Burns Leads Louth to Safety with Crucial Win Over Meath
Ardee News and Sport – Burns Leads Louth to Safety with Crucial Win Over Meath
Louth ensured their Division 2 survival with a commanding first-half performance that secured a vital victory over neighbours Meath. The win not only confirmed their status in the division for next season but also denied the Royals a shot at promotion.
With Down also emerging victorious, Ger Brennan’s side survived on a head-to-head ruling, as both teams finished level on points. Missing key forward Sam Mulroy, Louth turned in an impressive attacking display, with Ryan Burns stepping up to the free-taking role in style. The Hunterstown sharpshooter was in sublime form, finishing with nine points, including five frees and two crucial two-pointers.
Early Control and Key Turning Point
Meath, playing into the wind in the first half, opted for a cautious approach, holding onto possession to limit Louth’s early attacks. While the strategy worked momentarily, their slow build-up frustrated their own efforts to make inroads.
The game’s pivotal moment came from a short kick-out, with Sean Reynolds intercepting a Billy Hogan restart and setting up his former Under-20 teammate Kieran McArdle. McArdle, who had already scored earlier in the campaign against Down, produced a clinical low drive to rattle the net and give Louth the confidence boost they needed.
Burns’ Brilliance and Louth’s Shooting Power
Meath looked to Jordan Morris for inspiration, and while he kept them within reach, Louth’s superior accuracy proved decisive. Without Mulroy, the home side countered with more intent, displaying greater fluidity in attack.
Eoghan Frayne kept Meath ticking over with a two-point free, but substitute Conor Branigan’s two two-pointers stretched Louth’s lead to eleven before the break. Meath, lacking experience and sharpness in front of goal, struggled to respond in the second half.
Meath’s Fightback Falls Short
Robbie Brennan’s men came out strongly after halftime, with three quick scores from Jack Flynn, Frayne, and Aaron Lynch reducing the deficit. However, an injury to Morris delayed the match, adding to the tension as both teams anxiously monitored results elsewhere.
Despite having the wind advantage, Meath couldn’t capitalize from long range. Burns remained composed, guiding Louth to victory with four second-half frees. His efficiency from the dead ball ensured Louth crossed the finish line in control, securing another famous win in Inniskeen.
Match Summary & Key Performers
Louth: Niall McDonnell; Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny, Emmet Carolan (0-01); Daire Nally, Peter Lynch (0-01), Conall McKeever; Tommy Durnin (0-03, 1tp), Fearghal Malone; Andy McDonnell, Ciaran Downey, Paul Mathews; Kieran McArdle (1-01), Sean Reynolds, Ryan Burns (0-09, 0-05f, 2tpf).
Subs: Conor Branigan (0-04, 2tp) for A McDonnell (13), Dylan McKeown for Reynolds (45), Dara McDonnell for Malone (57), Liam Flynn for Downey (66).
Meath: Billy Hogan; Seamus Lavin, Sean Rafferty, Donal Keogan; Eoin Harkin, Brian O’Halloran, Ciaran Caulfield; Jack Flynn (0-02), Bryan Menton; Conor Duke, Jack Kinlough, Ruair Kinsella; Eoghan Frayne (0-04, 0-02f, 1tpf), Jordan Morris (0-08, 2tp, 0-02f, 1tpf), Aaron Lynch (0-01).
Subs: Matt Costello for Duke (44), Keith Curtis (0-02, 1tp) for Kinlough (51), Shane Walsh for Kinsella (60), Cathal Hickey for Lynch (60), Jason Scully for Harkin (68).
Referee: Kieran Eannetta (Tyrone).
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