• Main Street, Ardee, Co. Louth
  • info@ardeepost.com
  • Opening Time : Always Open
Roscommon Edge Past Louth in Thrilling Finish at Integral GAA Grounds

Late Louth Joy as Reynolds’ Injury-Time Heroics Sink Westmeath in Thrilling Division 2 Clash

Late Louth Joy as Reynolds’ Injury-Time Heroics Sink Westmeath in Thrilling Division 2 Clash
Late Louth Joy as Reynolds’ Injury-Time Heroics Sink Westmeath in Thrilling Division 2 Clash

Ardee News and Sport Late Louth Joy as Reynolds’ Injury-Time Heroics Sink Westmeath in Thrilling Division 2 Clash

A dramatic injury-time goal from substitute Sean Reynolds sealed a pulsating two-point victory for Louth over Westmeath in the Allianz Football League Division 2 encounter at TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar. In challenging weather conditions, the game showcased the excitement brought by new scoring rules, with end-to-end action and multiple lead changes keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Reynolds’ Game-Changer

With the clock ticking into injury time and the sides deadlocked, Reynolds fisted home a crucial goal after a point attempt from Daire McConnon dropped short, pushing Louth into a decisive lead. Despite a late two-point free from Westmeath’s Luke Loughlin reducing the gap to one, a counterattack from Louth ended with a Sam Mulroy free that secured the insurance point.

Action-Packed First Half

The game’s tempo was set early as Ciaran Downey and Luke Loughlin traded points. Louth gained an edge with Sam Mulroy scoring the first two-pointer of the day, a free from outside the 40-metre arc. However, Westmeath, led by the relentless Loughlin, clawed their way back with five unanswered points before halftime. Louth held a slender 0-9 to 0-8 lead at the break.

Second Half Drama

Westmeath came out strong in the second half, with Loughlin again leading the charge, registering a superb two-pointer and setting up a goal-scoring opportunity that Louth narrowly avoided. Momentum swung as both sides traded scores, with standout performances from Mulroy, Andy McDonnell, and All-Star Craig Lennon keeping Louth in contention.

As the match grew increasingly physical, Louth substitutes Tommy Durnin and Daire McConnon made vital contributions, while Westmeath’s captain Ronan Wallace and Loughlin continued to shine. With the scores tied deep into injury time, Reynolds delivered the match-winning moment that crushed Westmeath’s hopes.

Player Performances

Sam Mulroy’s precision from placed balls, combined with the impact of Reynolds and McConnon, proved decisive for Louth. For Westmeath, Luke Loughlin’s tally of 0-12, including two two-pointers, highlighted his immense influence.

Key Quotes:

Louth manager Ger Brennan praised his side’s resilience, saying:

“We showed incredible character to grind out a result in tough conditions. The lads off the bench made all the difference today, and Sean Reynolds’ goal was the moment we needed.”

Scorers and Teams:

Louth: S Mulroy 0-5 (1 2pf, 2f), S Reynolds 1-0, C Downey, A McDonnell, R Burns (2p), P Lynch, D McConnon (1f) 0-2 each, C Lennon, T Durnin 0-1 each.

Westmeath: L Loughlin 0-12 (2 2p, 1 2pf, 3f), R Wallace 0-3, R Forde 0-2 (1f), S Smith 0-1.

Louth’s victory moves them up the Division 2 table, while Westmeath will rue missed opportunities and look to bounce back in their next outing.