Louth crowned Leinster Champions for first time since 1957

Louth senior footballers have finally reached the promised land again after nearly seven decades of heartbreak and near misses.

In front of a roaring crowd of 65,786 the Wee County edged out old rivals Meath in a pulsating Leinster SFC final to claim the provincial title for the first time since 1957.

This was not a perfect performance. It was gritty. It was frantic at times. But it was brave, full of character, and in the end, victorious.

READ NEXT: GALLERY: Louth supporters on their way to the Leinster SFC final

Craig Lennon’s late point sealed the deal, but this was a day full of heroes in red. Sam Mulroy led the charge with 1-7, including a clutch two-pointer late on.

Ryan Burns and Lennon also found the net, with Burns causing trouble all game before coming off in the second half.

Bevan Duffy, making his first start of the season, slotted in nicely and kicked an early point to settle nerves.

But it was the goals that kept Louth alive, especially in a first half where Meath bossed long spells.

Lennon’s goal just before half time was a lifeline, a rocket into the top corner and it gave Louth belief they badly needed.

At one point in the first half, Meath hit seven points in a row and looked to be pulling away. But Louth refused to fold.

In the second half, they kept their composure. Burns kicked a two-pointer. Mulroy landed crucial frees and a 45. Downey and Grimes chipped in.

And even after Matthew Costello’s goal put Meath a point up with eight minutes to go, the response was calm and controlled.

Mulroy’s two-pointer nudged Louth back in front, and Lennon’s late effort made sure there was no sting in the tail from Meath.

There were nerves, of course. Missed chances, wides from Mulroy and Downey. But the game management in the closing minutes was outstanding.

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Daire Nally, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny; Conal McKeever, Peter Lynch, Craig Lennon (1-1); Tommy Durnin, Andy McDonnell; Bevan Duffy (0-1), Ciarán Downey (0-1), Conor Grimes (0-1); Kieran McArdle, Sam Mulroy (c) (1-7, pen, 2f, 1tp, 1 45), Ryan Burns (1-3, 1tp).

Subs: Ciarán Keenan for Kieran McCardle (45'), Paul Mathews for Andy McDonnell (47'), Ciarán Byrne for Ryan Burns (62'), Dara McDonnell for Bevan Duffy (65'), Emmet Carolan for Daire Nally (70')

Meath: Billy Hogan (0-4, 2tpf); Seamus Lavin, Seán Rafferty, Brian O’Halloran; Donal Keogan (0-1), Seán Coffey (0-1), Ciarán Caulfield; Jack Flynn, Bryan Menton; Conor Duke, Ruairí Kinsella (0-4, 1tp), Keith Curtis (0-1); Matthew Costello (1-1), James Conlon (0-1), Eoghan Frayne (c) (0-4, 3f).

Subs: Jordan Morris (0-1) for Keith Curtis (45'), Shane Walsh for Conor Duke (53'), Aaron Lynch for Ruairi Kinsella (62'), Daithí McGowan for James Conlon (68').

Referee: Martin NcNally (Monaghan).