“Louth Produce Statement Performance to See Off Tyrone in Ardee”

Allianz National Football League – Division 2 Round 4

From DEFY Páirc Mhuire, Ardee

Louth 1-15
Tyrone 0-13

Louth delivered one of their most complete performances in recent years to secure a five-point victory over Tyrone in front of a sell-out crowd at DEFY Páirc Mhuire on Sunday afternoon.

Building on the momentum generated in the second half against Meath, Gavin Devlin’s side made a blistering start. Kieran McArdle showed sharp instincts to create the opening opportunity and, from the resulting kick-out by Niall Morgan, intercepted cleverly before releasing Ciarán Downey. Downey kept his composure to execute a delicate dink finish over Morgan and into the net — the perfect start for the hosts.

Darragh Canavan responded with two early scores for Tyrone to leave it 1-1 to 0-2 after ten minutes, but Louth were playing with real purpose.

Conor Grimes, marking his 100th appearance in red, struck a superb two-pointer on 15 minutes, using the breeze to his advantage as Louth attacked the road-side end. Michael McKernan and Ciarán Daly replied for Malachy O’Rourke’s men, who were patient in possession and efficient despite facing the wind.

All-Star Sam Mulroy was heavily involved throughout the half and produced a moment of brilliance on 23 minutes, dummying one way before shifting onto his left and drilling over a sensational two-pointer. Tyrone stayed in touch with further scores, including two more from Canavan, but a crucial Dara McDonnell two-pointer and a Mulroy free ensured Louth carried a three-point lead into the break.

Half-time: Louth 1-8 Tyrone 0-8.

Despite the strong first-half display, there was understandable concern among the home support with the stiff Ardee breeze to come. Those fears, however, proved unfounded.

Louth began the second period impressively, with Conor Grimes finishing off an excellent move initiated by Ryan Burns, whose sharp in-to-out running created the opening. Mulroy and Morgan traded placed balls before Canavan and Seanie O’Donnell narrowed the gap to two points with 20 minutes remaining.

Tommy Durnin was introduced but was soon shown a black card following an off-the-ball incident, temporarily reducing Louth to 14 men. Far from unsettling them, the setback seemed to galvanise the hosts. They managed the game superbly, controlling possession and tempo at key moments.

Mulroy punished a Tyrone infringement with a close-range free before Craig Lennon surged forward to land a vital score, stretching the advantage to 1-12 to 0-11 entering the final quarter.

Canavan and Darren McCurry kept Tyrone within touching distance, but Mulroy steadied matters with another free. Lennon then produced arguably the score of the half, driving directly at the Tyrone defence before splitting the posts with authority.

A late Mulroy free provided the insurance score as Louth closed out the contest with maturity and composure to claim another significant victory on home soil.

Full-time: Louth 1-15 Tyrone 0-13.

A special mention to Conor Grimes on reaching the milestone of 100 appearances for the Louth senior footballers — a fitting way to mark the occasion.

Next up for Louth is a trip to Kingspan Breffni to face Cavan on Saturday 28th at 5:15pm, where continued support will be invaluable.

Louth Team: Niall McDonnell; Padraic Tinnelly, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny; Tadhg McDonnell, Emmett Carolan, Craig Lennon (0-2); Dara McDonnell (0-2, 1tp), Conor Early; Paul Mathews, Sam Mulroy (0-7, 5f & 1tp), Conor Grimes (0-3, 1tp); Kieran McArdle (0-1), Ciaran Downey (1-0), Ryan Burns.

Subs: Conall McKeever for Paul Mathews (45’), Tommy Durnin for Dara McDonnell (49’), Eoghan Callaghan for Dermot Campbell (55’).

Tyrone Team: Niall Morgan (0-2, 1f & 1’45’); Cormac Quinn, Aidan Clarke, Michael Rafferty; Ronan Cassidy (0-1), Frank Burns, Michael McKernan (0-1); Brian Kennedy, Conn Kilpatrick; Ben Cullen, Seanie O’Donnell (0-1), Ciaran Daly (0-1); Darragh Canavan (0-6, 2f), Mattie Donnelly, Eoin McElholm.

Subs: Darren McCurry (0-1) for Eoin McElholm (45’), Rory Brennan for Frank Burns (47’), Ruairi Canavan for Ben Cullen (52’), Ethan Jordan for Darragh Canavan (55’), Ruairi McCullagh for Mattie Donnelly (64’).

Referee: David Murnane (Cork)

Photos thanks to Ciaran Culligan and Sportsfile.

Reaction from Gavin Devlin and Conor Grimes on our YOUTUBE.

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