Louth book their place in Leinster MFC semi-final with victory over the Lake County

Louth minor footballers are into the Electric Ireland Leinster MFC semi-final after an impressive win over Westmeath on Thursday night in Páirc Baile Fiach, Hunterstown.

This was a real championship clash with goals, drama, big saves, and no shortage of hunger. The Wee County led by two at the break, and despite a strong finish from Westmeath, the home side held firm in the dying minutes.

Early on, it was Louth who started brighter when Oisín Reidy got them going inside the first minute, and Jack Martin added another not long after.

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Andrew O’Reilly levelled the scores before finding the net moments later with a tidy finish to put Louth 1-3 to 0-3 ahead. Tadhg Devenney chipped in with a fine point off the left, but Westmeath hit back with a goal of their own.

Two goals in quick succession, one a clever flick by Jack Martin, the other a brave finish from Cian Rooney after a brilliant delivery by Connell Kelly, swung the tie back in Louth’s favour.

Half time: Louth 3-4 Westmeath 1-8

The second half was just as lively when Westmeath came out firing and nearly struck immediately, but Louth survived. Devenney, McQuillan, and Rooney all found their range to keep the scoreboard ticking.

Cillian McQuillan’s two-pointer was one for the highlights reel, calm and composed. Senon Connolly in the Louth goal made some huge saves throughout, including one low down that looked destined for the net.

With ten minutes to go, the Reds were in control and leading by nine points after scores from Tom Maguire, Conor Marron, and a couple more from the lively Connell Kelly.

But Westmeath weren’t done as two late goals closed the gap to four, and nerves were jangling in the stands.

In the end, Louth had done enough. A strong team effort, some outstanding individual moments, and another Leinster semi-final to prepare for Wee County.

Louth: Senon Connolly; Finn McEneaney, Ciarán Titley, Rian Hickey; Michael McGlew, Tadhg Devaney (0-2), Conor Marron (0-1); Tom Maguire (0-1), Cillian McQuillian (0-2); Oisin Reidy (0-1), Andrew O'Reilly (c) (1-3), Conal Mannion; Cian Rooney (1-1), Jack Martin (1-2), Connell Kelly (0-3).

Subs: Ewan Hoban on for Oisin Reidy (46'), Niall McCreesh on for Conal Mannion (46'), Senan Hoey on for Cian Rooney (49').

Westmeath: John Paul; Anthony King-Carroll, Eoin Donoghue, Seán Keegan; Conor Casey, Seán Byrne, Ross Tully; Cian Fleming, Rory McCaul; Finn Higgins, Dean Kelly, William Geraghty; Stephen McWade, Will Scahill, Seán Whittaker.

Subs: Oisin McCauley on for William Geraghty (41'), Dillion Burke on for Finn Higgins (41'), Jack Duignan on for Will Scahill (49'), Tom O'Brien on for Seán Keegan (56').

Referee: Kevin Williamson (Offaly).