Louth Shine in Ardee to Dent Tyrone Promotion Hopes
By ArdeePost Reporter
Louth Shine in Ardee to Dent Tyrone Promotion Hopes
Louth produced one of their most composed displays of the campaign in Ardee this afternoon, defeating Tyrone 1-15 to 0-13 in Division Two of the Allianz National Football League.
In front of a sell-out crowd at St Mary’s DEFY Park, the Wee County combined warrior spirit with intelligent game management to secure two vital points — lifting themselves out of the relegation zone while severely denting Tyrone’s promotion ambitions.
Early Louth Goal Sets the Tone in Ardee
Played at a blustery St Mary’s DEFY Park in Ardee, Louth struck early and never surrendered their advantage.
A sixth-minute kick-out malfunction proved costly for Tyrone. After an interception, Ciarán Downey showed superb awareness to delightfully lob the ball over scrambling goalkeeper Niall Morgan and into the net. The early goal handed Louth a four-point cushion and ignited the home support.
That platform proved crucial on a day when conditions made control and composure essential.
Mulroy Leads From the Front For Louth
Talisman Sam Mulroy once again underlined his importance, finishing with a seven-point haul (five frees and one two-pointer). His accuracy and calmness under pressure kept Louth’s scoreboard ticking throughout.
Conor Grimes, making his 100th appearance for Louth, also played a key role, landing a two-pointer and using all his experience to help manage the tempo in the closing stages.
Three wind-assisted two-pointers in the opening half helped Louth stretch their lead, although Tyrone battled back through Darragh Canavan and scores from Michael McKernan and Ciaran Daly.
At half-time, Louth led 1-8 to 0-8 after a tense closing period that included a skirmish on the whistle, with Mulroy picking up a yellow card.
Defensive Steel Into the Breeze
Facing into a strong wind after the break, Louth showed maturity beyond their years.
Just as Tyrone had done in the first half, the home side slowed the game cleverly, retained possession when possible, and restricted the Red Hands to minimal scoring opportunities. Tyrone managed only a Morgan ’45 in the opening ten minutes of the second period.
Even when substitute Tommy Durnin was black-carded moments after entering the fray, Louth held firm. Tyrone scored just once during his ten-minute spell.
Crucially, Louth continued to add to their tally through Mulroy and Grimes, ensuring the margin never disappeared.
Tyrone Blow as Canavan Departs
Tyrone’s challenge was further weakened when top scorer Darragh Canavan was forced off injured with 15 minutes remaining — another setback ahead of his scheduled month-long trip to Australia.
With the Red Hands beginning to force shots and kick wides, Louth sensed their opportunity.
Wing-back Craig Lennon burst forward to claim two vital scores, while turnovers in midfield allowed the hosts to counterattack effectively.
As confidence grew, so too did the noise around the compact Ardee venue.
Vital Points in Division Two Battle
The final whistle confirmed a morale-boosting victory for manager Gavin Devlin — himself a former Tyrone player and coach — against his native county.
The result lifts Louth out of the relegation zone and throws fresh intrigue into the Division Two table. For Tyrone, it leaves them hovering in dangerous territory with a difficult run-in ahead.
For the Ardee faithful, it was a performance built on heart, discipline and tactical awareness — qualities that could prove decisive in the closing weeks of the campaign.
Scorers
Louth:
S. Mulroy 0-07 (5f, 1 two-pointer), C. Downey 1-00, C. Grimes 0-03 (1 two-pointer), D. McDonnell 0-02 (two-pointer), C. Lennon 0-02, K. McArdle 0-01.
Tyrone:
D. Canavan 0-06 (2f), N. Morgan 0-02 (1 ’45, 1f), M. McKernan 0-01, B. Cullen 0-01, C. Daly 0-01, S. O’Donnell 0-01, D. McCurry 0-01.
Referee: D. Murnane (Cork).
