Louth Brought Back Down to Earth by Dominant Monaghan in All-Ireland Group Opener
By ArdeePost Reporter
Louth’s All-Ireland ambitions suffered a sharp jolt on Saturday as Monaghan produced a statement performance in the opening Group 3 clash of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, securing a 1-23 to 4-08 win at St Conleth’s Park.
After basking in the glory of their historic Leinster Championship victory, Louth were brought firmly back to reality by a determined Monaghan side that burst from the traps and never looked back. Despite netting four goals, including a penalty from Sam Mulroy and a late strike by Tommy Durnin, the six-point margin flattered Ger Brennan’s side, who struggled for fluency throughout the contest.
Monaghan’s Motivation, Louth’s Misfire
Still smarting from their narrow Ulster semi-final loss to Donegal, Monaghan channelled their frustration into a commanding performance, marked by aggression, intensity, and scoring precision. They laid down an early marker when Stephen O’Hanlon found the net in the second minute, sending a clear message that the Farney men were here with serious intent.
Despite flashes of the form that earned them provincial silverware, Louth looked a shadow of their Leinster final selves, often chasing the game. Monaghan’s dominance, particularly in the middle third, was typified by an imperious display from captain Micheál Bannigan, who contributed six points and was the engine behind a devastating 0-06 to 0-00 first-half scoring burst.
Goals Keep Louth in Touch — Just
True to form, Louth proved they remain a dangerous side with a knack for finding the net. Sam Mulroy and Tommy Durnin each raised a green flag in the first half, helping Louth to stay within striking distance at 1-11 to 2-03 at the break, despite Monaghan’s clear upper hand.
But any hopes of a second-half comeback were quickly snuffed out as Monaghan came storming out again with four unanswered points, including a third from Dessie Ward, signalling their refusal to let up.
Louth’s moment came in the form of a Mulroy penalty, providing a brief lifeline. But like much of their performance, the momentum was short-lived. Bannigan hit back immediately and led a seven-point unanswered salvo to kill off any comeback hopes.
Louth Ill-Discipline and Missed Opportunities
The game became scrappy in its final stages, with black cards for Donal McKenny and Killian Lavelle, but the damage was already done. Despite a late goal from Durnin, Monaghan were never in danger of letting their lead slip and comfortably saw out the game.
“We knew Monaghan were hurting after Ulster and they showed it,” admitted Louth boss Ger Brennan. “We weren’t good enough for long enough today — but we’ll learn from it.”
Match Summary
Louth: Niall McDonnell; Dan Corcoran, Emmett Carolan, Donal McKenny; Conall McKeever, Daire Nally, Craig Lennon; Bevan Duffy, Tommy Durnin (2-00); Ciaran Downey, Sam Mulroy (2-02, 1-00 pen, 0-01f), Conor Grimes; Ciaran Keenan, Kieran McArdle, Ryan Burns (0-05, 2 marks, 0-01f)
Subs: Ciaran Byrne (0-01) for Downey (HT), Dara McDonnell for McArdle (HT), Liam Jackson for Corcoran (40), Andy McDonnell for Duffy (42), Conor Branigan for A. McDonnell (55)
Monaghan: Rory Beggan (0-04, 2 frees); Ryan Wylie, Killian Lavelle, Dylan Byrne; Dessie Ward (0-03), Ryan O’Toole, Kieran Duffy (0-01); Mícheál McCarville, Gary Mohan; Ryan McAnespie, Stephen O’Hanlon (1-03), Conor McCarthy (0-01); Micheál Bannigan (0-06, 1 mark, 1 free), Andrew Woods, Stephen Mooney (0-03)
Subs: Jack McCarron (0-02, 0-01f), Ciaran McNulty, Davy Garland, Darren Hughes, Karl O’Connell, Jason Irwin
What’s Next For Louth?
While Louth will be licking their wounds, the group stage format provides a lifeline. Ger Brennan will look for a swift response from his side as they gear up for their next test. For Monaghan, this victory reaffirms their All-Ireland credentials and sends a clear signal — they’re not here to make up the numbers.
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