Louth power past Offaly with strong second half Division 2 win
By ArdeePost Reporter
Louth Finish Strong to Claim Division 2 Opener
Louth produced an impressive second-half display to overcome Offaly in a pulsating Allianz Football League Division 2 opener at Glenisk O’Connor Park, Tullamore, on Sunday afternoon.
In a game that proved an excellent advertisement for modern Gaelic football, the Wee County surged clear after the break to record a deserved 1-21 to 0-19 victory, laying down an early marker in their Division 2 campaign.
Offaly Dominate Early With Wind Advantage
Offaly made full use of the strong breeze in the opening half and were the sharper side for long spells, racing into a 0-14 to 0-11 half-time lead. Their tactical willingness to take on two-point attempts paid dividends, with Dan Molloy, Aaron Leavy, Keith O’Neill and Ciaran Murphy all converting from outside the arc.
The home side’s confidence grew as the half progressed, and they finished strongly with late points from Keith O’Neill (free), Jordan Hayes and Eoin Sawyer to establish a three-point cushion at the interval.
Louth Content to Stay Close at the Break
Despite trailing at half-time, Louth were well satisfied with their position. Playing into the wind, they attacked with intent and fluency, frequently opening up the Offaly defence and creating goal chances.
Man of the Match Craig Lennon was central to Louth’s first-half performance, landing three fine points in the opening 35 minutes. Louth were level at 0-08 apiece after 20 minutes and again at 0-11 each after 29 minutes, with Offaly’s two-pointers ultimately proving the difference before the break.
Momentum Swings After Restart
Offaly extended their advantage early in the second half when Keith O’Neill converted a 38th-minute free to make it a four-point game, but that score marked the turning point.
Louth soon found an extra gear. After missing a few ambitious two-point attempts, they struck twice in quick succession through Conor Early and Craig Lennon, swinging the momentum and edging ahead by 0-16 to 0-15 after 43 minutes.
Mulroy Goal Turns the Game
The decisive blow came in the 46th minute. With Offaly briefly back on level terms through Cormac Egan, Louth responded instantly. A rapid attack ended with Sam Mulroy blasting the ball to the net, followed moments later by a point to give Louth a commanding four-point lead.
It proved a crucial spell, knocking the wind out of Offaly’s challenge.
Louth Close Out Deserved Victory
To their credit, Offaly battled on and reduced the margin to three points with 12 minutes remaining, but their attacking threat faded as Louth took control. The Wee County dominated possession in the closing stages, adding three of the final four points to seal a deserved win.
Offaly’s second-half struggles were compounded by the absence of several regular starters, while Louth’s fitness, composure and depth proved telling.
Encouraging Signs for Louth Campaign
Alongside Lennon and Mulroy, Louth also enjoyed strong contributions from Peter Lynch, Dara McDonnell and Conor Early, while the defence held firm when required in the latter stages.
This assured away victory provides an encouraging start for Louth in Division 2 and will give the management and supporters plenty of optimism as the league campaign continues.
Final Score:
Offaly 0-19
Louth 1-21
Referee: Barry Judge (Sligo)
