Louth progress to Leinster SFC semi-final with win over Laois 

Louth senior footballers are through to the Leinster Senior Football Championship semi-final after an exciting win over Laois in Cedral St. Conleth's Park, Newbridge this afternoon.

The game swung both ways, but it was two second-half goals from Ciarán Byrne and Ryan Burns that ultimately made the difference.

Manager Ger Brennan, made the big decision before throw-in to drop vice-captain Tommy Durnin from the starting line-up in favour of Ciarán Byrne.

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Durnin would later play a key role off the bench, but it was Byrne who stole the show. The first half saw Louth play with the breeze and make a lively start.

Byrne opened the scoring just two minutes in, and championship debutant Kieran McArdle added another soon after.

Points from Ciarán Downey, Peter Lynch and Andy McDonnell, who made his 100th Louth appearance, had the Wee County five to the good early on. But Laois slowly grew into the game, with Mark Barry and Ronan Coffey leading their charge.

A purple patch saw the O'Moore County move ahead just before the break, and the Louth found themselves trailing 0-9 to 0-8 at half-time.

Half time: Louth 0-8 Laois 0-9

Within a minute of the restart, Paul Matthews won a penalty which Ryan Burns calmly slotted home. Moments later, Burns and Downey added points to swing the momentum.

Laois kept themselves in it with frees from Barry and points from Damon Larkin, but the Wee County always had a response.

All-star Craig Lennon made an instant impact off the bench, fisting over moments after his introduction, and Durnin got in on the act soon after.

With the game still in the balance, Byrne stepped up again to score with a sublime point, and then, with six minutes left, he found the back of the net after an assist by Dylan McKeown.

Dundalk Gaels clubman McKeown added a point himself to stretch the lead, and although Laois tagged on a few late scores, the damage had been done.

There’s room for improvement, and the first-half dip will need to be addressed, but it was a strong showing from Louth particularly in the second half.

Ciarán Byrne stood out with 1-3, while Ryan Burns led the line brilliantly after the break. Louth now look forward to a semi-final against Kildare in two weeks.

Full time: Louth 2-16 Laois 0-17

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Emmet Carolan, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny (c); Daire Nally, Peter Lynch (0-1), Conal McKeever; Ciaran Byrne (1-3), Fearghal Malone; Paul Mathews, Ciaran Downey (0-3), Andy McDonnell (0-1); Conor Grimes, Kieran McArdle (0-1), Ryan Burns (1-4, 1-0 pen, 1’45 1f).

Subs: Tommy Durnin (0-1) on for Fearghal Malone (33’), Craig Lennon (0-1) on for Conor Grimes (52’), Dylan McKeown (0-1) for Kieran McArdle (64’), Conor Branigan for Andy McDonnell (64’), Dara McDonnell for Paul Mathews (73’).

Laois: Killian Roche; Ben Dempsey, Trevor Collins, Patrick O’Sullivan; Pa Kirwan, Simon Fingelton, Damon Larkin (0-2); Conor Heffernan, Seamus Lacey; Mark Barry (0-8, 4f), Kevin Swayne (0-1), Daniel O’Reilly (0-1); Ronan Coffey (0-3, 1f), Niall Corbet (0-1), Bryan Byrne (0-1).

Subs: Benny Carroll for Daniel O’Reilly (46’), Josh Hogan for Simon Fingleton (48’), Cathal Lee for Bryan Byrne (61’), Ryan Brady for Ronan Coffey (71’).

Referee: Paddy Neilan (Roscommon).