Louth Fall Just Short as Roscommon Rally to Seal All-Ireland Minor Semi-Final Spot
By ArdeePost Reporter
There was heartbreak for Louth’s minor footballers on Saturday afternoon as Roscommon staged a dramatic late comeback, eventually overcoming the Leinster runners-up 1-19 to 2-15 after extra time in an electrifying All-Ireland MFC quarter-final at Kingspan Breffni Park.
Louth, who had bossed the game for long periods and never trailed until extra time, looked poised to seal a semi-final place. However, a resilient Roscommon side, powered by captain Dara Curran and game-changer Luke Shally, fought back heroically to book a final-four clash against Tyrone.
Louth Set the Early Pace
The Wee County came out firing, with Connell Kelly opening the scoring from a 45 after eight minutes. Louth’s movement and intensity troubled Roscommon early on, and scores from Jack Martin and Cillian McQuillian helped them race into a 3-1 lead.
Roscommon’s Sam Hannon and Dean Casey worked hard to keep their side in touch, but Louth were controlling the tempo. At the break, they held a well-earned 8-6 advantage, with strong showings from Andrew O’Reilly and Michael McGlew in the middle third.
A See-Saw Second Half
After the interval, Louth extended their lead to five points, thanks to another Kelly free and a classy effort from Tom Maguire. But Roscommon refused to wilt.
Driven on by John Price, Hannon, and Curran, the Connacht side reeled in the gap. In a two-minute blitz, they closed the deficit to a single point. Still, Louth had answers, with McQuillian and McGlew nudging them three clear again.
With the clock ticking down, it seemed Louth had done enough. But Roscommon struck late, with Shane McGuinness and a last-gasp point from Curran levelling it at 14 points apiece, sending the tie to extra time.
Extra-Time Drama Unfolds
Louth came out roaring in the first period of extra time. A surging run from McGlew ended with a brilliant goal, reigniting hopes of a famous win. But just as quickly, Roscommon responded — Dara Curran steadied the ship with a crucial point before Luke Shally turned the game on its head with a 69th-minute goal, putting the Rossies in front for the first time all afternoon.
A point from Diarmuid O’Higgins ensured Roscommon led 1-16 to 1-14 at the halfway point of extra time.
Again, Louth responded with spirit. Jack Martin bundled home a second goal to reclaim the lead. But it wouldn’t last. Shally and Hannon edged Roscommon back in front, and while Andrew O’Reilly tied the match once more, it was Dara Curran — inspirational throughout — who stepped up in the dying minutes to slot his fourth point and break Louth hearts.
Post-Match Reaction
Speaking after the game, Roscommon manager Brian Fallon praised his side’s fighting spirit:
“We never led in normal time, but the lads never panicked. They kept believing, and I’m so proud of their heart and resilience.”
Louth manager Gerard Monaghan, though visibly disappointed, commended his side’s effort:
“We gave absolutely everything. The boys were immense. Sometimes football is cruel, and today’s one of those days.”
What’s Next?
Roscommon march on to face Tyrone in the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship semi-final, brimming with belief after their stirring fightback.
As for Louth, it’s the end of the road, but their campaign will be remembered for a string of thrilling performances and the emergence of several promising young stars. The future looks bright for football in the county.
Final Score (AET):
Roscommon 1-19, Louth 2-15
Scorers for Louth:
McGlew 1-1, Jack Martin 1-1, Connell Kelly 0-5 (3f, 1 ‘45), Cillian McQuillian 0-4 (1 2p), Andrew O’Reilly 0-2, Tom Maguire 0-1, Michael McGlew 0-1
Scorers for Roscommon:
Dara Curran 0-4, Luke Shally 1-1, Sam Hannon 0-6 (2 2p), John Price 0-2, Dean Casey 0-2, Diarmuid O’Higgins 0-2, Shane McGuinness 0-1, Oisin Reidy 0-1
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