Cork Ease Relegation Fears with Vital Victory Over Louth
Ardee News and Sport – Cork Ease Relegation Fears with Vital Victory Over Louth
Cork 1-23 (1-4-15) Louth 0-18 (0-6-6)
Cork footballers took a crucial step towards Division 2 survival with a convincing eight-point win over Louth at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. The victory lifts Cork out of the relegation zone and provides much-needed breathing space ahead of their final clash with Cavan.
Having spent Saturday night in one of the Division 2 relegation spots following Down’s win over Westmeath, Cork knew that another defeat would all but seal their fate. However, with a dominant first-half performance and a rock-solid display in the second, John Cleary’s side delivered when it mattered most.
First-Half Dominance
Cork established their authority early, racing into a 0-15 to 0-4 lead by half-time. Their dominance on Louth’s kick-outs proved decisive, with Colm O’Callaghan and Ian Maguire controlling the midfield battle.
The Rebels capitalized on errors from Louth, scoring four points from breaches of the new four-back rule and other infractions. Mark Cronin was instrumental, registering 0-6 in the first half, including a two-point free for a rule violation.
Louth struggled to respond, managing only two points in the final 20 minutes of the first half. A missed goal opportunity from Tom Jackson, whose shot was blocked by Sean Brady, further compounded their woes.
Cork Killer Blow
Cork extended their lead early in the second half with an unanswered 1-2. Colm O’Callaghan’s goal, following a well-worked move from the midfield, put the game beyond Louth’s reach.
Although Louth’s talisman Sam Mulroy fought valiantly, scoring five two-pointers, the visitors never closed the gap beyond eight points. A late consolation from Ciaran Downey was not enough to salvage anything from the game.
Louth’s Battle for Survival
The defeat leaves Louth precariously positioned just above the drop zone. Ger Brennan’s side now faces a must-win clash against Meath to secure their Division 2 status and avoid falling into the Tailteann Cup.
Cork Next Challenge
Cork, meanwhile, can breathe a little easier but must secure at least a point against Cavan next weekend to guarantee safety and maintain their Sam Maguire Cup hopes.
Cork Scorers:
Mark Cronin (0-8, 2 tp frees, 0-1 free, 0-1 mark); Brian O’Driscoll (0-4, 2 tp); Colm O’Callaghan (1-1); Chris Óg Jones (0-3); Rory Maguire, Cathail O’Mahony (0-2 each); Mattie Taylor, Brian Hurley (free), Ian Maguire (0-1 each).
Louth Scorers:
Sam Mulroy (0-11, 4 tp, 1 tp free, 0-1 free); Ciaran Downey (tp), Andy McDonnell (0-2 each); Daire McKeown, Ciarán Brannigan, Sean Reynolds (0-1 each).
Teams:
Cork: M.A. Martin; N. Lordan, D. O’Mahony, S. Brady; M. Taylor, R. Maguire, B. O’Driscoll; I. Maguire, C. O’Callaghan; P. Walsh, E. McSweeney, S. McDonnell; M. Cronin, B. Hurley, C. Óg Jones.
Subs: S. Walsh for O’Callaghan (temporary, 1-4 mins); R. Deane for McDonnell (43); C. O’Mahony for Hurley (53); C. Cahalane for McSweeney (58); S. Walsh for I. Maguire (65, inj), H. O’Connor for Cronin (65).
Louth: N. McDonnell; D. McKenny, D. Campbell, D. Nally; L. Gray, P. Lynch, C. McKeever; T. Durnin, P. Matthews; D. McDonnell, S. Mulroy, A. McDonnell; T. Jackson, S. Reynolds, R. Burns.
Subs: C. Downey for Reynolds, E. Carolan for Gray (both HT); D. McKeown for Jackson (42); F. Malone for D. McDonnell (45); C. Brannigan for Burns (64).
Referee: T. Murphy (Galway).
