Louth Minors beat Kildare at home venue

APRIL 2008

A remarkable transformation in the fortunes of Louth minors continues in Drogheda when the team wins its way back into the Leinster Championship proper.

The Reds beat Kildare on a 1-14 to 0-13 scoreline to set up a quarter-final against Longford.

The Qualifier route has helped Louth get back on track as they get the better of defending champs Laois in O’Moore Park before proving too strong for the Lilywhites.

A disappointing Ulster League campaign to start the season is followed by defeat to Meath in the first round of the championship, but all that appears to be behind the players now.

Kildare, in fact, show in front at the break, 0-10 to 0-7, but after conceding the first point of the new half, the hosts take over.

Louth account for the next 1-4 without reply, the goal coming from Dean Matthews in the 42nd minute.

‘We actually have four goal chances in the game, and Dean comes up trumps’ says manager Johnny McDonnell.

‘Look, we have another day in the sun. The big pitch and the dry day suits us.

‘We have a little bit to do but I’m happy today,’ McDonnell concludes.

Louth: Kevin Keelan; Harry O’Connell, Darren O’Hanlon, Philip Englishby; Pauric Bannon, David Moloney, James Craven; James Califf (0-4, three frees), Kevin Rogers (0-3, one free); Kevin McMahon, Andy McDonnell (0-1, free), Eamon O’Neill 0-1; Barry O’Hare (0-1), Barry Hamilton (0-1), Dean Matthews (1-3). Subs, Michael Rogers for J Califf, Patrick Hoey for J Craven, Peter Brennan for B O’Hare, Lorcan McQuillan for K McMahon.