Louth secure Division 2 place after victory over Kildare
LOUTH look set to play in the Sam Maguire after securing their place in Division 2 of the Allianz Football League with a 1-12 to 0-12 win over Kildare last night.
A powerful start to the second period in Dr Cullen Park proved decisive when the excellent Ryan Burns, who goaled for Louth in the first half, and Sam Mulroy kicked a brace of points in a sevenminute purple patch that would see Louth take a three-point lead they protected to the end.
Despite the sides being level at the break (1-3 to 0-6), Louth were the better team for long periods of the game and the result means that Kildare have lost all seven games in getting relegated.
It all amounted to heart-break for Fermanagh, who despite beating Cavan by 2-14 to 1-13, were relegated as they needed Kildare to win, and they will join the Lilywhites in Division 3 next season.
Fermanagh took control of the all-Ulster clash at Breffni Park when Sean Cassidy’s goal in the 29th minute established a 1-5 to 0-3 lead.
Allied to four converted frees from Garvan Jones, and minors from Declan McCusker and Ronan McCaffrey, the Erne men led at the interval by 1-6 to 0-4.
And within five minutes of the restart, the prolific Jones found the back of the net to give Fermanagh a nine-point buffer (2-8 to 0-5), effectively killing the game off as a contest.
Elsewhere, Armagh finished second in the table but needed an injury-time point from Oisin Conaty to secure a 2-16 apiece draw with Cork, as Donegal topped the division with a 1-18 to 1-10 win over Meath in Ballybofey.
Meanwhile, yesterday’s Central Council meeting confirmed that the New York hurlers will participate in the Lory Meagher Cup, hurling’s lowest championship tier, from next year.
The GAA have granted permission for ‘rugby and soccer activity’ to take place in Croke Park and Páirc Uí Chaoimh in the coming months.