Louth Clinch Division Three Title with Last-Gasp Lynch Free

Match Report: Louth 1-10 Antrim 1-9

In a game played in challenging conditions at St Oliver Plunkett Park, substitute Laura Lynch proved to be the hero. With the sides level and the hooter about to sound, Lynch converted a high-pressure free to secure the silverware for the Wee County.

See-Saw Battle in Crossmaglen

Louth started the brighter, with Eimear Byrne pointing inside 30 seconds, followed quickly by scores from Áine Breen and Ciara Woods. However, Antrim struck the first major blow on eight minutes when Aoibheann Monaghan finished from close range to give the Saffrons an early lead.

Kevin Larkin’s side faced adversity midway through the half when Holly Lambe-Sally was forced off through injury, but points from Sophie Everitt and Byrne kept the Reds in touch, trailing 1-4 to 0-6 at the interval.

Hoey Goal Sparks the Comeback

The second half was a showcase of defensive grit and clinical finishing. After Rebecca Lambe-Fagan produced a world-class save to deny Maria O’Neill a goal, Louth found the breakthrough they needed. Substitute Grace Hoey sent a long-range effort toward the square that dropped over the keeper and into the net, handing Louth a two-point cushion.

Antrim refused to go away, with Cliodhna Logan and Maria O’Neill trading scores to level the match as the clock ticked into added time.

The Winning Moment

With the final play of the game, Louth won a free within range. Despite the immense pressure and the large crowd watching on, Laura Lynch kept her cool to slot the ball between the posts as the hooter sounded, sparking wild celebrations among the Louth faithful.

The win adds the Division 3 title to an already successful season that has seen Louth secure promotion to the second tier for 2027.