Louth hold on for important All-Ireland SFC win over the Bannermen

Louth secured a dramatic three-point victory over Clare this afternoon, battling to a 2-17 to 2-14 win at Laois Hire O'Moore Park in their high-stakes All-Ireland Group Three clash.

The result means the Wee County progress to their second consecutive All-Ireland Senior Football Championship preliminary quarter-final, but the win wasn’t without its challenges.

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From the off, Clare looked dangerous, with three quick points in the opening three minutes. Emmet McMahon, Eoin Cleary, and Mark McInerney were all on target early, giving Louth fans cause for concern.

But Ger Brennan's men quickly found their feet and started to work their way into the game. The first 20 minutes saw Louth get a foothold in the match.

After Clare's early dominance, Louth began to find their rhythm, with Conor Grimes and Ciarán Downey pulling them back into contention.

By the 20th minute, Louth had turned the game on its head, thanks to a superb finish from Sam Mulroy, who took advantage of a poor Clare kick-out to fire home Louth’s first goal.

Then, just a couple of minutes later, Ciarán Downey added another goal, showing great composure to slot home past Clare goalkeeper Stephen Ryan.

The Wee County added further points, including a stunning two-pointer from Downey, and took a commanding eight point lead at the break.

Half time: Louth 2-8 Clare 0-6

Clare, however, were not done. They came out after half-time with renewed energy and were quickly back in the game when Rory McMahon found the back of the net.

But despite the best efforts from the Bannermen, Louth held firm, with crucial points coming from Ryan Burns, Sam Mulroy, and debutant Ryan Walsh.

The game became increasingly tense as Clare mounted a late surge. A controversial goal from Eoin Cleary in the final minutes put Clare within striking distance, but Louth’s resilience saw them through, and they ultimately hung on for the win.

While Louth will be pleased with the result, there are concerns over injuries to key players.

Both Craig Lennon and goalkeeper Niall McDonnell had to leave the field during the match, with Lennon suffering a suspected concussion and McDonnell picking up an injury to his knee.

With the win, Louth now turn their attention to the preliminary quarter-final, which could see them face Dublin or Kerry.

It’s a significant challenge ahead, but for now, the Reds will take the win and continue their journey in the All-Ireland SFC.

Full Time: Louth 2-17 Clare 2-14

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Daire Nally, Emmet Carolan, Donal McKenny; Conall McKeever, Peter Lynch, Craig Lennon (0-1); Tommy Durnin, Dara McDonnell; Dan Corcoran, Ciarán Downey (1-5, 1 2pt), Conor Grimes (0-1); Ciarán Keenan, Sam Mulroy (c) (1-6, 1f, 1 tp), Ryan Burns (0-1).

Subs: Ryan Walsh (0-1) on for Craig Lennon (31'), Conor Branigan (0-2) on for Conor Grimes (53'), Daire McConnon on for Ciarán Keenan (53'), Anthony Williams on for Ryan Burns (65'), Tiernan Markey on for Niall McDonnell (65'), Kieran McArdle on for Ciarán Downey (67').

Clare: Stephen Ryan (0-1, 1 '45'), Rory McMahon (1-0), Ronan Lanigan, Manus Doherty; Alan Sweeney, Cillian Rouine, Ikem Ugwueru; Brian McNamara (0-1), Daniel Walsh; Emmet McMahon (0-2), Dermot Coughlan, Conor Meaney; Aaron Griffin (0-1), Eoin Cleary (c) (1-2), Mark McInerney (0-5, 3f).

Subs: Shane Griffin (0-1) on for Conor Meaney (23'), Brendy Rouine on for Daniel Walsh (50'), Jamie Stack on for Alan Sweeney (59'), Keelan Sexton on for Eoin Cleary (64'), Ciarán Downes on for Rory McMahon (67').

Referee: Barry Tiernan (Dublin).