Louth GAA Weekend Round-Up: Footballers Edge Thriller, Ladies and Camogie Sides Fall Short
Ardee News and Sport – Louth GAA Weekend Round-Up: Footballers Edge Thriller, Ladies and Camogie Sides Fall Short
Louth Hold Off Down in Dramatic Division 2 Clash
Allianz Football League Division 2 – February 23
Louth 2-17 Down 0-22
Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda
Two well-taken goals proved the difference as Louth edged past Down in a gripping Division 2 battle at the Integral GAA Grounds in Drogheda. Ryan Burns was quickest to react to Ronan Burns’ early goalkeeping spill, while Kieran McArdle struck midway through the second half to grab his first county major. The two goals separated the sides in a high-scoring affair that saw Down rally late but fall just short.
Danny Magill opened the scoring for Down with an attempted cross-field pass that caught the wind and went over the bar. The visitors looked to dominate with their direct approach, targeting Odhran Murdock at full forward. Louth struggled early on but found a lifeline when Burns pounced on a mistake to fire home.
Seven points without reply saw Down surge ahead before a crucial Sam Mulroy turnover lifted the home crowd. Louth responded with three points in succession to cut the halftime deficit to 0-13 to 1-07. With the wind now in their favour, the Wee County took charge in the second half, with McArdle’s goal pushing them beyond Down’s reach. Despite a late surge from the Mourne men, Louth held on for a crucial win.
Louth Ladies’ Late Fightback Falls Short Against Down
LIDL National Football League Division 3 – February 25
Louth 1-6 Down 1-8
Páirc Naomh Malachi
Louth suffered their second defeat of the National League campaign as Down secured a deserved two-point win. The visitors controlled much of the contest, with Niamh King in top form, registering five points.
Down led 1-7 to 0-5 with 10 minutes left, but Laura Collins’ late goal gave Louth a glimmer of hope. Despite pushing for an equalizer, Eimear Byrne’s late point was the last score, leaving Louth frustrated as they prepare to face Carlow next.
Wicklow Overpower Louth in Camogie League Opener
VERY National Camogie League Division 3A – February 24
Louth 1-2 Wicklow 3-17
Cooley Kickhams
Louth’s camogie side endured a difficult start to their league campaign, suffering a heavy 21-point defeat to Wicklow. A dominant first half saw the visitors race into a 2-14 to 0-0 lead, leaving Louth with too much to do after the break.
Despite an improved second-half performance, which included a late Aoife Dillon goal, the damage had already been done. Donal Ryan’s side will need to regroup quickly ahead of their next fixture against Laois.