Louth fall to Tyrone defeat in NHL tie

Louth fell to an eight-point defeat against Tyrone in the Allianz National Hurling League, Division Three, Round Two tie at PPFS Darver this afternoon.

Buoyed by last week’s opening-round win away to Armagh, the Wee County made a bright start, with Darren Geoghegan opening the scoring inside the first minute from a long-range free.

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Tyrone, however, soon settled, and points from Feargal Donaghy and captain Aidan Kelly helped the visitors take the lead.

Kelly began to dominate the scoring charts early on via frees and a 65', while Ciarán Magill and Rory Weir added further points as Tyrone built up a four-point lead.

Louth responded well through Ciarán McKelvey and a fine long-range effort from Geoghegan to close the gap.

A strong spell from the hosts midway through the half, including two points from Conor Murphy, brought Louth back to within a point, but Tyrone finished the opening period the better side.

Scores from Magill, Michael Little and James McCann saw them take a three-point lead into the break.

Half time: Louth 0-10 Tyrone 0-13

Louth made a positive start to the second half with points from Seán Flynn and Geoghegan, but Tyrone struck a crucial blow early when substitute Pierce Mullin finished to the net after good work by Niall McGarel.

Geoghegan continued to keep the home side in touch with a series of frees, and they had shots on goal by Seaghan Conneely and Conor Murphy, but Tyrone goalkeeper Conor McElhatton denied both.

Tyrone gradually regained control through points from Seamus Sweeney, Michael Little and Aidan Kelly, before Mullin struck his second goal on the hour mark after reacting quickest after McGarel’s shot was spilt.

Aidan Woods added another point soon after, and although Tyrone were reduced to 14 men following Kiefer Morgan’s late red card, they comfortably saw out the closing stages.

Geoghegan added a final free for Louth, but Tyrone’s greater efficiency in front of goal proved decisive as they secured an eight-point win.

Louth will look to take positives from a spirited display as they prepare for next weekend’s trip to Enniskillen to face Fermanagh.

Full time: Louth 0-16 Tyrone 2-18

Louth: Conor Clancy (c); Aaron McGuinness, John Casey (0-1), Stephen Kettle; Seán Hodgins, Peter Fortune, Michael O’Shea; Conor Murphy (0-2), Thomas McCreesh; Seaghan Conneely, Darren Geoghegan (0-11, 6f, 1 '65), Ciarán McKelvey (0-1); Paddy Lynch, Seán Flynn (0-1), Sam Phelan.

Subs: Seán Magill on for Sam Phelan (52’), Fionn Cumiskey on for Paddy Lynch (63’), Mikey Gormley on for Seaghan Conneely (64’).

Tyrone: Conor McElhatton; Seán Paul McKernan, Oran McKee, Cian McGuigan; Seamus Sweeney (0-1), Fionn Devlin, Feargal Donaghy (0-1); Ciarán Magill (0-3), James McCann; Aidan Woods (0-1), Aidan Kelly (c) (0-6, 2f, 1 '65), Rory Weir (0-1); Michael Little (0-4), Kiefer Morgan, Niall McGarel.

Subs: Pierce Mullin (2-0) on for Feargal Donaghy (HT), Anthony Crossan on for Rory Weir (53’), Liam Griffiths on for James McCann (0-1) (60’), Cahir Monroe on for Aidan Woods (70’), Cillian Kerr on for Niall McGarel (72’).

Referee: Peter Owens (Down).