Louth overpower undermanned Fermanagh

U-17 Development Competition

Louth 4-8 Fermanagh 1-4

A DECIMATED Fermanagh side stayed with their much stronger opponents Louth when they had the benefit of a hurricane in the opening half in terrible conditions in Darver.

The Erne lads actually led by 1-4 to 1-3 at the break but their performance dipped considerably in the appalling conditions after the break.

They could not break out of their half on the resumption –but were not helped by the fact that they had only 17 players out of a normal squad of 22.

Four of Cyril Dunne’s key dual players were down with illness which did not help their chances either – James Tierney, Dan O’connor, Ryan Mccann and Gavin Mccann – but

Tierney and O’connor turned out while the two Mccanns were still too unwell.

Fermanagh took an early lead when Tierney got the first point after just two minutes.

But within a minute, Luke Haughey hit back with two points.

Tierney then converted two frees to put the Ernesiders in front by 0-3 to 0-2.

Louth responded with an Aidan Fitzpatrick point but Louth rattled in a goal through Kyle Caffrey.

Fermanagh responded with a point from Aodan Maguire and Dan O’connor hit a fine goal to put Fermanagh ahead by 1-4 to 1-3.

But that was to be their total, as a rampant Louth hit 3-5 in the second half.

Aidan Fitzpatrick led the way, Shane Mcguinness

Smyth goaled and Stephen

Curtis pointed.

Kevin Plunkett netted and Dara O’gorman pointed a free and hit the net also as the rout continued.

Mark Tyrell hit two fine points as they eased to victory.

Team manager Cyril Dunne said he was disappointed but they “had a depleted squad”.

He went on: “We only had 17 players and the two Mccanns were big losses and Oisin Morris and Joe Mcgoldrick were not available either.

“This was our first game but our third on the calendar – but our first game was put on the same day as the county minor footballers which is very frustrating as we need every player we can get and we had to concede to Armagh.

“We wanted to change the fixture but hit a blank.

“We are at home to Tyrone next Saturday and they are operating at a higher level so it will be a real tough test.”