Louth show promise despite defeat to Ernsiders 

Louth senior footballers gave a spirited performance in their first outing of the season as they fell short against Fermanagh in the Jimmy McGeough Cup at McGeough Park, Haggardstown, on Saturday evening.

Despite the result, Wee County's start to 2025 was promising with manager Ger Brennan’s decision to field several players from last season’s U20 panel—such as Cameron Maher, Tadhg McDonnell, and Liam Flynn—paid off, with the young guns showing they could compete at this level.  

The game also provided valuable experience with the new rules, as both teams experimented by bringing goalkeepers outfield at various stages during the three players in each half rule.

The match was competitive from the start as Louth’s Pearse Grimes-Murphy opened the scoring in the fourth minute, but Fermanagh quickly responded, with Jack Largo-Ellis and Oisin Murphy finding their range. 

The first major moment came in the 10th minute when Conor Love pounced on a rebound off the upright to fire Fermanagh’s first goal past Louth goalkeeper Tiernan Markey. 

The Wee County kept themselves in the contest with frees from Kyle McElroy, while Tadhg McDonnell’s two-point effort in the 26th minute gave the home crowd something to cheer about. 

Despite some near misses, including a fine save by Markey and several wides from both sides, the halftime scoreline read 1-6 to 0-7 in Fermanagh’s favour. 

(Geraldines GFC players, Seán McEneaney, Gareth Neacy, Matt Corcoran, and Dan Corcoran)

Half time: Louth 0-7 Fermanagh 1-6

The second half saw Louth come out firing with substitute Paul Mathews and Liam Jackson registering early points, and a two-pointer from Kyle McElroy briefly put the Reds ahead in the 46th minute. 

Youngster Liam Flynn also added his name to the scoresheet and the Mattock Rangers clubman showed maturity beyond his years with an excellent performance. 

However, Fermanagh responded with precision and Garvan Jones was instrumental in the closing stages, scoring a crucial two-pointer and a flurry of late points to wrestle back control. 

A missed goal chance for Louth in the 69th minute could have levelled the game but Fermanagh sealed the win with an injury-time goal from Jack Largo-Ellis. 

Full time: Louth 0-14 Fermanagh 2-14 

Louth’s attention now turns to their Allianz National League opener against Westmeath in two weeks and manager Brennan will take heart from the effort displayed by his side.

Louth: Tiernan Markey; Ciarán Cluskey-Kelly, Dan Corcoran (c), Cameron Maher; Daire Nally, James Stewart, Tadhg McDonnell (0-2); Fergal Malone Peter McStravick; Conor Branigan (0-2), Liam Jackson (0-1), Pearse Grimes-Murphy (0-1); Kyle McElroy (0-5, 5f), Daire McConnon; Liam Flynn (0-1, 1f). 

Subs: Shane Matthew (HT), Paul Mathews (HT) (0-1), Seán McEneaney (45’), Val Leddy (45’), Gareth Neacy (45’), Mark Corcoran (45’). 

Fermanagh: Ross Bogue; Lee Cullen, Oisin Smyth, Luke Flanagan; Jonny Cassidy, Declan McCusker (c), Jack Largo-Ellis (1-1); Ryan Lyons, Darragh McGurn; Shane McGullion, Aodghan Kelm, Paul Breen; Garvan Jones (0-2, 1f), Oisin Murphy (0-5, 1f), Conor Love (1-2). 

Subs: Aaron Jones (0-2), Fionn O'Brien, Ger O'Keeffe

Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan).