Louth Triumphs Over Meath with Convincing Victory

Final Score: Louth 3-10, Meath 0-9

By Dan Bannon at Inniskeen

Louth’s Craig Lennon netted two crucial goals against Meath in Inniskeen, sealing a memorable win for the hosts.

First Half Highlights

Lennon came to the fore with a late winner in the 2022 Allianz Football League, but the St. Mochta’s man wiped out 49 years of championship hurt with his first-half display.

Living just over the border, the Louth villager twice found the net after talisman Sam Mulroy smashed past Billy Hogan in the 14th minute.

That major gave the hosts the lead for the first time in the derby and one they would not relent.

Mathew Costello, Meath vice captain, pointed his side’s first score of the game bravely after his father Paul passed away a few hours prior to throw-in. Colm O’Rourke’s side started quite well through points from Ronan Jones from distance and a punched effort from Seán Coffey.

However, the contest was very much over once Lennon struck his second after Mulroy’s effort struck the upright. If there was fortune for this second, Lennon’s first was after a brave run. Louth led 3-5 to 0-5 at half time.

Second Half Highlights

The second half was all about control. Bevan Duffy was black-carded after the restart. Meath lacked ideas and besides Eoghan Frayne’s best efforts, Louth could bask in ending the 10-game losing streak.

Scorers for Louth: Sam Mulroy 1-6 (6fs) Craig Lennon 2-1, Bevan Duffy, Ciarán Keenan and Ciarán Downey 0-1 each

Scorers for Meath: Eoghan Frayne 0-3 (2fs), Cillian O’Sullivan (1m), Ronan Jones, Ciarán Caulfield, Mathew Costello, Sean Coffey and Cathal Hickey 0-1 each.

Louth: Niall McDonnell; Donal McKenny, Peter Lynch, Dan Corcoran; Niall Sharkey, Anthony Williams, Craig Lennon; Tommy Durnin, Conor Grimes; Ciarán Keenan, Ciarán Downey, Conall McKeever, Bevan Duffy; Sam Mulroy, Ryan Burns.

Subs: Ciarán Byrne for Duffy (54), Leonard Grey for Lennon (60), Paul Mathews for Burns (63), Conor Early for Keenan (67), Dermot Campbell for Corcoran (71).

Meath: Billy Hogan; Donal Keogan, Adam O’Neill, Ronan Ryan; Harry O’Higgins, Darragh Campion, Seán Coffey; Ronan Jones, Cian McBride; Ciarán Caulfield, Cillian O’Sullivan, Cathal Hickey; James Conlon, Mathew Costello, Eoghan Frayne.

Subs: Conor Gray for McBride (HT), Brian O’Halloran for O’Higgins (ht), Jack O’Connor for O’Sullivan (45), Jordan Morris for Conlon (45), Michael Murphy for Coffey (55).

Referee: Paul Faloon (Down).

Armagh Secures Victory Over Westmeath with Five-Point Win

Final Score: Armagh 0-16, Westmeath 0-11

Armagh heads to Celtic Park on Saturday to face Mickey Harte’s Derry with a win behind them following this comfortable five-point success over Westmeath.

First Half Highlights

After being a point ahead at the break, a four-point burst after the resumption gave the Orchard the power to keep the Lakelanders at arm’s length.

Armagh were without the injured Rian O’Neill and they then lost Conor O’Neill, who was carried off injured in the first half to the applause of 5,989 fans.

Sam McCartan and Conor Turbitt (free) traded points before McCartan grabbed his second and Stefan Campbell stroked over after referee Conor Lane played advantage.

Tieran Kelly and Conor O’Neill tagged on points, but Westmeath responded shortly after as Ronan Toole was on target and Robbie Forde landed a great long-range effort.

The impressive Ciaran Mackin and the busy Rory Grugan (free) made it a two-point game again, but only briefly as John Heslin fired over a difficult free from just inside the terrace sideline and O’Toole bagged his second after a superb delivery from Ray Connellan.

Momentum was with Westmeath, but Armagh held firm and Turbitt’s second converted free gave the Orchard the lead at the break, 0-7 to 0-6.

Second Half Highlights

Armagh rattled over four points in the six opening minutes of the second half, two from Oisin Conaty, a stunning point from the magnificent Grugan, and Andrew Murnin was on target too after being quickest to react when Stefan Campbell’s effort struck the woodwork.

However, it took another 10 minutes before either side added to their tally until Grugan’s converted free doubled scores and then Westmeath full-back Kevin Maguire replied and Luke McLoughlin narrowed the gap.

Grugan tagged on another score and the game opened up in the closing stages as Armagh substitute Aidan Nugent (0-2) stretched Armagh’s lead while Westmeath substitute Stephen Smith was denied a goal thanks to a great save from Blaine Hughes, who got a hand to the substitute’s low rasping shot.

Armagh were on top with Grugan confidently pointing for his fifth time of the evening following a great fetch from Mackin and while Westmeath needed goals Heslin was content to post two frees as the Orchard prevailed.

Armagh: Blaine Hughes, Barry McCambridge, Aaron McKay, Peter McGrane, Conor O’Neill (0-1), Ciaran Mackin (0-1), Aidan Forker, Tiernan Kelly (0-1), Ben Crealey, Joe McElroy, Rory Grugan (0-5, 3fs), Stefan Campbell (0-1), Oisin Conaty (0-2), Andrew Murnin (0-1), Conor Turbitt (0-2, 2fs).

Subs: Greg McCabe for C O’Neill (20’), Oisin O’Neill for Crealey (HT), Jason Duffy for Campbell (50’ Aidan Nugent (0-2, 1f) for Turbit (59’), Jarly Og Burns for Murnin (67’).

Westmeath: Jason Daly, Jamie Gonoud, Kevin Maguire (0-2), James Dolan, Sam McCartan (0-2), Ronan Wallace, Charlie Drumm, Ray Connellan, Andy McCormack, Jonathan Lynam, Ronan O’Toole (0-2), Conor Dillon, Luke Loughlin (0-1), John Heslin (0-3, 3fs), Robbie Forde (0-1).

Subs: Matthew Whitaker for Dillon (40), David Lynch for Forde (54’), Kieran Martin for Gonoud (59’), Stephen Smith for Loughlin (67’).

Referee: Conor Lane (Cork).

Donegal vs Tyrone

Venue: Ballybofey
Time: 7.15pm – GAAGO

Team News:

• Donegal: One change from the team that defeated Armagh in the Ulster Final. Team captain Patrick McBrearty is named at corner-forward, with Eoghan Bán Gallagher dropping to the bench.
• Tyrone: The last match Tyrone played was also against Donegal when they were narrowly beaten in the Ulster semi-final four weeks ago. It’ll be interesting to see if the rest has energized them or dulled their edge.

Championship Form:

Donegal:

• Ulster Quarter-final: Donegal 4-11 Derry 0-17
• Ulster Semi-final: Donegal 0-18 Tyrone 0-16 (aet)
• Ulster Final: Donegal 0-20 Armagh 0-20 (aet, Donegal won on penalties)

Top Scorers:

• O Gallen: 1-12 (0-8 frees, 1-0 pen)
• D O Baoill: 2-5
• N O’Donnell: 0-5
• P McBrearty: 0-5 (0-3 frees)
• P Mogan: 0-4

Tyrone:

• Ulster Quarter-final: Tyrone 1-23 Cavan 3-16 (aet)
• Ulster Semi-final: Donegal 0-18 Tyrone 0-16 (aet)

Top Scorers:

• D Canavan: 0-11 (0-4 frees, 0-1 mark)
• D McCurry: 0-6 (0-4 frees)
• N Morgan: 0-5 (0-5 frees)

Previous Championship Meetings:

• 2024: Donegal 0-18 Tyrone 0-16 (aet, Ulster semi-final)
• 2023: Tyrone 1-18 Donegal 0-13 (All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final)
• 2021: Tyrone 0-23 Donegal 1-14 (Ulster semi-final)
• 2020: Donegal 1-13 Tyrone 1-11 (Ulster quarter-final)
• 2019: Donegal 1-16 Tyrone 0-15 (Ulster semi-final)

It took extra time to separate them in last month’s Ulster semi-final, with Donegal winning by two points. Donegal were also involved in extra-time in the final against Armagh, with the sides finishing level before Donegal won on penalties. Tyrone’s quarter-final tie with Cavan also went to extra-time with Tyrone winning by a point.

This will be the 29th championship meeting between the counties. Tyrone lead 15-12, with one draw from their previous 28 clashes.

Donegal conceded no goals in three Ulster championship games this year or in their previous outing (Division 2 final v Armagh).

Jim McGuinness was Donegal manager when they beat Tyrone in the 2011-12-13 Ulster championships and again this year.

DONEGAL: Shaun Patton; Mark Curran, Brendan McCole, Ciaran Moore; Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonagle, Peadar Mogan; Jason McGee, Michael Langan; Shane O’Donnell, Ciaran Thompson, Daire O Baoill; Patrick McBrearty, Oisin Gallen, Niall O Donnell. Subs: Gavin Mulreany, Kevin McGettigan, Stephen McMenamin, Odhran Doherty, Domhnall MacGiolla Bhride, Jeaic MacCeallbhuí, Luke McGlynn, Jamie Brennan, Aaron Doherty, Eoghan Bán Gallagher, Cathal MacAonghása.

TYRONE: Niall Morgan; Niall Devlin, Padraig Hampsey, Michael McKernan; Ben Cullen, Matthew Donnelly, Kieran McGeary; Brian Kennedy, Conn Kilpatrick; Ciaran Daly, Michael O’Neill, Sean O’Donnell; Darren McCurry, Darragh Canavan, Ruari Canavan. Subs: Oisin O’Kane, Aidan Clarke, Cormac Donnelly, Peter Harte, Dalaigh Jones, Nathan McCarron, Lorcan McGarrity, Cathal McShane, Joe Oguz, Cormac Quinn, Tiernan Quinn

For score updates, visit Irishscores.com.

Armagh vs Westmeath

Venue: Box-It Athletic Grounds
Time: 6pm

Team News:

• Armagh: Key forward Rian O’Neill is out due to injury. Tiernan Kelly replaces him, and Conor O’Neill comes in for Greg McCabe.
• Westmeath: Several experienced players return to the starting lineup: Kevin Mguire, James Dolan, Ray Connellan, Jamie Gonoud, and John Heslin.

Championship Form:

Armagh:

• Ulster Quarter-final: Armagh 3-11 Fermanagh 0-9
• Ulster Semi-final: Armagh 0-13 Down 2-6
• Ulster Final: Donegal 0-20 Armagh 0-20 (aet, Donegal won on penalties)

Top Scorers:

• C Turbitt: 1-5 (0-1 free)
• R Grugan: 0-7 (0-6 frees)
• S Campbell: 1-4
• R O’Neill: 0-5 (0-1 free, 0-1 mark)
• A Nugent: 0-4 (0-1 free)
• J Óg Burns: 1-1

Westmeath:

• Leinster First Round: Wicklow 2-9 Westmeath 1-11

Top Scorers:

• L Loughlin: 0-5 (0-3 frees)
• J Lynam: 1-0
• R Forde: 0-2 (0-1 free)
• J Heslin: 0-2

Previous Championship Meetings:

• 2023: Armagh 1-13 Westmeath 1-12 (All-Ireland round robin)
• 2018: Armagh 3-16 Westmeath 1-11 (Qualifiers)
• 2017: Armagh 1-12 Westmeath 1-7 (Qualifiers)

Group Standings:

Galway tops the group, having beaten Derry by five points in the first round.

Starting teams 

ARMAGH: Blaine Hughes; Paddy Burns, Aaron McKay, Peter McGrane; Conor O’Neill, Ciaran Mackin, Aidan Forker; Tiernan Kelly, Ben Crealey; Joe McElroy, Rory Grugan, Stefan Campbell; Oisin Conaty, Andrew Murnin, Conor Turbitt. Subs: Ethan Rafferty, Barry McCambridge, Connaire Mackin, Greg McCabe, Niall Grimley, Oisin O’Neill, Shane McPartlan, Ross McQuillan, Jarly Óg Burns, Aidan Nugent, Jason Duffy.

WESTMEATH: Jason Daly; Jamie Gonoud, Kevin Maguire, James Dolan; Sam McCartan, Ronan Wallace, David Lynch; Ray Connellan, Andy McCormack; Jonathan Lynam, Ronan O’Toole, Conor Dillon; Luke Loughlin, John Heslin, Robbie Forde. Subs: Jack Connaughton, Shane Allen, Charlie Drumm, Eoin Mulvihill, Matthew Whittaker, Daniel Scahill, Senan Baker, Lorcan Dolan, Stephen Smith, Kieran Martin, Conor McCormack.

For score updates, visit Irishscores.com.

Louth vs Meath: Leinster Rivals Clash at Croke Park

Anticipated Showdown at 7pm Live on Irishscores.com

Meath Seek Redemption with Key Changes

After a tough defeat to Dublin in the Leinster SFC semi-final, Meath have made three strategic changes to their lineup. Ronan Ryan, Cian McBride, and Cillian O’Sullivan are set to start, replacing Ross Ryan, Daithi McGowan, and Jordan Morris. These changes indicate a tactical shift as Meath aim to regain momentum and secure a vital victory.

Louth Stick with Proven Formula

Louth have opted for consistency, maintaining the same starting XV that valiantly challenged Dublin in the Leinster Final. Their strong performance against the Dubs has marked them as the more in-form team heading into this clash, bolstering their confidence in reversing their previous league defeat to Meath.

Championship Journey So Far

Meath’s Campaign

• Meath 0-19 Wicklow 0-11 (Leinster quarter-final)
• Dublin 3-19 Meath 0-12 (Leinster semi-final)

Key Performers:

• Shane Walsh: Critical in leading the attack with precision.
• Bryan McMahon: Consistent performance, vital for Meath’s forward line.

Louth’s Road

• Louth 2-14 Offaly 1-12 (Leinster semi-final)
• Dublin 1-19 Louth 2-12 (Leinster final)

Key Performers:

• Sam Mulroy: A key figure in Louth’s offensive strategy.
• Ciaran Downey: Instrumental in midfield, driving play forward.

Historical Head-to-Head

This encounter adds another chapter to the storied rivalry between Louth and Meath. Their last meeting in the league saw Meath edge out Louth, but current form suggests a more competitive battle is on the horizon.

• Recent League Meeting: Meath defeated Louth by a narrow margin, highlighting the competitive nature of their matchups.

Key Insights and Players to Watch

Meath:

• Ronan Ryan: His return to the lineup is expected to solidify Meath’s defense.
• Cillian O’Sullivan: Bringing fresh energy to the attack, crucial for breaking through Louth’s defense.

Louth:

• Sam Mulroy: Continues to be the lynchpin of Louth’s scoring efforts.
• Ciaran Downey: Expected to dominate the midfield battle, providing crucial support both offensively and defensively.

Prediction and Tactical Overview

Louth’s unchanged lineup speaks to their confidence and cohesion, making them a formidable opponent. Meath’s adjustments indicate a strategic approach to counter Louth’s strengths and exploit potential weaknesses. This game promises to be a tactical duel with both teams eager to assert dominance in the province.

Conclusion

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter between Louth and Meath at Croke Park. With Louth aiming to capitalize on their recent form and Meath looking to bounce back with key changes, this matchup is poised for high drama. Catch all the action live on Irishscores.com at 7pm and witness which team will emerge victorious in this classic Leinster rivalry.

LOUTH: Niall McDonnell; Donal McKenny, Dan Corcoran, Peter Lynch; Conall McKeever, Anthony Williams, Craig Lennon; Tommy Durnin, Bevan Duffy; Niall Sharkey, Ciaran Keenan, Conor Grimes; Ryan Burns, Sam Mulroy, Ciaran Downey. Subs: Craig Lynch, Chris O’Neill, Peter Mcstravick, Liam Jackson, Dermot Campbell, Ciaran Murphy, Tom Jackson, Leonard Grey, Ciaran Byrne, Conor Early, Paul Mathews.

MEATH: Billy Hogan; Donal Keogan, Adam O’Neill, Ronan Ryan; Harry O’Higgins, Darragh Campion, Seán Coffey; Ronan Jones, Cian McBride; Ciarán Caulfield, Cillian O’Sullivan, Cathal Hickey; James Conlon, Mathew Costello, Eoghan Frayne. Subs: Seán Brennan, Michael Murphy, Seán Ryan, Brian O’Halloran, Ross Ryan, Conor Gray, Daithí McGowan, Ruairí Kinsella, Jack O’Connor, Jordan Morris, Aaron Lynch.

Dublin vs Roscommon: Preview, Stats, Starting teams.

High Stakes Encounter at 5pm Live on GAAGO

Click for live scores on Dublin v Roscommon 

**Dublin Eye Dominance with Minimal Tweaks**

Dublin, fresh off their 14th successive Leinster title, make a solitary change to their starting lineup with Seán MacMahon stepping in for the injured James McCarthy. The Dubs are in formidable form, boasting a seamless transition through the Leinster Championship, including dominant victories over Meath, Offaly, and Louth. Their offensive prowess is spearheaded by Con O’Callaghan, who has accumulated an impressive 3-8, and is complemented by contributions from Paul Mannion and Cormac Costello.

**Roscommon Revamp Squad for Redemption**

Roscommon, on the other hand, are keen to bounce back from their Connacht semi-final loss to Mayo. They have made four significant changes, introducing Robbie Dolan, Tadhg O’Rourke, Ciaran Lennon, and Conor Cox into their starting XV. The Rossies will need to overcome the rust from a five-week hiatus and aim to replicate their resilient performance from last year’s championship clash that ended in a draw.

Championship Journey So Far

Dublin’s Dominance

– **Dublin 3-19 Meath 0-12** (Leinster quarter-final)
– **Dublin 3-22 Offaly 0-11** (Leinster semi-final)
– **Dublin 1-19 Louth 2-12** (Leinster final)

**Top Scorers:**
– Con O’Callaghan: 3-8 (0-2 mark)
– Paul Mannion: 1-10 (0-3 frees)
– Cormac Costello: 0-11 (0-6 frees)
– Colm Basquel: 1-6 (0-2 frees)
– Ciaran Kilkenny: 0-5

Roscommon’s Road

– **Mayo 1-15 Roscommon 0-13** (Connacht semi-final)

**Top Scorers:**
– Diarmuid Murtagh: 0-5 (0-2 frees)
– Donie Cregg: 0-4 (0-2 frees)

Historical Head-to-Head

This marks the eighth championship meeting between Dublin and Roscommon, with the Dubs leading the series 6-0-1. Their most recent encounter in the 2023 All-Ireland round robin ended in a stalemate, highlighting Roscommon’s potential to challenge Dublin’s supremacy.

– **2023:** Dublin 1-11 Roscommon 0-14 (All-Ireland round robin)
– **2019:** Dublin 2-26 Roscommon 0-14 (‘Super 8s’)
– **2018:** Dublin 4-24 Roscommon 2-16 (‘Super 8s’)
– **2004:** Dublin 1-14 Roscommon 0-13 (Qualifiers)
– **1979:** Dublin 0-14 Roscommon 1-10 (All-Ireland semi-final)

Recent Encounters and Key Insights

In their latest clash earlier this year during the Allianz League, Dublin triumphed with a 1-19 to 1-12 victory at Croke Park. Con O’Callaghan was pivotal, contributing 0-7 with a mix of play, free, and mark scores. Historically, Roscommon’s last victory over Dublin in Croke Park dates back to the 1984 National League.

Prediction and Key Players to Watch

**Dublin:**
– Con O’Callaghan: His scoring consistency will be crucial.
– Paul Mannion: His ability to convert from frees adds another dimension to Dublin’s attack.

**Roscommon:**
– Diarmuid Murtagh: Needs to replicate his scoring form.
– Conor Cox: Important part of the squad, expected to make a significant impact.

DUBLIN: Stephen Cluxton; Eoin Murchan, Michael Fitzsimons, Cian Murphy; Seán MacMahon, John Small, Seán Bugler; Brian Fenton, Tom Lahiff; Niall Scully, Cormac Costello, Ciaran Kilkenny; Paul Mannion, Con O’Callaghan, Colm Basquel. Subs: David O’Hanlon, Theo Clancy, Brian Howard, Jack McCaffrey, Ross McGarry, Killian McGinnis, Daire Newcombe, Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne, Lorcan O’Dell, Killian O’Gara, Paddy Small.

ROSCOMMON: Conor Carroll; David Murray, Brian Stack, Niall Higgins; Niall Daly, Robbie Dolan, Eoin McCormack; Enda Smith, Tadhg O’Rourke; Dylan Ruane, Donie Smith, Ciaran Lennon; Conor Cox, Daire Cregg, Diarmuid Murtagh. Subs: Colm Lavin, Patrick Gavin, Shane Cunnane, Ruaidhri Fallon, Ben O’Carroll, Cian Connolly, Ultan Harney, Keith Doyle, Conor Hussey, Adam McDermott, Conor Hand.