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06 Sept 2025
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06 Sept 2025
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Tom Maguire of Louth in action against Charlie Duffy of Offaly. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Louth’s dreams of a historic Leinster treble came to a gut-wrenching end in Newbridge this evening as the Minors were narrowly beaten by Offaly in a dramatic provincial final.
Despite leading for long spells and putting in a gutsy, attacking performance, the Wee County were pipped in the closing stages, with Offaly’s Jack Ryan landing two late two-pointers to edge his side over the line.
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It’s a cruel end to what has been a brilliant campaign for Johnny Clerkin’s side, but hope remains as they now prepare for the All-Ireland quarter-final against Connacht champions Roscommon.
Louth flew out of the traps with Cillian McQuillan pointing inside 20 seconds. Michael McGlew and Connell Kelly followed up with fine scores, and Kelly’s two long-range two-pointer frees had Louth ahead 0-7 to 1-3 by the 17th minute.
Despite missing a handful of chances, Louth looked composed and well-drilled. Kelly was unerring from placed balls, and his tally helped Louth lead at half time.
Half time: Louth 0-11 Offaly 1-6
The second half was electric. Offaly levelled scored immediately through Tony Furey’s goal, but Louth responded straight away when Oisín Reidy lobbed home a beautiful goal to restore the lead.
Moments later, Jack Martin netted after a great pass from captain Andrew O’Reilly, and Louth looked to be in control again.
But Offaly, to their credit, kept coming. Furey and Ryan chipped away at the lead before a well-won penalty saw McQuillan hammer home Louth’s third goal on 51 minutes.
Even then, it wasn’t enough. Offaly reeled Louth back in. Eamon Maher’s two-pointer brought the sides level again late on, before Connell Kelly nudged Louth ahead with what looked like the winning score.
But Ryan had other ideas, kicking two late two-pointers to seal a three-point win.
Still, Louth can take huge pride from their performance. They stood toe-to-toe with Offaly, played some brilliant football, and showed incredible resilience.
It wasn’t to be a Leinster treble, but Louth’s Minors aren’t finished yet. They now face Roscommon in the All-Ireland quarter-final on the weekend of 7th/8th June in Longford.
Full time: Louth 3-14 Offaly 2-20
Louth: Senon Connolly; Finn McEneaney, Ciaran Titley, Rian Hickey; Michael McGlew (0-2), Tadhg Devaney, Conor Marron; Tom Maguire, Cillian McQuillan (1-2); Oisin Reidy (1-1), Andrew O’Reilly (c), Niall McCreesh; Cian Rooney, Jack Martin (1-0), Connell Kelly (0-10, 2f, 3 2pf).
Subs: Conal Mannion on for Niall McCreesh (52’).
Offaly: Jack Ryan (0-8); Caden O’Beirne, Tomas Carroll, Cormac Farrell; Patrick Duffy, Tadhg Kelly, Eoin Rouse; Eamon Maher (0-2), Charlie Duffy; Cathal Weldon, Dylan Dunne (1-1), Aaron Daly; Tony Furey (1-5), Cian McNamee (c) (0-2), Ruari Woods.
Subs: Darragh Stewart (0-1) on for Cathal Weldon (39’), Cian Duffy on for Aaron Daly (42’).
Referee: James Foley (Carlow).
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