Louth's Conall McKeever Louth celebrates after scoring a Leinster SFC Semi-Final goal against Kildare. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile
Leinster SFC Semi-Final
Louth 1-18 (1-3-12) Kildare 0-18 (0-0-18)
By Dan Bannon at Glenisk O'Connor Park
In defeating Kildare, Louth bridged 111 years of history to make their third successive Leinster final for the first time since 1914.
The loss now succumbs the Lilywhites to the Tailteann Cup, while Louth will look to the All-Ireland series after their provincial decider.
Tommy Durnin’s two point score with the clock running down illustrated the difference between the sides on the day. Louth were measured and clinical, while Kildare rarely shot from beyond the arc and brought the best out of Louth net minder Niall McDonnell.
Louth soaked up the pressure in a nervy second half, understandably, with so much to play for, and Durnin stood up.
With Kildare starting only four players from last year's corresponding fixture the freshness showed in the early stages. Brian Flanagan’s stamp firmly put on his side 12 months on. Ironically, two of those four, Alex Beirne and Darragh Kirwan had a brace before Louth had even settled.
Louth’s side was much more experienced but a more patient approach looked to be faltering with a lack of primary possession.
All-star Craig Lennon was a late introduction to the Louth side and his pace helped open their account. However, Kildare’s dominance in the middle sector saw their scores come that bit easier. Caragh corner back Ryan Burke snuck up for a point while Callum Dalton found the range.
Hunterstown Rovers corner forward Ryan Burns inspired Louth into a purple patch with four unanswered points.
Swivelling over on the left Sam Mulroy followed suit with his left, before a booming two point free and Lennon topped up his account to leave one between them. Louth upped the ante and as they did so, Kildare began to get loose in their possession.
Despite their mistake ridden patch, Niall McDonnell was forced into a save by Ryan Sinkey. However, Darragh Kirwan did wrap over a lovely left footed score but Louth were easing their way into submission. Donal McKenny raced forward for another left footed score of the day.
As late as the 33rd minute in the opening half, Louth led for the first time thanks to captain Mulroy. A huge two point score that gave Louth a huge injection of confidence.
Kildare stunned, Conall McKeever slipped in at the back post to give Ger Brennan’s side a timely goal. Slowly and methodically playing down the clock, Kieran McArdle set up the experienced wing back for the tap in finish to make it 1-11 to 0-10 at the turn.
Brian Flanagan’s charges quickly ate into the deficit with Beirne and Ryan Sinkey giving Kildare another bright start to a half. Substitute Cathal Hagney made an impact straightaway. Louth were controlled again in their response with Mulroy landing a free and Lennon and Burns keeping the gap at three points.
Down to the wire, Kildare’s energy was enough to level the slugfest on two occasions but Durnin would land the knock out blow.
Scorers for Louth: Sam Mulroy 0-7 (2fs, 1 2pf, 1 2tp), Craig Lennon 0-4, Ryan Burns 0-3, Conall McKeever 1-0, Tommy Durnin 0-2 (tp), Donal McKenny 0-1, Kieran McArdle 0-1.
Scorers for Kildare: Alex Beirne 0-6 (2fs), Darragh Kirwan 0-5 (1f), Colm Dalton 0-2, Kevin Feely 0-1, Ryan Burke 0-1, Ryan Sinkey 0-1 Brian McLoughlin 0-1, Callum Bolton 0-1.
Louth: Niall McDonnell; Daire Nally, Dermot Campbell, Donal McKenny; Conall McKeever, Peter Lynch, Craig Lennon; Tommy Durnin, Paul Mathews; Andy McDonnell, Ciaran Downey, Conor Grimes; Kieran McArdle, Sam Mulroy, Ryan Burns.
Subs: Dara McDonnell for Mathews (41), Dylan McKeown for Burns (58), Emmet Carolan for Campbell (59), Liam Jackson for McDonnell (61), Conor Branigan for Grimes (67).
Kildare: Cian Burke; Brian Byrne, Mark Dempsey, Ryan Burke; James McGrath, David Hyland, Tommy Gill; Callum Bolton, Kevin Feely; Colm Dalton, Alex Beirne, Ben McCormack; Ryan Sinkey, Darragh Kirwan, Brian McLoughlin.
Subs: Cathal Hagney for Bolton (ht), Niall Kelly for McCormack (44), Jimmy Hyland for Sinkey (54), Ryan Houlihan for Gill (65), Kevin Flynn for McGrath (69).
Referee: Brendan Griffin (Kerry)
