Louth minors defeat Dublin to reach first Leinster final since 2017

Louth minor footballers secured their place in the Leinster final for the first time since 2017 and they did it in style by dismantling Dublin at Clann Mhuire, Naul on Wednesday evening.

The Wee County made a blistering start as they scored after just 14 seconds in through Tadhg Devaney. and from there, they never looked back.

By the fourth minute, they had 1-3 on the board with Jack Martin finishing off a clever move for a close range goal after Cian Rooney broke the ball into his path.

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Dublin rallied in the first half to get themselves back into it with a goal from Cillian McCabe and points from Jack Heffernan and Mobarack Salami. At the break, Louth’s lead was down to a single point.

Half time: Louth 1-8 Dublin 1-7.

But the second half belonged to Louth even with a black card early on for captain Andrew O’Reilly, they managed to keep control.

Midfielder Tom Maguire capitilised on a poor Dublin kickout and drilled home Louth’s second goal to give his side breathing room. From there, it was the Connell Kelly show.

The 15-year-old forward was unplayable, racking up scores from all angles and distances he finished with a remarkable 0-11, including a couple of stunning two-pointers.

Dublin could only manage a single point in the second half, as Louth’s defence stood tall and their attack flowed with confidence.

A special evening for Louth GAA, with their U17s joining the U20s and seniors in Leinster finals.

The minors will face Offaly in the decider on Monday, 19th May at Cedral St. Conleth's Park, Newbridge. Throw in is at 7.00pm.

Full time: Dublin 1-8 Louth 2-17.

Dublin: Finn Byrne; Harry Warnes, Jack O’Keeffe, Gareth Hayes; Zach Donegan (0-1), Jack Heffernan (0-3), Caoilinn O’Connell (0-1); Matthew Farrell, Finn McGinnis (c); Tom O’Ceallaigh, Ciaran Clifford (0-1), Ryan Evans; Cillian McCabe (1-0), Mobarack Salami (0-2), Tadhg Coyle 

Subs: J Fitzpatrick on for McCabe (HT), E Tennant for Donegan (41’), C McKenna for Ennis (52’), J Heavey for Clifford (57’). 

Louth: Senon Connolly; Finn McEneaney, Ciaran Titley, Rian Hickey; Michael McGlew (0-1), Tadhg Devaney (0-1), Conor Marron; Tom Maguire (1-0), Cillian McQuillan (0-3); Oisin Reidy, Andrew O’Reilly (c) (0-1), Niall McCreesh; Cian Rooney, Jack Martin (1-0), Connell Kelly (0-11). 

Subs: Conal Mannion on for Niall McCreesh (46’), Senan Hoey on for Cian Rooney (54’), Chris Conlon on for Oisin Reidy (58’), Sean Marron on for Jack Martin (61’). 

Referee: Enda Kelly (Westmeath).