Louth defeat Meath to secure their NFL Division 2 status

Louth senior footballers put in a solid performance to secure their Allianz National Football League Division 2 status with a five-point victory over neighbours Meath in Grattan Park, Inniskeen this afternoon.

With Down also winning in their game against Monaghan, Ger Brennan’s side survived on head-to-head ruling and finished level on points with the Mournemen to stay up.

The Wee County started the game without their captain and league top scorer Sam Mulroy who suffered an injury in training, but that did little to impact their shooting display.

READ NEXT: GALLERY | Pictures as Louth retain their Division 2 status with victory over Royals

Meath had the wind advantage in the first half and tried to control possession early on and prevent Louth from building momentum, but the Royals failed to make it count on the scoreboard.

(Donal McKenny of Louth in action against Jordan Morris of Meath during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile)

The game’s key moment arrived in the seventh minute when Seán Reynolds pounced on a short kick-out from Meath goalkeeper Billy Hogan.

His quick pass found Kieran McArdle, who rifled a powerful right-footed shot to the roof of the net. The goal gave the home side a huge boost, and from there, they never looked back.

Hunterstown Rovers clubman, Ryan Burns, was pin-point accurate from placed balls as he took over free-taking duties in Mulroy’s absence and converting at an impressive rate.

Midfielder, Tommy Durnin, was wearing the captain’s armband for the day and added to the tally with a fine effort of his own.

(Tommy Durnin of Louth tackles Matthew Costello of Meath during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile)

The visitors were reliant on Jordan Morris for inspiration, and while he kept the scoreboard ticking, Louth’s superior accuracy proved the difference.

Substitute Conor Branigan came on in the 13th minute and made an impact with two outstanding two-point scores before half-time.

The Reds went into the break with a commanding 1-13 to 0-5 lead, and Meath needed a fast start to the second half to stand any chance of a comeback.

(Kieran McArdle of Louth celebrates after scoring his side's first goal during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile)

Half time: Louth 1-13 Meath 0-5

To their credit, the Royals began brightly, hitting three points in quick succession through Jack Flynn, captain Eoghan Frayne, and Aaron Lynch.

However, Louth weathered the storm and maintained control as a delay in play due to an injury to Morris further disrupted Meath’s rhythm.

(Donal McKenny of Louth in action against Jordan Morris of Meath during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile)

Meath failed to make full use of the wind in the second half and struggled with their shooting from distance. Meanwhile, the Wee County remained composed as Burns added four frees to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

In the closing stages, Meath battled to reduce the deficit, with a late two-pointer from Morris bringing them within five. However, Louth never looked in real danger and saw out the game with discipline to claim a vital victory.

The result ensures that Louth remain in Division 2 for another year which is a testament to their resilience and ability to step up when it mattered most.

(Louth manager Ger Brennan celebrates with Conall McKeever after the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile)

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny, Emmet Carolan (0-1); Daire Nally, Peter Lynch (0-1), Conall McKeever; Tommy Durnin (c) (0-3, 1 2pt), Fearghal Malone; Andy McDonnell (0-1), Ciarán Downey, Paul Mathews; Kieran McArdle (1-1), Seán Reynolds, Ryan Burns (0-9, 0-5f, 2 2ptf).

Subs: Conor Branigan (0-4, 2 2pt) for Andy McDonnell (13’), Dylan McKeown for Seán Reynolds (45’), Dara McDonnell for Fearghal Malone (57’), Liam Flynn for Ciarán Downey (66’).

Meath: Billy Hogan; Seamus Lavin, Seán Rafferty, Donal Keogan; Eoin Harkin, Brian O’Halloran, Ciarán Caulfield; Jack Flynn (0-2), Bryan Menton; Conor Duke, Jack Kinlough, Ruairi Kinsella; Eoghan Frayne (c) (0-4, 0-2f, 1 2ptf), Jordan Morris (0-8, 2 2pt, 0-2f, 1 2ptf), Aaron Lynch (0-1).

Subs: Matt Costello for Conor Duke (44’), Keith Curtis (0-2, 1 2pt) for Jack Kinlough (51’), Shane Walsh for Kinsella (60’), Cathal Hickey for Aaron Lynch (60’), Jason Scully for Eoin Harkin (68’).

Referee: Kieran Eannetta (Tyrone).