Louth dig deep to secure a crucial win over the Mournemen

Louth senior footballers secured a massive National Football League win against Down this afternoon in a high-scoring encounter at Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda.

It was a game that had everything – goals, two-pointers, brilliant individual performances, and a nail-biting finish. 

The Wee County were playing in their white away strip and came into the match looking to bounce back from two consecutive defeats against Roscommon, and Cavan.  

(Andy McDonnell of Louth in action against Miceal Rooney of Down during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Down at Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile)

Both teams had two points in the table coming into this fixture to make it a crucial battle in the Division 2 standings. With a swirling breeze affecting play, Louth faced into the wind in the first half. 

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Down started brightly and used the wind to their advantage as Danny Magill and Pat Havern got early scores, including a two-pointer from distance.

The home side responded through Andy McDonnell and Ciarán Keenan, but the Mournemen’s ability to find long-range scores saw them edge ahead. 

(Danny Magill of Down is tackled by Andy McDonnell of Louth during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Down at Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile)

The game burst into life in the 11th minute when Ryan Burns pounced on a spilt ball to fire home a goal to bring the Wee County right back into it.  

Captain Sam Mulroy followed up with free to level matters, but Down continued to pick off scores with another two-pointer from Pat Havern and a fine effort from Danny Magill. 

Goalkeeper Niall McDonnell produced a stunning save to deny Conor McCrickard and keep Louth in the contest as Down pushed forward.  

The visitors' ability to convert two-pointers helped them build a lead, but the home side found their rhythm in the closing stages of the half. 

(Peter Fagan of Down in action against Kieran McArdle of Louth during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Down at Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile)

Mulroy led by example and fired over three crucial points before Tommy Durnin added another as Louth stormed back into contention.  

By half-time, Down led 0-13 to 1-8, but with Louth set to play with the wind in the second half, momentum was shifting. 

Half time: Louth 1-8 Down 0-13 

The Wee County started the second half strongly, with Mulroy reducing the gap to one with a free. 

Down hit back, but Louth kept pushing, and when Liam Jackson’s shot was tipped over the bar, the home side were right back in it. 

(Down goalkeeper Ronan Burns saves the shot of Liam Jackson of Louth during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Down at Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile)

Mulroy’s accuracy from frees continued to be a crucial factor, and when he nailed a two-pointer in the 54th minute, Louth took the lead for the first time in the game.  

The moment of the match came just two minutes later when Kieran McArdle reacted quickest to finish off a superb move to score a goal and send the home supporters into raptures. 

(Kieran McArdle of Louth celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Down at Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile)

Down tried to respond, with points from Daniel Guinness, Conor McCrickard, and Odhran Murdock keeping them in touch, but Ger Brennan’s side had answers every time.  

Ryan Burns produced a stunning two-pointer, and substitute Daire McConnon chipped in with a crucial score to maintain the home side’s advantage. 

Mulroy continued to inspire as he converted a ‘45 in the 68th minute to take his tally to ten points. 

Down threw everything at it late on, with Oisin Savage and Pat Havern adding late frees, but Louth held on for a dramatic 2-17 to 0-22 victory. 

Louth’s resilience saw them over the line in a game that could have gone either way. 

Every player played their part, with Niall McDonnell’s goalkeeping heroics and Mulroy’s leadership standing out.  

(James Guinness of Down is tackled by Louth goalkeeper Niall McDonnell during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Down at Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda. Photo by Tyler Miller/Sportsfile)

The result gives Louth a huge boost ahead of next week’s clash with Monaghan, with confidence now soaring after a gutsy display. 

The home supporters left the Integral GAA Grounds delighted, knowing their team had given everything for the jersey and the county. 

Full time: Louth 2-17 Down 0-22

(GAA Allianz National Football League, Division 2, Round 4 standings)

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Daire Nally, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny; Liam Jackson (0-1), Peter Lynch, Dan Corcoran; Tommy Durnin (0-1), Ciarán Byrne; Andy McDonnell (0-1), Kieran McArdle (1-0), Conor Grimes; Ciarán Keenan (0-1), Sam Mulroy (c) (0-10, 4f, 1 2ptf, 1 ‘45), Ryan Burns (1-2, 1 2pt). 

Subs: Daire McConnon (0-1) on for Ciarán Keenan (38’), Paul Matthews on for Andy McDonnell (50’), Anthony Williams on for Peter Lynch (55’), Tom Jackson on for Ciarán Byrne (57’), Leonard Grey on for Liam Jackson (66’). 

Down: Ronan Burns; Peter Fagan, Pierce Laverty, Ceilum Doherty (0-2, 1 2pt); Miceal Rooney, Daniel Guinness (0-5, 1 2pt), Patrick McCarthy; Aaron McClements, Ryan McEvoy; Danny Magill (0-3, 1 2pt), Odhran Murdock (0-1), James Guinness, Shay Miller, Pat Havern (0-7, 3f, 1 2pt), Conor McCrickard (0-2). 

Subs: Oisin Savage (0-2, 1f) on for Shay Miller (43’), Adam Crimmins on for Aaron McClements (46’), Eugene Branagan on for Danny Magill (56'), Conor Francis on for James Guinness (58'). 

Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan).