Brave Louth come up short against Rossies

Louth’s brave effort came up just short against Roscommon in the Allianz National Hurling League, Division Three, Round Four at a wet PPFS Darver this afternoon.

The Wee County made full use of the elements in the opening half but were left to rue a number of missed chances that ultimately proved costly.

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The home side fired two early wides before Conor Murphy opened the scoring in the fifth minute. Roscommon replied through Eoin Kiernan and edged ahead when Conor Morris converted a close-range free.

Darren Geoghegan levelled from a free on 14 minutes, and despite further Roscommon frees from Morris, Louth responded well.

Peter Fortune struck a fine point before Andrew Le Touche-Cosgrave marked his home debut with a tidy finish to level the game at 0-4 each.

Geoghegan’s second free pushed the Reds back in front, and Murphy added an excellent sideline effort as the hosts built a two-point advantage.

Morris’ final free of the half left it a one-point at the break, the gap could have been greater but for several wides with the wind.

Half time: Louth 0-6 Roscommon 0-5

Roscommon made their move after the restart as Morris quickly levelled from distance before Seán Canning, influential throughout, sent the visitors ahead.

Points from Cian Murray and another from Canning stretched the gap to three. To their credit, Louth refused to let the game slip. Geoghegan struck twice from play to close the margin to a single point.

However, the Rossies answered each time with Canning adding another, before captain Conor Mulry chipped in from the corner, and Morris extended the lead from a free.

John Casey kept Louth in contention, and two late frees from Ciarán McKelvey reduced the deficit to just one entering the closing stages.

Louth pushed for a leveller, but Roscommon finished the stronger as Paddy Fallon pointed before Canning’s fifth of the afternoon sealed the win.

It was a spirited display from the Wee County, who matched their opponents for long spells and showed real determination throughout. Louth now turn their attention to next weekend’s home meeting with Donegal.

Full time: Louth 0-11 Roscommon 0-14

Louth: Conor Clancy (c); Stephen Kettle, Aaron McGuinness, Seán Hodgins; John Casey (0-1), Peter Fortune (0-1), Michael O'Shea; Darren Geogheghan (0-4, 2f), Seán Flynn; Andrew La Touche Cosgrave (0-1), Seaghan Conneely; Kyle Rafferty; Conor Murphy (0-2), Ciarán McKelvey (0-2, 2f), Mark Gahan.

Subs: James Costello on for Kyle Rafferty (40'), Seán Magill on for Mark Gahan (56').

Roscommon: Enda Lawless; Eamon Mulry, James Dillon, Micheál Hussey; Keelan Ryan, Tommy Morris, Darragh Finn; Conor Morris (0-6, 6f), Ronan Finn; Cian Murray (0-1), Eoin Kiernan (0-1), Seán Canning (0-5); Conor Mulry (c) (0-1), Adam Donnelly, Liam Óg Coyle.

Subs: Paddy Fallon (0-1) on for Eoin Kiernan (27'), Brian Lawlor on for Liam Óg Coyle (62').

Referee: Seaghan Walsh (Portlaoise).