Kerry Dominate as Louth Secure Home Preliminary Quarter-Final
Kerry secured the top spot in Group 4 with a commanding 14-point victory over Louth at O’Moore Park.
Despite the heavy loss, Louth managed to clinch a home preliminary quarter-final spot next weekend.
Louth’s spirited performance showed improvement, but Kerry’s dominance was never in doubt. Goals from Diarmuid O’Connor and Tadhg Morley sealed the win early on. Louth, however, displayed resilience and strategic poise to maintain a favorable score difference against Monaghan.
Kerry’s bright start was reminiscent of last season’s one-sided affair, with Joe Connor opening the scoring. Louth made significant changes to their lineup, reflecting a more competitive edge compared to their performance 12 months ago.
Donal McKenny’s relentless effort epitomized Louth’s determination, although Kerry’s superior scoring, led by David and Paudie Clifford, kept them ahead. Kerry’s relentless pressure and scoring prowess continued in the second half, with contributions from multiple players.
Louth’s Craig Lennon missed a crucial goal opportunity, sapping their confidence, while Kerry’s Tom O’Sullivan and David Clifford rounded off a comprehensive performance. Despite the loss, Louth wisely focused on securing their spot in the next stage of the championship.
Kerry Team:
Shane Ryan; Tadhg Morley (1-00), Jason Foley, Tom O’Sullivan (0-01); Paul Murphy (0-01), Gavin White, Brian Ó Beaglaoich (0-03); Diarmuid O’Connor (1-01), Joe O’Connor (0-02); Tony Brosnan (0-01), Paudie Clifford (0-02), Dara Moynihan (0-01); David Clifford (0-07, 5f), Seán O’Shea (0-02, 1f), Paul Geaney.
Substitutes:
Cillian Burke for Brosnan (55), Killian Spillane for Geaney (55), Barry Dan O’Sullivan for J O’Connor (67), Mike Breen for Morley (67), Dylan Casey for Foley (67).
Louth Team:
Niall McDonnell; Dan Corcoran, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny (1-00); Bevan Duffy (0-01), Conall McKeever, Anthony Williams; Tommy Durnin, Ciarán Byrne (0-01); Paul Mathews (0-01), Ciarán Keenan (0-01), Craig Lennon (0-01); Ryan Burns, Sam Mulroy (0-03, 2f), Conor Grimes (0-02).
Substitutes:
Leonard Grey for Lennon (50), Conor Early for Mathews (52), Tom Jackson for Burns (60), Liam Jackson for Byrne (67), Peter McStravick for Duffy (67).
Referee: Conor Lane (Cork)