Ger Brennan’s side looked sharp early on, with further points from Burns, Ciarán Downey, and Liam Jackson helping them establish a 0-5 to 0-2 lead by the 14th minute. 

(Ryan Burns of Louth during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Cavan and Louth at Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile)

However, the Blues responded swiftly with Jason McLoughlin breaking through the Louth defence and slotting the ball past Niall McDonnell for the game’s first goal.

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That lifted the home side, and they edged in front momentarily before Louth midfielder Tommy Durnin struck a two-pointer to restore their lead.  

Captain, Sam Mulroy’s, accuracy from placed balls kept the Reds ahead, and a brilliant two-pointer from Andy McDonnell saw them lead 0-12 to 1-7 at the break. 

(Brian O'Connell of Cavan is tackled by Sam Mulroy of Louth during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Cavan and Louth at Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile)

Half time: Cavan 1-7 Louth 0-12 

The second half began with the home side stepping up the intensity with Padraig Faulkner, Dara McVeety, and Luke Fortune all finding the target to bring the sides level by the 43rd minute.  

Louth continued to battle, with Mulroy keeping the scoreboard ticking over, but the Blues remained in touch. 

(Padraig Faulkner of Cavan is tackled by Liam Jackson of Louth, under the watchful eyes of referee Paul Faloon, during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Cavan and Louth at Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile)

A crucial moment came in the 63rd minute when a poor kick-out from McDonnell fell straight to Conor Madden, who lofted the ball into the net.  

Moments later, Gearóid McKiernan found the top corner with a thunderous finish, and suddenly, Cavan had breathing space at 3-13 to 0-17. 

The visitors managed one final point through Ciarán Murphy, but with Tommy Durnin receiving a black card in the finals stages, the Blues finished stronger.  

(Oisin Brady of Cavan in action against Peter Lynch of Louth during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Cavan and Louth at Kingspan Breffni Park in Cavan. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile)

A free from McKiernan and a late point from James Smith wrapped up a six-point win for the Breffnimen as they secured their first victory of the campaign. 

It was a frustrating result for Louth, who had looked in control for large periods but couldn’t match Cavan’s clinical finishing in the closing stages.  

Next up for the Wee County is another tough test as they look to bounce back in their league campaign against Down in Drogheda next Sunday. 

(Allianz National Football League Division 2 table)

Cavan: Gary O’Rourke (0-1, ‘45); Niall Carolan, Brian O’Connell, Jason McLoughlin (1-0); Padraig Faulkner (jc) (0-1), Dara McVeety (0-4), Oisin Kieran; James Smith (0-2), Oisin Brady (0-1); Luke Fortune (0-1), Gerard Smith (0-1), Ciarán Brady (jc); Darragh Lovett, Gearoid McKiernan (1-2, 2f), Evan Crowe (0-1). 

Subs: Seán McEvoy for Darragh Lovett (40’), Conor Madden (1-2, 1 2pt) on for Padraig Faulkner (0-1) (50’), Cian Madden on for Oisin Brady (55’), Killian Clarke on for Evan Crowe (59’), Ryan O’Neill on for Gerard Smith (67’). 

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Dermot Campbell, Peter Lynch, Donal McKenny; Conal McKeever, Liam Jackson (0-2), Daire Nally; Tommy Durnin (0-2, 1 2pt), Conor Grimes; Fearghal Malone, Ciarán Downey (0-2), Andy McDonnell (0-2, 1 2pt); Val Leddy, Sam Mulroy (c) (0-6, 3f), Ryan Burns (0-3, 1 2pt). 

Subs: Leonard Grey on for Fearghal Malone (40’), Ciarán Keenan on for Conor Grimes (44’), Paul Matthews on for Val Leddy (44’), Ciarán Murphy (0-1) on for Daire Nally (52’); Ciarán Byrne on for Andy McDonnell (52’). 

Referee: Paul Faloon (Down).