The Reds played a more skilful brand of hurling, trying to transfer the sliotar to hand all the way up the field, and though Monaghan’s more direct approach yielded three goals and an early lead, there could be no disputing the merit in Louth’s triumph.
Captain Cormac Lundon, player-of-the-match Cathal Moynagh, midfielders Finn Carter and Mark Tyrrell, as well as Aidan Fitzpatrick, Senan Lundon, Darragh O’Gorman and Kevin Plunkett all stood out for the winners and it is hoped that several of the team will represent the Wee seniors in the years to come.
There were unsavoury scenes towards the finish, resulting in Cavan referee James Clarke issuing red cards to the Lundon brothers and Cathal Malone of Monaghan, which was a pity given the otherwise competitive but clean nature of the derby duel.
The Farney county were best served by Tim McArdle, Malone and Cillian Payne but could have no complaints at the outcome given they registered on eight fewer occasions, albeit while having more of an eye for goal.
Tom Duffy got their opening major after 11 minutes when his looping shot evaded Pearse Mullen and dropped into the net, nudging the Ulster natives in front by 1-3 to 0-3.
Moments earlier, Plunkett, whose 0-1 haul didn’t reflect the quality of his craft and ingenuity, was denied a three-pointer by Oran Farrelly and though O’Gorman, an unerring free-taker, followed up with his sole strike from play, the green flag concession could easily have derailed Louth’s rhythm.
It didn’t, however, and in a telling response, O’Gorman knocked over a placed ball before Plunkett’s dropping shot was fumbled by Farrelly and Senan Lundon was in sharply to bat the sliotar past the ’keeper.
The Reds would hold control of the fixture from that stage onwards with the elder of the Lundons, Cormac, really taking the initiative, pointing thrice in four minutes as Louth, courtesy of another O’Gorman free, pushed five ahead.
A Payne double cut Monaghan’s interval deficit to three – 1-9 to 1-6 – but now aided by a not inconsiderable breeze, Louth re-emerged with intent and landed the opening four points with Fitzpatrick and O’Gorman frees complemented by Senan Lundon and Evan Corrigan efforts from play.
The Farney boys did boost their revival prospects on 44 minutes when Eoghan McGroder profited from Louth’s full-backs over-committing to a loose ball, allowing him space in behind and once possession was received, his conversion was emphatic.
Louth replied admirably, however, as another long-range free by Fitzpatrick preceded an impressive point by Plunkett as the winners’ silkier play began to reap dividends. Indeed, the distribution of Carter especially caught the eye during the second period.
O’Gorman brought his tally to 0-8 during the closing quarter, while substitute Luke Haughey notched one of the points of the game, only for McGroder to flick a long delivery by McArdle to the net in added-time, after both sides had had a player dismissed.
There was never any genuine hint of a successful comeback, though, and the four-point margin of victory doesn’t fairly reflect Louth’s superiority. Not that they will care.
LOUTH: Pearse Mullen; Micheál McGinty, Seán McLeer, Luke McCourt; Aidan Fitzpatrick 0-2 (2f), Cathal Moynagh, Evan Corrigan 0-1; Finn Carter, Mark Tyrrell; Stephen Curtis 0-1, Cormac Lundon 0-3, Senan Lundon 1-1; Kevin Plunkett 0-1, Rory Dunne, Darragh O’Gorman 0-8 (7f). Subs: Luke Haughey 0-1 for Dunne (40), Cameron McGuigan for Corrigan (47), Kyle Caffrey for McLeer (56).
MONAGHAN: Oran Farrelly; Tómas McCabe, Joseph O’Neill, Niall Duffy; Dáithí McMeel, Torfhinn Lawless, Unknown; Dáire McKenna, Cathal Malone; Tim McArdle 0-3 (3f), Stephen McSkeane, Shea Dewhirst 0-2; Cillian Payne 0-3 (2f), Eoghan McGroder 2-0, Tom Duffy 1-0. Subs: Kyllian Murphy for Duffy (HT), Donnacha McCluskey for McSkeane (40), for McKenna (57), Unknown for McKenna (57).
REFEREE: James Clarke (Cavan).
