Louth push Monaghan all the way in dramatic second half comeback

Allianz National Football League, Division 2, Round 5

Louth senior footballers produced a spirited second-half fightback but ultimately fell short as Monaghan secured a six-point win in Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda this afternoon.

The visitors dominated the first half and built a 15-point lead, but Louth showed heart and determination to claw their way back into the contest which made for a thrilling finale.

The Wee County knew they needed a strong start, but it was Monaghan who hit the ground running and just 24 seconds in, Andrew Woods split the posts with the opening score. 

(Dermot Campbell of Louth in action against David Garland of Monaghan during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Monaghan at Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda, Louth. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile)

The home side responded well, with captain Sam Mulroy converting a free in the second minute to level matters, but the Farneymen quickly took command.

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Kieran Duffy struck the first two-pointer of the game in the fourth minute, and Conor McCarthy followed up with another moments later, pushing Monaghan into a commanding lead. 

Louth struggled to contain Monaghan’s clinical counter attacks, with Stephen O’Hanlon and Andrew Woods particularly lively.

(Tommy Durnin of Louth kicks a point despite the attention of Jack McCarron of Monaghan during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Monaghan at Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda, Louth. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile)

By the 30-minute mark, Monaghan had a firm grip on proceedings. Conor McCarthy fired in the game’s first goal after being played through by Woods, leaving Louth with a mountain to climb at halftime. 

Half time: Louth 0-7 Monaghan 1-19

(Allianz National Football League, Division 2 table)

Louth came out with renewed energy, and Paul Mathews set the tone with an early point. Sam Mulroy was key to the revival and scored a series of frees and crucial two-pointers to chip away at Monaghan’s lead. By the 56th minute, his accuracy had brought Louth back to within five points.

When Conall McKeever won a penalty in the 64th minute, Mulroy coolly slotted it home to cut the gap to just three points as the home crowd sensed something special was on the cards.

(Sam Mulroy of Louth celebrates after scoring his side's first goal, a penalty, during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Monaghan at Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda, Louth. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile)

However, Monaghan held their nerve and goalkeeper Rory Beggan’s two-pointer from a free gave them breathing room before Conor McCarthy added a late insurance point. 

Louth’s second-half display was driven by Mulroy, who finished with a superb personal tally. Paul Mathews and Conor Grimes also contributed well, while Leonard Grey was solid at the back.

Monaghan’s Andrew Woods and Conor McCarthy were clinical throughout, while Rory Beggan’s kicking proved decisive.

Full time: Louth 1-21 Monaghan 1-27

Ger Brennan's side will take confidence from their second-half showing as they look ahead to the next round when they take on Cork in two weeks at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. 

(Stephen O'Hanlon of Monaghan and Peter Lynch of Louth tussle during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Monaghan at Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda, Louth. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile)

Louth Scorers: Sam Mulroy (1-12, 5f, 3 2ptf, 1 ‘45), Paul Mathews (0-4, 1 2pt), Conor Grimes (0-1), Conall McKeever (0-1), Tommy Durnin (0-1), Daire McConnon (0-1).

Monaghan Scorers: Andrew Woods (0-4), Conor McCarthy (1-4, 1 2pt), Kieran Duffy (0-2, 1 2pt), Stephen O’Hanlon (0-4), Micheál Bannigan (0-3, 1m), Rory Beggan (0-5, 1 ‘45, 2 2ptf), Jack McCarron (0-2, 1f), David Garland (0-1), Ryan Wylie (0-1), Ciarán McNulty (0-1).

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Leonard Grey, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny; Daire Nally, Peter Lynch, Liam Jackson; Tommy Durnin, Ciarán Byrne; Conall McKeever, Kieran McArdle, Conor Grimes; Daire McConnon, Sam Mulroy (c), Ryan Burns.

Subs: Paul Mathews on for Ciarán Byrne (30’), Tadhg McDonnell on for Liam Jackson (30’), Pearse Grimes-Murphy on for Daire McConnon (30’), Seán Reynolds on for Kieran McArdle (30’), Tom Jackson on for Pearse Grimes-Murphy (68’).

Monaghan: Rory Began; Ryan Wylie, Killian Lavelle, Dylan Byrne; Ryan O’Toole, Kieran Duffy, Conor McCarthy; Gavin McPhillips, Micheal McCarville; Stephen O’Hanlon, Micheal Bannigan, Ciarán McNulty; David Garland, Jack McCarron, Andrew Woods.

Subs: Bobby McCaul on for Gavin McPhillips (44’), Jason Irwin on for Ciaran McNulty (55’), Gary Mohan on for David Garland (60’), Darren Hughes on for Jason Irwin bloodsub (65’-68’) Darren Hughes on for Michael McCarville (68’), Stephen Mooney on for Jack McCarron (71').

Referee: Seamus Mulhare (Laois).