Louth Overcome Sticky Longford Challenge to Reach Third Successive Leinster U20 Final

Dalata Leinster U20 Football Championship Semi-Final

From Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford

Louth 0-18
Longford 0-7

Louth booked their place in a third consecutive Leinster U20 Final with a commanding 11-point victory over Longford at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday afternoon.

Louth made a blistering start and immediately set the tone for the contest. Tony McDonnell opened with a superb two-pointer before Conor Mac Criosta added a point. Goalkeeper Tiernan Markey then landed an outstanding two-point free from beyond the 45′ to push Louth five clear.

Despite a response from Longford through Paddy Mollahan and a two-pointer from Luke Donnelly, Louth remained on top. They could have been further ahead, with Shane Lennon going agonisingly close to a goal.

Longford enjoyed a brief spell of momentum, narrowing the gap to two points, but Louth responded well. A goal chance for Pearse Grimes-Murphy was denied before Tadhg Devaney steadied matters with a point.

At the other end, Cormac Flynn kept Longford in touch, though Louth continued to look the more threatening side.

Louth began to assert full control as the half progressed. Scores from Grimes-Murphy, McDonnell (free) and Adam Gillespie (free) stretched the lead, with Louth dominating possession and territory.

By the interval, they had opened up a 0-10 to 0-4 advantage, reflecting their growing authority on the game.

Longford attempted to respond early in the second half, with Donnelly converting another two-point free to reduce the deficit. However, Louth quickly regained control.

A well-taken point from Conor Mac Criosta was followed by an excellent effort from McDonnell as Louth re-established their dominance.

This period effectively decided the contest. Louth hit a purple patch, with Grimes-Murphy and Mac Criosta both adding points to stretch the lead further.

Longford managed a reply through James Hagan, but Louth continued to dictate the tempo, with Devaney pushing the margin out to eight points entering the final quarter.

Any hopes of a Longford comeback were extinguished during this spell. A superb save from Markey denied a potential goal, preserving Louth’s commanding lead.

Moments later, Longford were reduced to 14 men following a red card for Cormac Flynn, leaving the hosts with an uphill battle.

Louth closed out the game professionally, with Seán Flynn adding a point before McDonnell converted two late frees to cap an impressive individual display.

There was no late drama as Louth comfortably saw out proceedings to secure a deserved victory and progression to another provincial final.

Full Time – Louth 0-18 Longford 0-7

Louth now await the winners of the other semi-final between Kildare and Meath, as they look to continue their impressive run in this competition.

Post-Match reaction from manager Fergal Reel is available to listen to on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Louth team: Tiernan Markey (0-2, 1tpf); Padraic Tinnelly, Micheal Reid, Daniel Craven; Michael McGlew, Cormac McKeown, Tadhg Devaney (0-2); Colm Hackett, Conor McGinty; Shane Lennon, Conor Mac Criosta (0-3), Pearse Grimes Murphy (0-3); Adam Gillespie (0-1, 1f), Sean Flynn (0-1), Tony McDonnell (0-6, 3f).

Subs: Keelin Martin for Michael McGlew (45’), Andrew O’Reilly for Adam Gillespie (46’), Cillian McQuillan for Pearse Grimes Murphy (54’), Donnacha Skinnader for Shane Lennon (56’), Niall Morgan for Micheal Reid (60’).

Longford team: Darragh Egan; Mark Cooney, Ronan Burke, Alan Mimnagh; Sean Egan, Colin Gilna, Conor McHugh; Sean Fagan, Max Gallagher; Luke Donnelly (0-4, 2tpf), Jamie Dorr, William McEntire; Cormac Flynn (0-1), Paddy Mollaghan (0-1, 1f), James Hagan (0-1, 1f).

Subs:- Peter Farrell for William McEntire (14’); Cian O’Donnell for Luke Donnelly (41’); Kevin Baskett for Paddy Mollaghan (43’); Shane Donohoe for Peter Farrell (48’); Daniel Galvin for M Gallagher (60+’).

Referee: Kevin Williamson (Offaly)

Photography by Lissette Carcamo