Lory glory in Croke Park for Wee County hurlers
IT left a lot to be desired in terms of quality, but the tension was always high as Louth and Meath played out a cagey Championship derby in Parnell Park.
The Royals always had their noses in front, but Jim McEneaney gave Louth some hope with a superb individual goal in the closing stages. However, the Reds couldn’t capitalise and Meath deservedly advanced to the last four.
To run salt in ‘Red’ wounds Louth were forced into a six-day turnaround, taking on Derry in Owenbeg the following Saturday. The game was in the melting pot for long periods, but Louth ran of steam and Kelly didn’t hold back in his condemnation afterwards, insisting that fatigue from the six-day break cost his team dearly.
Meanwhile, Louth hurlers struck late and mercilessly to claim a stunning Lory Meagher Cup triumph at Croke Park, a victory that will live long in proud memories.
A sensational finish to a drama-packed decider saw Diarmuid McCarthy’s side smash home three goals in as many minutes to turn the game on its head and spark frenzied celebrations among the men in red and their jubilant supporters.
But that wasn’t the end of the Reds’ season and arguably the next game against Fermanagh was even more important and it would decide who would ply their trade in the Nicky Rackard Cup in 2017.
But Louth dominated from the outset in Armagh, knocking seven goals past their hapless opponents in a 28-point victory.
Louth junior footballers booked their place in the Leinster final with an excellent 1-18 to 0-10 over Kildare in Newbridge, but Wexford proved too strong in the decider in Dowdallshill, securing a 2-12 to 0-9 win.
Louth ladies turned on the style to sink Offaly in the Leinster Championship, securing a 10-18 to 0-4 victory. But Wexford proved too strong in the semi-final.
The U-16 ladies team were crowned Leinster ‘B’ champions after beating Westmeath on a 3-8 to 3-6 scoreline in Clane.
Westmeath went into the final unbeaten in 2016 but Louth got ahead early and held the lead throughout a tight encounter.
Duleek/Bellewstown played host to fellow strugglers St Colmcille’s in the ‘A’ League Division 1 and a John McDonnell goal helped the home side to a victory that would prove pivotal for both teams come the end of the campaign. St Patrick’s boosted their hopes of making the league final when inflicting another derby defeat on the Cille’s. St Vincent’s moved top of Division 4 after a fine win over Ballivor.
The Meath hurlers got a rare mention on our sports pages when they captured the Christy Ring Cup, only to have the result scratched after the referee admitted he’s tallied the score against Antrim wrongly. The Royals also won the replayed match to complete a brilliant season.
No such good fortune for the footballers, however, as their faint hopes of reaching the Leinster decider were shattered by Dublin in the semi-final.