Louth undone by Tyrone in Nickey Rackard Cup clash
Louth 2-14 Tyrone 1-22
Louth’s early goal burst wasn’t enough to prevent defeat as Tyrone came from behind to win in the Nickey Rackard Cup, Third Round tie at a sunny St. Brigid’s Park, Dowdallshill this afternoon.
The Wee County made a dream start despite playing against a slight breeze as Seaghan Conneely struck for a goal inside 45 seconds and Darren Geoghegan followed with a long-range free.
The home side were firmly in control at 2-1 to 0-1 after Conor Murphy added a second goal with six minutes on the clock.
Further points from Geoghegan, Mark Gahan and Seán Flynn stretched the Louth lead, but Tyrone gradually worked their way into the game.
Scores from Aidan Kelly and Seán-Paul McKernan reduced the gap before McKernan raised a green flag to bring the sides closer.
Tyrone continued to build momentum, with Michael Little and Kiefer Morgan among the scorers as they chipped away at Louth’s advantage.
Although Geoghegan kept the Reds ticking over from placed balls, the game turned late in the half when Conor Murphy was sent off on 34 minutes.
With the extra man, Tyrone finished the half strongly as Little edged them in front from a free, and Morgan added another point to leave it a two-point game at the break.
Half time: Louth 2-9 Tyrone 1-14.
Tyrone carried that momentum into the second half, adding early points through Ciarán Magill and Little to extend their lead.
Louth responded through Gahan and Geoghegan but found it difficult to close the gap as the visitors kept the scoreboard moving.
Geoghegan’s accuracy, including a late 65, brought Louth back to within three points entering the final stages, but Tyrone remained composed.
Further scores from Magill and Little ensured they stayed in control, but any chance of a late comeback faded when Louth were reduced to 13 men after Stephen Kettle was sent off late on.
Tyrone saw out the closing minutes to secure the win and make it three wins from three, while Louth fell to their second defeat of the campaign.
Louth: Conor Clancy (c); Seán Hodgins, Aaron McGuinness, John Casey; Peter Fortune, Andrew La Touche Cosgrave, Jake McNamara; Stephen Kettle, Michael O’Shea; Conor Murphy (1-1), Darren Geoghegan (0-9), Seán Flynn (0-1), Mark Gahan (0-3), Seaghan Conneely (1-0), Ciarán McKelvey.
Subs: Rickey McKeown on for McKelvey (51), Thomas McCreesh on for Seaghan Conneely (51’), Fionn Cumiskey on for Mark Gahan (64’), Sam Phelan on for John Casey (67’).
Tyrone: Conor McElhatton; Dean Rafferty, Oran McKee, James McCann; Seamus Sweeney, Fionn Devlin, Feargal Donaghy; Ciaran Magill (0-4), Seán-Paul McKernan (1-1); Aidan Kelly (0-3), Kiefer Morgan (0-3), Turlough Mullin (0-1); Rory Weir, Michael Little (0-7), Aidan Woods (0-1).
Subs: Cormac Munroe on for Seán-Paul McKernan (45’), Conall McKee on for Turlough Mullin (58’).
Referee: Derek Argue (Cavan).