Louth's Nicky Rackard campaign comes to an end against Westerners
Louth 0-19 Mayo 3-22
Louth’s Nicky Rackard Cup came to an end with defeat against Mayo at a rain-soaked St. Brigid’s Park, Dowdallshill, on Saturday afternoon.
The Wee County were hit with the worst possible start after just 30 seconds when David Kenny slipped Eoin Delaney through, and he fired low to the corner of the net past Conor Clancy.
Louth responded well in the opening quarter through the free-taking and accuracy from play of sharpshooter Darren Geoghegan.
The Naomh Moninne clubman hit four early points, including a fine effort from distance, to help the Reds draw level at 0-3 to 1-0 inside the opening 10 minutes.
But Mayo’s greater cutting edge quickly began to show as Daniel Huane and Cormac Phillips edged the visitors back in front before captain Clancy was forced into an excellent low save to deny another Mayo goal.
The warning signs were there, and Mayo struck for a second goal on 13 minutes when Corey Scahill’s initial effort was well saved by Clancy, but Adrian Phillips reacted quickest to the rebound and buried the ball from close range to leave it 2-4 to 0-5.
That goal gave Mayo real control, and they pushed on through scores from Eoin Delaney, Ryan Duffy and Shane Boland.
Geoghegan continued to keep Louth ticking over from placed balls despite appearing to struggle with a hamstring issue midway through the half.
Seán Flynn chipped in with two useful points late in the opening period, but Mayo carried a deserved 10-point advantage into the break after dominating possession and moving the ball sharply through the hands despite the worsening conditions.
Half time: Louth 0-9 Mayo 2-13
Any hopes of a Louth comeback were dented further immediately after the restart as Shane O’Brien and Daniel Huane tagged on quickfire points.
The rain continued to bucket down, and while Geoghegan, heavily strapped, battled on bravely for the hosts, Mayo always looked comfortable.
Eoin Delaney continued to cause problems and stretched the lead with a pair of scores before Cormac Phillips added another from a 65.
Louth did show spirit in the closing quarter as Ciarán McKelvey landed an excellent point from distance before Geoghegan, Rickey McKeown, Mark Gahan, Peter Fortune and Andrew La Touche-Cosgrave all raised white flags.
However, Mayo’s third goal ended any lingering doubt about the result as Eoin Delaney again found the net after another sharp attacking move.
There was further concern for Louth late on when McKelvey had to be helped from the field following an injury.
Mayo comfortably saw out the closing stages to secure their semi-final place, where they will now face New York.
Full time: Louth 0-19 Mayo 3-22
Louth: Conor Clancy (c); Seán Hodgins, Aaron McGuinness, John Casey; Peter Fortune (0-1), Andrew La Touche-Cosgrave (0-1), Jake McNamara; Stephen Kettle, Michael O’Shea; Darren Geoghegan (0-10, 8f), James Costello, Seán Flynn (0-3, 1f); Mark Gahan (0-2), Seaghan Conneely, Ciarán McKelvey (0-1).
Subs: James Murphy for Michael O’Shea (HT), Seán Magill for Seán Hodgins (44'), Fionn Cumiskey for Seaghan Conneely (44’), Rickey McKeown (0-1) on for James Costello (51'), Sam Phelan for Ciarán McKelvey (67').
Mayo: Bobby Douglas (0-1, 1f); Oisin Overs, Oisin Greally, Connor Murray; Conal Hession, David Kenny, Shane O’Brien (0-1); Daniel Huane (0-2), Corey Scahill (0-1); Cormac Phillips (0-6, 2f, 2 65s), Eoin Delaney(2-6), Adrian Phillips (1-1); Fionn Delaney, Shane Boland (0-3), Ryan Duffy (0-1).
Subs: David Delaney (0-1) for Fionn Delaney (40), Seán Kenny for Daniel Huane (49), John Hearty for Corey Scahill (60’), Kevin Duffy for Bobby Douglas (62’).
Referee: Aidan McAleer (Donegal).