Darren Geoghegan
Ardee News and Sport – Darren Geoghegan
Fermanagh 1-08, Louth 0-16
Truagh Gaels, Emyvale – Louth emerged victorious in a hard-fought Allianz Hurling League Division 4 final against Fermanagh, thanks to a stellar performance from sharpshooter Darren Geoghegan. His impressive tally of 0-09, including four 65s, proved to be the difference in a game marked by difficult weather conditions and missed opportunities for both sides.
The game was a tense affair, with both teams struggling to capitalize on scoring chances, recording 15 wides each. Fermanagh, in particular, will rue their ten wides in the second half, especially as they had the advantage of the wind. Louth’s superior physicality ultimately proved decisive, with Fermanagh failing to convert five clear-cut goal chances.
Early Exchanges
Louth made a rapid start, with Peter Fortune opening the scoring within 20 seconds. However, Fermanagh had an early chance to take the lead when Jimmy Tormey set up Francis McBrien, but the shot drifted wide. Moments later, Tom Keenan struck the post, missing another golden opportunity for the Ernesiders.
McBrien leveled for Fermanagh from a free before Louth’s Mark Gahan restored their lead with a well-taken long-range effort. The Ulster side did manage to take the lead briefly, thanks to a well-worked goal from Sean Corrigan after good interplay with Tormey.
Gahan and Sean Conneely responded with points for Louth, but Corrigan struck again to maintain Fermanagh’s narrow lead. Then came Geoghegan’s first major influence on the game, as he fired over six consecutive points, including three from 65s, to swing the momentum firmly in Louth’s favor.
Despite another spurned goal chance from Tormey, who opted to pass rather than shoot, Fermanagh managed to stay in contention through another McBrien free. However, Louth’s 0-10 to 1-04 halftime lead was well deserved, with their accuracy keeping them ahead despite nine wides in the opening period.
Second Half Battle
Turning into the wind, Louth stretched their lead further with another free from Geoghegan. Fermanagh responded through McBrien, but a series of three wides in quick succession highlighted their struggles in front of goal.
Duffy’s two points for Fermanagh briefly narrowed the gap to two, but Louth’s bench provided crucial reinforcements, with Paddy Lynch and Geoghegan extending their advantage once more.
Fermanagh’s last real hope came in the 62nd minute when Keenan’s powerful effort flashed just wide. Moments later, Corrigan was denied by a brave stop from Louth goalkeeper and captain Conor Clancy. Those misses effectively ended Fermanagh’s challenge, as Louth saw out the game with further points from Sean Flynn and Geoghegan to seal a well-earned 0-16 to 1-08 victory.
Key Performers
For Louth, former Offaly senior player Leon Fox and Conor Quigley were immense throughout, providing a solid backbone in defense and midfield. Ryan Bogue and Caolan Duffy stood out for Fermanagh, but their team’s inability to convert goal chances proved costly.
Louth Team: Conor Clancy; John Casey, Conor Quigley, Stephen Ketttyles; Mark Gahan (0-02), Leon Fox, Aaron McGuinness; Ben Goss Kieran, Sean Hodgins; Conor Murphy, Thomas McCreesh, Peter Fortune (0-01); Darren Geoghegan (0-09, 4’65s, 3fs), Sean Flynn (0-01), Sean Conneely (0-01).
Subs: Paddy Lynch (0-01) for McCreesh (41), James Costello for Goss Kieran (50), Sam Phelan for Conneely (62), David Stephenson (0-01) for Murphy (65).
Fermanagh Team: Chris McKernan; Ronan McGurn, Rory Porteous, Odhran Johnston; Ultan O’Reilly, Ryan Bogue, Thomas Duane; Caolan Duffy, Ciaran Duffy; Tom Keenan, Francis McBrien (0-03,2fs), John Duffy (0-02, 1f); Cahir McManus, Sean Corrigan (1-01), Jimmy Tormey (0-01).
Subs: Danny Teague for Ciaran Duffy (38), Luca McCusker for McManus (40), JP McGarry for McBrien (54), Danann McKeogh for John Duffy (65).
Referee: Michael Connolly (Sligo).
