In the Leinster SFC quarter-final, Louth triumphed over Wexford with a score line of 4-10 to 0-15. Four decisive goals, two spectacularly scored by Ciarán Downey and two penalties expertly executed by Sam Mulroy, guided Louth towards a convincing victory and a spot in the semi-final against Kildare. Wexford, despite demonstrating periods of dominance, were hindered by Louth’s organised defence, which effectively squashed any potential goal threats.
Although Wexford outscored Louth by a marginal extra point as both teams’ managers pointed out, it became inconsequential when four of those were goals. Seeking their first opportunity in a decade to reach a Leinster semi-final, Wexford, despite originating from Division Four, started the game with fervour and assurance. However, they faced off against a Louth team that effectively counterattacked and neutralised the Wexford defence’s coordination and alertness.
Ben Brosnan set a new record with his 177th game appearance. With the scoring opened by Louth’s leading player Mulroy with a free shot, an unusual twist happened when Graham Cullen’s attempt was ruled as successful for hitting the bar and bouncing off, thus equalling the score.
During first quarter, both teams were tied at 0-4. However, Wexford moved ahead with points from Cullen, Kevin O’Grady, Glen Malone, and Mark Rossiter. Louth’s Tommy Durnin retaliated with a point, followed by Downey’s first explosive goal from the left, causing a sudden dip in Wexford’s momentum and resulting in a narrow lead to Louth at the break, 1-6 to 0-8.
An odd incident took place in the 40th minute when Wexford’s Eoin Porter received a black card for taunting behaviour after surviving repeated goal attempts. One was saved by goalkeeper Rory Tubritt and a consecutive attempt was blocked before the ball missed its mark.
Wexford managed to win the sinbin period with a sole point by Seán Nolan. However, Durnin’s equaliser came next and just when Wexford was gaining momentum, Downey delivered a second harsh blow. Cutting through the defence with ease, he was mere inches from tearing the net with his powerful shot. Mulroy scored a free, and as a result, Louth took the lead by three points.
Liam Coleman, a standout performer in Wexford’s midfield, who dominated the high ball, scored a 45 in retort. Ciarán Keenan was immediately fouled, leading to a penalty, successfully converted by Mulroy. This brought his team, Louth, to a six-point lead.
At 3-8 to 0-11, the game was evidently beyond Wexford’s reach, yet they continued to fight. They managed to score three consecutive points until Keenan found his way through the defence again, only to be tackled. Mulroy scored once more.
This game served as a harsh reminder of reality for the Division Fur team, who set a scoring record against Carlow the previous week. They are now set to prepare for the Tailteann Cup, while Ger Brennan will be leading Louth back to his old stomping grounds on Jones’ Road, seeking a second consecutive Leinster final.
The team line-ups were as follows –
LOUTH: N O’Donnell; D McKenny, D Campbell, P Lynch; L Grey, A Williams, C McKeever; T Durnin (0-2), C Murphy; C Downey (2-0), C Keenan, C Grimes (0-1, m); R Burns (0-1), S Mulroy (2-4, 2-0 pen, 0-4f), T Jackson (0-1).
Substitutes included L Jackson (0-1) for T Jackson, B Duffy for Murphy, N Sharkey for Grey (all at the 46 min mark); D Corcoran for Campbell (at 64 mins), P Matthews for Durnin (at 68 mins).
WEXFORD: R Tubritt; E Porter, D Lyons, G Sheehan; D Furlong, P Hughes (0-2), G Malone (0-2); L Coleman (0-2, 0-1 45), N Hughes; K O’Grady (0-1), E Nolan, M Rossiter (0-2); G Cullen (0-3), S Nolan (0-3, 0-2f), B Brosnan.
Substitute players include C Kinsella who replaced Brosnan, and T Byrne took the place of E Nolan, both of them at 49 minutes into the match. Later on, R Waters came on for Cullen at the 61-minute mark. S Pettit substituted for Rossiter at 66 minutes, followed by J Bealin for O’Grady at the 70th minute. The referee for the game was S Mulhare from Laois.