Louth show promise despite Down defeat

Louth senior footballers' fell to a six-point defeat against Down in the McGeough Cup at Haggardstown on New Year’s Eve afternoon.

Played in cold conditions before a large crowd, the game marked the first outing of the new Gavin Devlin Louth era.

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Youth was trusted, and experience was respected in Devlin’s first selection as U20 All-Ireland finalists Tadhg McDonnell and Padraic Tinnelly were handed starting roles.

Mixed with experienced players such as captain and All-Star Sam Mulroy, Player of the Year Conall McKeever, and Dermot Campbell.

The Wee County began brightly but wastefully as they fired two early wides before Down struck first through Eamon Brown.

Midfielder Dara McDonnell steadied the ship with a well-taken point, and the opening exchanges suggested a contest that would be played at pace despite the conditions.

Dundalk Gaels clubman Tom O’Connell showed no hint of nerves on debut and nudged Louth ahead with a pair of scores, one from play and one from a free, while Conall McCaul and Liam Jackson all contributed.

The first major swing in momentum arrived on 21 minutes as a slick move involving Pat Havern released Ruairi O’Hare, who finished to the net to push the Mournemen in front.

O’Hare added a point soon after, and although O’Connell and Jackson responded, Down carried a sharper cutting edge.

Down had a second goal ruled out for a square ball, following a mix-up that saw Louth goalkeeper Niall McDonnell lose possession and slip as he scrambled back.

McDonnell would later atone with an excellent save from Daniel Guinness to ensure the Reds stayed within touching distance.

Half time: Louth 0-7 Down 1-6

The third quarter belonged to the Wee County as Mulroy announced himself with a fine point off his left foot, and Kieran McArdle converted a free as the home side surged ahead.

When Mulroy added another from play, and Jackson chipped in again, Louth found themselves four points to the good, playing with confidence and aggression.

However, the final quarter told a different story as Down began to dominate the middle third as their shooting sharpened, and their bench made telling contributions.

Guinness, Brown, and substitute Oran Cunningham reeled Louth back in, before Cunningham’s two-point free with two minutes remaining on the clock to decisively swing the contest.

Louth battled to the end, with Dundalk Gaels captain Dylan McKeown making an impact off the bench with a point.

Down closed out the game with late scores through Tom Gilroy and Patrick McCarthy to put a gloss on the scoreboard.

Full time: Louth 0-13 Down 1-16.

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Emmett Carolan, Dermot Campbell, Padraic Tinnelly; Tadhg McDonnell, Peter Lynch, Evan Whelan; Dara McDonnell (0-1), Conor Early; Liam Jackson (0-2), Sam Mulroy (0-3), Conall McKeever; Kieran McArdle (0-1, 1f), Conall McCaul (0-2), Tom O’Connell (0-3, 2f).

Subs: Pearse Grimes-Murphy on for Evan Whelan (HT), Paul Mathews on for Conor Early (41'), Seán Callaghan on for Conall McKeever (52'), Darragh Dorian on for Liam Jackson (52'), James Maguire on for Tom O’Connell (55'), Dylan McKeown (0-1) on for Conall McCaul (61'), Ryan Walsh on for Paul Mathews (67'), Ben McKenna on for Kieran McArdle (68').

Referee: Kieran Eannetta (Tyrone).