Louth suffer league defeat to clinical Cork

Louth suffered a five-point Allianz National Football League, Division Two defeat against a clinical Cork side at the Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda this afternoon.

The Wee County battled right until the end, but they were ultimately undone by Cork’s greater accuracy and a decisive first-half spell.

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Louth handed senior debuts to defender Padraic Tinnelly and goalkeeper Tiernan Markey, both members of last season’s All-Ireland U20 finalist side.

Despite an energetic start, the Reds struggled to convert early possession into scores, with Craig Lennon and Ciarán Downey firing wides in the opening minutes.

Captain Sam Mulroy, finally opened the scoring with a fine free from a tight angle, but Luke Fahey quickly replied for Cork. The sides traded scores through Mulroy and Steven Sherlock before Cork began to assert greater control.

Points from Tommy Walsh and Chris Óg Jones edged the visitors in front, while Mark Cronin’s influence grew steadily in midfield.

Mulroy went close with a low effort that drifted just wide, and Cork immediately punished the miss. Breaking quickly upfield, Jones was left unmarked, rounded the goalkeeper and finished calmly into the net.

Although Mulroy struck an excellent long-range point to keep Louth in touch, late scores from Cronin, Brian Hurley and Sherlock stretched the margin to eight by the interval.

Half-time: Louth 0-5 Cork 1-10.

Louth responded positively after the restart as Downey and Mulroy reduced the deficit before the Naomh Mairtin clubman continued to lead by example and converted a close-range free and a ’45.

Half-time substitute Tadhg McDonnell added a well-taken point to bring the gap down to three as the crowd believed that a comeback was possible.

However, Cork showed their experience at this crucial stage when Sean McDonnell and Sherlock steadied matters with well-worked scores.

Sherlock remained deadly from placed balls and punished every indiscretion. His late points restored Cork’s cushion and effectively ended Louth’s hopes.

Downey’s fine two-pointer at the end offered brief encouragement, but Cork responded immediately.

Even a late goal from Dermot Campbell proved little more than consolation. The defender put a long, high delivery into the area that evaded everyone and dropped into the net.

Cork closed out the contest with composure to record a deserved victory. For Louth, there were positives in the performances of Mulroy and the young debutants; however, missed chances and lapses at key moments proved costly.

With a challenging trip to Croke Park to face rivals Meath next, Gavin Devlin’s side will know that greater consistency will be required.

Full time: Louth 1-12 Cork 1-17.

Louth: Tiernan Markey; Padraic Tinnelly, Dermot Campbell (1-0), Donal McKenny; Eoghan Callaghan, Peter Lynch, Craig Lennon (0-1); Dara McDonnell, Conor Early; Paul Mathews, Sam Mulroy (c) (0-6, 4f, 1 '45), Conor Grimes (0-1); Ciarán Keenan, Ciarán Downey (0-3, 1tp), Ryan Burns.

Subs: Tadhg McDonnell (0-1) on for Eoghan Callaghan (HT), Seán Callaghan on for Paul Mathews (44'), Daire Nally on for Conor Grimes (54'), Conall McCaul on for Ciarán Keenan (58'), Seán Reynolds on for Conor Early (62').

Cork: Patrick Doyle; Maurice Shanley, Daniel O'Mahony (c), Tommy Walsh (0-1); Brian O'Driscoll, Matthew Taylor, Luke Fahey (0-1); Colm O'Callaghan, Seán Walsh; Paul Walsh, Seán McDonnell (0-2), Steven Sherlock (0-8); Mark Cronin (0-2), Brian Hurley (0-2, 1tp), Chris Óg Jones (1-1).

Subs: Rory Maguire on for Matthew Taylor (45'), Ian Maguire on for Seán Walsh (48'), Ruairi Deane on for Paul Walsh (53'), Dara Sheedy on for Mark Cronin (58'), Conor Daly on for Brian Hurley (68'), Jacob O'Driscoll on for Brian O'Driscoll (69').

Referee: Anthony Nolan (Wicklow).