Louth booked their place in the last four of the Leinster JFC after seeing off Kildare on a 1-12 to 2-8 scoreline in Dowdallshill last night.
The Wee County had trailed by four points late in the first half but recovered to lead by five entering the closing stages. However, a late point from Conall O’Hanlon was needed to secure the win after Kildare struck for a second goal late on.
Louth, managed by Dundalk Young Irelands clubman Kieran Maguire, got off to the worst possible start when the visitors hit the net through Seamus McNally inside the opening minute.
The home side recovered well from that setback, however, with points from James Califf, Sean McCann and Gerard McSorley reducing the deficit back to 1-1 to 0-3.
Kildare responded with three points in-a-row to extend their lead to four points and despite John Kermode and Califf replying, the Lilywhites still held a four point lead approaching half-time.
Califf then fired over again before a penalty from Kermode on the stroke of half-time brought the sides level at 1-6 apiece at the break.
The Wee County then carried that momentum into the second half with two Califf points, as well as further scores from McSorley, Shane O’Hanlon and Niall Conlon helping them to race into a 1-11 to 1-6 lead.
Two points from the visitors at the start of the third quarter gave them some hope but a well taken Conall O’Hanlon point in the 57th minute was to prove crucial.
Late on Seamus Hanafin scored a penalty to reduce the gap back to the minimum but Louth held out for a deserving win.
Louth will now meet Cavan in the semi-finals.
LOUTH: Robert Sansom; Anthony Williams, Bernard Mulligan, Peter Nixon; Conall O’Hanlon 0-1, Gary Connolly, Richard Brennan; Sean McCann 0-1, James Califf 0-5; Tommy Durnin, John Kermode 1-1, Peter Kirwan; Niall Conlon 0-1, Shane O’Hanlon 0-1, Gerard McSorley 0-2. Sub: Ray McCabe for J Kermode.
Talk of the Town 