Louth GAA: U-17s Strike Major Blow for Louth Hurling with Celtic Challenge Victory
The Louth GAA Under-17 hurling team achieved a landmark victory in the Celtic Challenge, securing their first title in the competition with a thrilling 1-18 to 3-8 win over Monaghan. The final, held on a sun-drenched Saturday afternoon in Crossmaglen, showcased some of the best young talent in Louth hurling and capped off an impressive campaign.
Road to the Final
Louth entered the final as strong favorites, having won four out of their five group matches. One of these victories was against Monaghan, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.
The final began with a tentative start, with both teams testing each other’s defenses. Monaghan struck first with a goal, hinting at a challenging contest ahead. However, Louth quickly regained their composure. Senan Lundon’s crucial goal helped Louth take a 1-9 to 1-6 lead at halftime.
Second Half and Dramatic Finish
In the second half, Louth continued to demonstrate superior skill and determination. Despite conceding two more goals, their accurate scoring ensured they maintained a lead. Key contributions came from Darragh O’Gorman, who notched up 0-8 points, and Cormac Lundon, who added 0-3.
The match concluded in dramatic fashion as the referee, James Clarke, issued three red cards – two to Louth players and one to Monaghan. However, these incidents did not overshadow the remarkable performance of the Louth team, who celebrated a significant achievement for underage hurling in the county.
Key Players and Management
The Louth management team boasts significant experience and talent, including Senior stars Paddy Lynch and Ronan Mulholland, along with Ronan O’Gorman. The leadership on the field was exemplified by joint captains Cathal Moynagh and Cormac Lundon. Cathal Moynagh’s outstanding performance earned him the ‘Man of the Match’ accolade.
Scorers for Louth
• Darragh O’Gorman: 0-8
• Senan Lundon: 1-1
• Cormac Lundon: 0-3
• Aidan Fitzpatrick: 0-2
• Stephen Curtis: 0-1
• Evan Corrigan: 0-1
• Kevin Plunkett: 0-1
• Luke Haughey: 0-1
This victory not only highlights the talent within the Louth Under-17 team but also signifies a bright future for hurling in the county. The players and management can take immense pride in their success, marking an important milestone in Louth’s sporting history.
