Louth are through to a historic the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final for the first time in their history after defeating Cork at a sunny Grattan Park, Inniskeen on Sunday, courtesy of a free from captain Sam Mulroy in injury time.
It was level at the end of regular time before Craig Lennon earned a decisive free for the Wee County after being fouled by Cork. With pressure on his shoulders, Mulroy calmly slotted the ball over the bar.
The Rebels had one last chance to equalize but were forced into the corner by the Reds determined defense, resulting in a free that sealed the game.
The final whistle was met with a jubilant pitch invasion, marking Louth’s first championship win over Cork since the 1957 All-Ireland final and their first quarter-final.
Cork led by three points at half time but their attacking struggles proved costly in the second half, where they scored only one point in the first 26 minutes. Donal McKenny’s 56th-minute goal was instrumental in instilling belief in Ger Brennan’s team that victory was within reach.
The first half was dominated by cautious play, with both teams falling into the rhythm of dropping back and challenging the opposition to break through.
Cork frequently loaded the left channel in attack, but both teams’ offenses were largely sluggish, only occasionally showing glimpses of urgency that troubled the defenses. Colm O’Callaghan was a standout for the Rebels in the first half, contributing three points and guiding the forwards.
The Wee County’s response came through Ryan Burns who scored two points to give them a brief 0-4 to 0-2 lead before Cork responded with a 1-3 burst, including a goal from full-back Daniel O’Mahony.
Half time: Louth 0-5 Cork 1-5
Louth made an early resurgence in the second half with points from Mulroy, Paul Mathews, and a brilliant solo effort from Lennon leveling the game shortly after the restart. Mathews nearly put Louth ahead, but his shot went just over the bar.
Cork struggled to regain momentum and only managed a single point from Brian Hurley in the second half’s opening stages. Bevan Duffy’s critical dispossession of Rory Maguire created a promising chance for Louth, but they failed to capitalize.
However, McKenny’s goal changed the game’s dynamics, capitalizing on a spill by Cork goalkeeper Christopher Kelly. Cork attempted a comeback with two points from Chris Óg Jones, but it was not enough as Lennon’s late run forced the game-winning free for Louth.
As Mulroy’s free kick sailed over, Louth marked a momentous victory and an unforgettable chapter in their championship journey.
Full time: Louth 1-9 Cork 1-8
Louth: Niall McDonnell; Dermot Campbell, Dan Corcoran, Donal McKenny (1-0); Bevan Duffy, Anthony Williams, Conall McKeever; Tommy Durnin, Ciarán Byrne; Conor Early, Ciarán Keenan, Craig Lennon (0-2); Ryan Burns (0-2), Sam Mulroy (0-4, 4f), Conor Grimes.
Subs: Paul Mathews (0-1) for Byrne (27′), Leonard Grey for Early (63′), Liam Jackson for Burns (69′).
Cork: Christopher Kelly; Kevin Flahive, Daniel O’Mahony (1-0), Tommy Walsh; Maurice Shanley, Rory Maguire (0-1), Matty Taylor; Ian Maguire, Colm O’Callaghan (0-3); Ruairí Deane, Mark Cronin, Brian O’Driscoll (0-1); Brian Hurley (0-1), Chris Óg Jones (0-2), Steven Sherlock.
Subs: Thomas Clancy for T Walsh (24′), Eoghan McSweeney for Deane (51 mins), Seán Powter for Sherlock (57′), Conor Corbett for Cronin (60′).
Referee: Noel Mooney (Cavan).
