Louth secure Division 3A status despite Donegal defeat

Louth completed their National Hurling League Division 3A campaign with a 2-15 to 1-15 defeat at home to Donegal on Sunday.

The result means that last week’s win was the only one recorded by the Wee County in the 2014 league season but despite yesterday’s defeat they can take a number of positives from the game.

Despite the setback of defeat, Dee McCarthy’s side performed well and have secured their place in Division 3A again for next season.

Donegal began the on the front foot and edged ahead thanks to an early goal from Paddy Hannigan in the ninth minute. However, Louth got back into contention with a Diarmuid Murphy goal and his side built on that strike to go in at the break leading by 1-7 to 1-5.

A response was expected from the visitors in the second half and they added a second goal to regain the lead through Enda McDermott.

Once again the Wee County fought their way back and twice got on level terms. However, they were unable to get ahead and it was Donegal who finished the stronger and late scores saw them complete the win.

LOUTH: James Connolly; Paddy McCormack, Conor Kerrigan, Andy McCrave; Cathal Ryan, Cian Hayes, Ronan Byrne; Shane Callan 0-2, Jason Condon 0-1; Gary Rellis 0-1, David Kettle, Darren O’Hanrahan 0-2; Gerard Smyth 0-1, Diarmuid Murphy 1-7, David O’Mahony 0-1. Subs: Shane Maguire for G Smythm, Oisin Drumm for G Rellis, Ian Kelleher for D O’Hanrahan.

Roscommon come from behind to see off Louth hurlers

Louth’s hurlers went down to Roscommon a 2-16 to 1-15 scoreline in their opening National League Division 3A match at Darver on Sunday.

The Connacht outfit are favourites for the title this season but it was the Wee County who made the brighter start with a Diarmuid Murphy goal giving them a 1-10 to 0-7 lead at the break.

Roscommon upped their game on the restart and got back into things courtesy of a Niall Kilroy goal following a defensive mix-up that cut the gap back to two.

The visitors then got back on level terms with two further points before Cillian Egan found the net on 49 minutes to put his side 2-10 to 1-10 in front.

It was fairly end to end after that but Roscommon comfortably held out to leave new Louth boss Diarmuid McCarthy still chasing a first win since taking over at the start of the year.

Next up for Louth is a trip to face Fermanagh on Sunday.

Louth: James Connolly; Andrew McCrave, Johnny Carter, Paddy McCormack; Cathal Ryan, Cian Hayes, Conor Kerrigan; Shane Callan 0-2, Jason Condon; Darren O’Hanrahan, Gary Rellis, Andrew Mackin; Gerard Smyth 0-3, Diarmuid Murphy 1-8, David Kettle 0-2. Subs: David O’Mahony, Ronan Byrne, Shane Maguire and Ian Kelleher.

Louth hurlers open league campaign today

Louth hurlers will begin their Allianz National Hurling League Division 3A campaign against Roscommon in Darver this afternoon.

The team was selected on Friday night and is as follows: James Connolly; Paddy McCormack, John Carter, Andrew McCrave; Conor Kerrigan, Cian Hayes, Cathal Ryan; Jason Condon, Shane Callan; Andrew Mackin Gary Rellis, Darren O’Hanrahan; David Kettle, Diarmuid Murphy, Gerard Smyth.

New manager Diarmuid McCarthy will be looking to claim his first win since taking charge. Roscommon have already beaten Louth this season in the Kehoe Shield but the Wee County will be hoping for a better display this evening.

Throw-in at Darver is at 2pm.