Louth advance to Leinster final

Louth booked their place in the Leinster Senior Football Championship final for the second consecutive year, a feat not achieved since 1958, with a four-point victory over Kildare in the semi-final at Croke Park on Sunday afternoon. 

The Wee County controlled the semi-final affair led by inspirational captain Sam Mulroy, who contributed seven points and a superb performance from Conor Grimes. 

The early stages of the game saw both sides exchange points in a tactical battle, with Kildare edging ahead 0-4 to 0-3 after eighteen minutes.

Taking the lead from the 22nd minute the Reds maintained their advantage throughout the match. Mulroy and Grimes led the scoring, with contributions from Ciarán Downey and Craig Lennon, who delivered crucial scores when needed.

By halftime, Ger Brennan's side had established a commanding lead, heading into the break with a four-point advantage.  The score line read Louth 0-10 to Kildare 0-6

Half Time

As the second half unfolded, Kildare mounted a spirited comeback and were determined to claw their way back into the game. 

The return of Ciarán Byrne in the second half, after a lengthy injury absence, provided a welcome boost to Louth's lineup.

Kildare struggled in front of the goal which ultimately proved to be their downfall, as Louth's defence held firm under pressure. 

Despite the Lilywhite's efforts to mount a comeback in the second half, spurred on by Kevin Feely and Darragh Kirwan's contributions but the Wee County remained unbroken.

Louth held a 0-13 to 0-10 lead with less than fifteen minutes left on the clock, before a late surge sparked by Mulroy, Lennon, and Tommy Durnin extended their cushion and sealed the victory.

Although Kildare fought admirably until the final whistle, their efforts fell short as the Wee County held firm to emerge 0-17 to 0-13 winners. 

With a place secured in the Leinster SFC final against Dublin, Louth now stands on the brink of Leinster championship glory.

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Donal McKenny, Dan Corcoran, Peter Lynch; Niall Sharkey (0-1), Conal McKeever, Anthony Williams; Tommy Durnin (0-2), Conor Grimes (0-2); Ciarán Downey (0-1), Ciarán Keenan, Craig Lennon (0-2); Paul Mathews (0-1), Sam Mulroy (0-7, 0-4f, 0-1 45), Ryan Burns (0-1). 

Substitutes: Leonard Grey for Sharkey (52), Conor Early for Burns (55), Bevan Duffy for Corcoran (57), Ciarán Byrne for Mathews (68), Ciarán Murphy for Downey (72).

Kildare: Mark Donnellan; Mick O’Grady, Shea Ryan, Ryan Burke; Paddy McDermott, Eoin Doyle, Jack Sargent; Aaron Masterson, Kevin O’Callaghan; Shane Farrell (0-3, 0-3f), Darragh Kirwan (0-2), Alex Beirne; Kevin Feely (0-4, 0-2f), Niall Kelly, Daniel Flynn (0-1).

Substitutes: Barry Kelly for Beirne (41), Paddy Woodgate (0-2, 0-2f) for Niall Kelly (50), Tony Archbold (0-1) for Burke (55), Luke Killian for O’Callaghan (59), Shane O’Sullivan for Masterson (67).

Referee: Conor Lane (Cork).