Lethal Reds ‘eight’ the Cats alive
Byrne, Susan Byrne and Jennifer McGuinness all on target before Norton had Louth’s first goal in the tenth minute as she pounced on a poor clearance to fire past Niamh Sheehy - 1-4 to 0-0.
Kate Flood and Niamh Rice almost added to the tally as both players were most unfortunate to see their efforts kept out by the woodwork.
Further points from Flood and Eimear Byrne extended the lead before in a rare attack, Kilkenny had their first score mid-way through the half from a Elizabeth O’Shea free.
O’Shea and Susan Byrne then swapped points before Shannen McLoughlin ventured forward to finish off some good team play by hammering the ball to the net, a sweet moment for the Clan Na Gael star getting her first goal for her county. The scores kept coming with Niamh Rice, Kate Flood and a further 1-1 from McGuinness leaving Louth well placed at the break, leading by 3-10 to 0-3.
Backed by the strong breeze the home side were again quickly into their stride after the break and notched a further 3-4, with Eimear Byrne, Emily Norton, Deirbhile Osborne and sub Leanne Sharkey all hitting points and goals from Niamh Rice (2) and Sharkey extending the Reds’ lead to 6-14 to 0-3 by the 38th minute.
Louth continued to dominate and added further goals as Grainne Murray saw her fine strike nestle in the corner of the net and and another debutant, Rachel McNally, also got among the goals.
While reluctant to single out individuals, Louth manager Darren Bishop will be very pleased with the showing of his charges, with Naomh Fionnbarra star Deirbhlie Osborne - who missed most of last season with a serious leg injury - marking her return to the county side with two well taken points. . The game also saw Foxrock/ Cabinteely defender and former London player Sarah Quinn make a welcome return to the red jersey.
The Cooley native was making her first appearance for Louth since the 2011 All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Wicklow.
‘A very one sided contest in relation to the scoreboard. However, you have to give serious credit to Kilkenny for the spirit they showed throughout the entire game. I would be pleased with how we played the last 15 minutes before half time. Kilkenny were defensive and we were patient and took our chances when the opportunity arose.
‘Very pleased with the subs who came on just after half time they showed great awareness of the game and were very willing to press on and get on the scoreboard, notching up 2-11 from play in 20 minutes.
‘I won’t name any players in relation to standout performances as it would be too difficult to single any one or two players out. Collectively as a team they are starting to click and work as one, which is good,’ said the Louth boss. LOUTH: Alannah Finn, Shannen McLoughlin, 1-0, Sarah Quinn, Deirbhile Osborne 0-2, Michelle McMahon 0-2, Grainne Murray 1-0, Eimear Byrne, 0-2, Aoife Byrne 0-1, Emily Norton 1-2, Susan Byrne 0-2, Jenny McGuinness 1-1, Niamh Rice 2-1, Kate Flood 0-2. Subs: Shayleen McDonagh, Alannah McLoughlin 0-3, Aisling O’Doherty 0-1, Leanne Sharkey 1-1, Rachel McNally 1-2, Ciara Woods 0-2, Grace Traynor 0-1, Amy McNally 0-1 Sinead Woods, Una Pearson, Eilis Hand, Ciere Nolan, Aoife Russell, Rebecca Carr, Lauren Boyle.