Louth U20 hurlers undone by Monaghan in Ulster GAA Development League final 

Louth U20 hurlers fell to defeat in the Ulster GAA Hurling U20 Development League final with a 0-14 to 0-9 loss to Monaghan at Pairc Naomh Brid, Dowdallshill on Sunday afternoon. 

The Wee County had shown great promise enroute to the final as they edged out Fermanagh 0-8 to 0-7 in their opener before suffering a narrow three-point defeat to the Farneymen in the second round.  

However, a strong response against Cavan (2-9 to 0-11) secured their place in the final but unfortunately, Monaghan once again proved to be their stumbling block. 

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The game started in perfect hurling conditions with a sizable crowd gathered in the sunshine.  

Louth played against a slight breeze in the first half, and both teams were guilty of early wides before Tadhg Dowdall opened the scoring for the Wee County in the sixth minute. 

The visitors quickly responded and drew level through a fine point before Ryan O’Rourke put them ahead from a free. 

Darragh O’Gorman was instrumental in keeping Louth in the game as he converted three frees in quick succession to push them 0-5 to 0-3 ahead by the 19th minute.  

However, Monaghan finished the half stronger and drawing level through Fionn Mulholland before another free from O’Rourke saw them take a 0-6 to 0-5 lead into the break. 

Half time: Louth 0-5 Monaghan 0-6 

The second half began in a similar fashion to the first, with both sides struggling to find their rhythm and convert their scores.

The Farneymen stretched their lead through Enda Brady, but Louth hit back with a well-taken free from Darragh O’Gorman.  

A couple of quickfire Monaghan scores extended their advantage to three points, leaving the Wee County needing a strong response. 

Louth’s efforts to mount a comeback were briefly rewarded when O’Gorman and substitute Aidan Fitzpatrick converted frees, but Monaghan always seemed to have an answer.  

Three late points in succession put the game beyond doubt as they ran out five-point winners to claim the Ulster GAA Hurling U20 Development League title. 

It was a disappointing end to an otherwise solid campaign for Louth, who showed plenty of promise throughout the tournament.

However, Monaghan’s accuracy and ability to take their chances proved decisive on the day. 

As for the Reds, they will dust themselves down and get ready to go again for their championship campaign. 

Full time: Louth 0-9 Monaghan 0-14

Louth: Conor Whyte (c); Conor Caraher, Patrick McCarthy, Sean McLeer; Brenan Christopfides, Finn Carter, Cathal Monya; Shane Curtis, Mark Tyrell; James Byrne, Tadhg Dowdall (0-3), Kevin Plunkett, Darragh O’Gorman (0-5, 5f), Seamus Reid, Aaron Heaney. 

Subs: Aidan Fitzpatrick (0-1) on for Aaron Heaney (38’), Rory Dunne for Kevin Plunkett, Ryan Holland on for Darragh O’Gorman (55’). 

Monaghan: Cillian Goodchild; Ronan Markey, Conor Meehan, Daithi McMeel; Oisin Hagan, James Brady (c), Conor Forde, Ian Walsh, Michael Meegan; Enda Brady, Ryan O’Rourke, Conor McHugh; Caolan Connolly-Smyth, Tomas Clarke, Cian Conlon. 

Referee: Liam McIlvenna.