Late Flynn Deuce Breaks Louth Hearts in Fiery Meath Clash
By ArdeePost Reporter
Late Flynn Deuce Breaks Louth Hearts in Fiery Meath Clash
Louth Suffer Late Agony as Meath Snatch Dramatic Win
Louth were left heartbroken at Croke Park as a dramatic late two-point score from Jack Flynn saw Meath edge a fiery Allianz Football League Division 2 encounter on Friday night.
In a match that had everything — intensity, controversy, cards and momentum swings — the Royal County emerged 1-20 to 0-22 winners, with Flynn once again proving decisive in the dying seconds.
Flashpoint After Just Nine Seconds
Anyone questioning the intensity of the Meath-Louth rivalry got their answer almost immediately. Referee Brendan Griffin was forced to stop play after just nine seconds following a melee at the Hill 16 end.
Four black cards were issued before the game had even settled, with Meath defenders Seán Rafferty and Brian O’Halloran sent to the line alongside Louth’s Sam Mulroy and Ciarán Downey.
It set the tone for a bruising, ill-tempered contest that saw discipline stretched to the limit throughout.
Meath Dominate Midfield and Build Big Lead
Despite the early chaos, Meath settled quicker and began to impose themselves around the middle third. Ruairí Kinsella and Jordan Morris were central to the Royal County’s early control, while Jack Flynn and Bryan Menton dominated aerially.
After leading 0-07 to 0-06, Meath exploded into life midway through the first half. A superb Kinsella point on 23 minutes sparked a devastating scoring blitz that yielded 1-07 without reply.
The goal arrived when Kinsella burst through the heart of the Louth defence after a clever pass from Mathew Costello, driving the ball to the net to open up a commanding lead.
By half-time, Meath had surged 1-15 to 0-07 ahead, having completely dismantled Louth’s kick-out and taken total control at midfield.
Penalty Miss Proves Costly for Louth
Just before the break, Louth were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty after Costello fouled Downey inside the square.
However, captain Sam Mulroy failed to convert, with Meath goalkeeper Seán Brennan producing a fine save low to his left. It proved a crucial moment, denying Louth the momentum they desperately needed.
Meath did suffer a blow at the interval as the influential Costello was forced off with injury, but they still appeared firmly in control.
Louth Storm Back With Wind Advantage
With a stiff breeze at their backs in the second half, Louth came out with renewed belief and intensity. Mulroy led the charge, converting two superb two-point frees to kickstart the comeback.
Meath struggled to respond, managing just one score in a prolonged spell as Louth reeled off points with increasing confidence.
Mulroy struck again from distance, registering four two-pointers in total, while Craig Lennon chipped in with four crucial points to haul the Wee County back into contention.
When Lennon fired over back-to-back scores late on, Louth edged into the lead and looked poised to complete a remarkable turnaround.
Jack Flynn Delivers Again
Just when it seemed Louth had done enough, Jack Flynn stepped up once more. With the clock ticking into the final minute, the Meath midfielder took responsibility and lofted over a stunning two-pointer — his fourth orange flag of the campaign — to steal victory.
It was a cruel end for Louth, who had shown immense resilience to claw their way back from an 11-point half-time deficit, only to be undone at the death.
Promotion Race Takes Shape
The result leaves Meath with three wins from three and sitting alone at the top of Division 2, having also beaten Derry and Cavan, with Flynn a standout performer in each outing.
For Louth, the defeat will sting deeply, but the second-half response showed they remain a serious force in the promotion hunt as the league unfolds.
On a night of high drama at Croke Park, it was Meath who emerged smiling — and Jack Flynn who once again proved the difference.
