Louth hurlers defeat Fermanagh to be crowned Division Four champions

Louth senior hurlers are Allianz National Hurling League, Division Four champions after overcoming Fermanagh in a tense battle at St. Mellans Park, Truagh, this afternoon.

Despite conceding an early goal, the Wee County held their nerve and used the wind advantage in the first half to build a lead, which they never relinquished.

(Leon Fox of Louth in action against John Paul McGarry of Fermanagh during the Allianz Hurling League Division 4 final match between Fermanagh and Louth at St Mellans Park in Truagh, Monaghan. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile)

The game got off to a flying start, with Peter Fortune pointing for Louth inside the opening 20 seconds. They missed a few opportunities before Fermanagh’s Tom Keenan levelled from a free in the sixth minute.

READ MORE: GALLERY | Pictures from Louth hurlers Division Four win over Fermanagh

The game’s only goal arrived in the ninth minute when Sean Corrigan struck from close range to put Fermanagh ahead, 1-1 to 0-2.

(Mark Gahan of Louth in action against Feargal McKiernan of Fermanagh during the Allianz Hurling League Division 4 final match between Fermanagh and Louth at St Mellans Park in Truagh, Monaghan. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile)

Trevor Hilliard’s side responded well, with Mark Gahan, Seaghan Conneely, and Darren Geoghegan adding to the scoreboard. By halftime, Geoghegan’s accuracy from placed balls had helped Louth lead.

Half time: Louth 0-10 Fermanagh 1-4

The second half was a tight affair, with both teams struggling to convert chances. Louth’s defence, led by goalkeeper Conor Clancy, stood strong.

(Sean Hodgins, left, and Louth goalkeeper Conor Clancy after their side's victory in the Allianz Hurling League Division 4 final match between Fermanagh and Louth at St Mellans Park in Truagh, Monaghan. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile)

A key moment came with an hour played when Fermanagh squandered a goal chance that could have changed the game’s momentum. Louth pushed on, with substitute Paddy Lynch and Geoghegan adding crucial points.

Fermanagh kept battling, with Luca McCusker reducing the deficit to two late on, but Louth sealed victory with a final score from David Stephenson deep in injury time.

(Stephen Kettle of Louth celebrates after his side's victory in the Allianz Hurling League Division 4 final match between Fermanagh and Louth at St Mellans Park in Truagh, Monaghan. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile)

Louth showed real character to claim the title, with their ability to grind out scores and stay disciplined in defence proving the difference.

With silverware secured the Reds now turn their attention to the championship when they will take on Sligo in two weeks.

(Louth players celebrate after their side's victory in the Allianz Hurling League Division 4 final match between Fermanagh and Louth at St Mellans Park in Truagh, Monaghan. Photo by Stephen Marken/Sportsfile)

Louth: Conor Clancy (c); John Casey, Conor Quigley, Stephen Kettle; Mark Gahan (0-2), Leon Fox (0-1), Aaron McGuinness; Ben Goss-Kieran, Seán Hodgins; Conor Murphy, Thomas McCreesh, Peter Fortune (0-01); Darren Geoghegan (0-9, 4f, 4 ‘65), Seán Flynn (0-1), Seaghan Conneely (0-1).

Substitutes: Paddy Lynch (0-1) on for Thomas McCreesh, James Murphy on for Seán Hodgins, Sam Phelan on for Seaghan Conneely (0-1), David Stephenson (0-1) on for Conor Murphy.

Fermanagh: Chris McKiernan; Ronan McGurn, Rory Porteous, Odhran Jonston; Ultan O’Reilly, Ryan Bogue, Thomas Duane; Coalan Duffy, Ciarán Duffy; Tom Keenan, Francis McBrien (0-3 2f), John Duffy (0-2); Cahir McManus, Seán Corrigan (1-1), Jimmy Tormey (0-1).

Substitutes: Daniel Teague on for Caolan Duffy, Luca McCusker (0-1) on for Cahir McManus, John Paul McGarry on for Francis McBrien, Danann McKeogh on for John Duffy, Feargal McKiernan on for Jimmy Tormey.

Referee: Michael Connolly (Sligo).