Ardee News & Sport –
Louth Claim First Leinster Senior Title in 68 Years After Epic Win Over Meath
By ArdeePost Reporter
CROKE PARK, DUBLIN — History was made on Sunday as Louth were crowned Leinster Senior Football champions for the first time since 1957, clinching a dramatic 3-13 to 1-18 victory over bitter rivals Meath in front of a raucous crowd of 65,786 at Croke Park.
The decider, packed with intensity, momentum swings, and moments of brilliance, was ultimately settled by Craig Lennon’s late point, which sent Louth supporters into raptures and etched his name into county folklore.
It was a fiercely contested encounter, befitting of a storied rivalry. Louth’s hunger was evident from the outset as they stormed into an early lead with two quickfire goals. Meath, resilient and clinical, responded with a strong second-half surge, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Reds from completing their fairytale comeback to provincial glory.
Louth manager Ger Brennan hailed his players’ resilience and belief:
“This is a special day for the people of Louth. These lads have worked tirelessly, and today they showed the heart and passion that define this county.”
Match Highlights:
- First half dominance saw Louth take control with goals from Sam Mulroy and Ryan Burns, giving them a solid cushion going into the break.
- Meath clawed their way back with points from Eoghan Frayne and Mathew Costello, and a goal from James Conlon brought the Royal County within touching distance.
- The match remained on a knife’s edge until the final minutes when Craig Lennon, under immense pressure, struck the winning point to seal the title.
Team Lineups:
Louth: Niall McDonnell; Daire Nally, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny; Conall McKeever, Peter Lynch, Craig Lennon; Tommy Durnin, Andy McDonnell; Ciarán Downey, Conor Grimes, Bevan Duffy; Kieran McArdle, Sam Mulroy, Ryan Burns.
Meath: Billy Hogan; Brian O’Halloran, Seán Rafferty, Seamus Lavin; Donal Keogan, Sean Coffey, Ciaran Caulfield; Bryan Menton, Jack Flynn; Conor Duke, Ruairi Kinsella, Keith Curtis; Mathew Costello, James Conlon, Eoghan Frayne (captain).
Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan)
This remarkable victory ends a 68-year drought for Louth and marks a potential turning point for football in the county. The triumph will undoubtedly ignite belief in a new generation of players and supporters, and with an All-Ireland series on the horizon, Louth’s fairytale may have more chapters yet to come.
For more local news and updates, click here
