Injury-time own goal gifts points to Louth

A 75TH-MINUTE own goal from Offaly corner-back Declan Hogan left the home side in shock in Tullamore yesterday as Louth triumphed.

Offaly had been in full control, leading by five points at half-time and by three just before the five minutes of additional time.

The opening quarter was a dull affair, with only two points each scored, but three goals in the final 12 minutes of the half brought it to life.

Anton Sullivan found the net for Offaly, but six minutes before the break Ciaran Downey struck to leave just a point in it. Offaly had the final say of the half when Shane Horan crashed to the net and the home side led 2-5 to 1-3.

With the gale force wind now favouring Louth, Offaly were holding them at bay and when Louth were reduced to 14 men after Conor Early was sent off on 43 minutes, Offaly looked in cruise control, leading 2-6 to 1-4.

However, with Sam Mulroy prominent, Louth began to chip away at the lead while holding the Faithful to just one point in the closing 22 minutes.

Louth even played with 13 men for 10 minutes when Declan Byrne was shown a black card, but they still trailed by three with 70 minutes elapsed before their SCORERS – Louth: S Mulroy 0-6 (4f, 1 ‘45’), C Downey, D Hogan (own goal) 1-0 each, T Durnin 0-2 (1f), E Duffy, R Moore 0-1 each.

Offaly: B Allen 0-4 (3f), S Horan, A Sullivan 1-0 each, P Cunningham 0-2f, N Darby (f), R McNamee 0-1 each.

LOUTH – F Sheeky 6; F Donoghue 7, E Carolan 7, J Craven 6; A Williams 6, B Duffy 7, J Clutterbuck 6; T Durnin 7, C Early 5; C Branigan 6, C Downey 6, C McKeever 6; A McDonnell 6, S Mulroy 9, D Byrne 7.

Subs: E Duffy 7 for McDonnell (56), J McEnaney 6 for Downey (58), R Nally 6 for Byrne (61), J Califf 6 for Brannigan (62), R Moore 6 for McKeever (72).

OFFALY – P Dunican 6; D Hogan 6, E Rigney 6, D Dempsey 7; J O’Connor 6, P McConway 6, C Donohoe 6; C Mangan 6, J Moloney 6; S Horan 7, P Cunningham 7, N Darby 7; B Allen 8, A Sullivan, 6 R McNamee 5. Subs: N McNamee 5 for McNamee (53), E Carroll 5 for Donohue (58), D Molloy 5 for Mangan (63), A Leavy for Moloney (73).

REF – J Bermingham (Cork).