O'Byrne Cup/Louth 4-11, DIT 2-9: According to Louth manager Val Andrews, the result was all that really mattered at the Gaelic Grounds in Drogheda yesterday afternoon.
Louth were put on the road to victory in the opening minutes. First, Cormac Malone scored a goal after some neat play by David Devaney and Ronan Valentine. Two minutes later, Louth had their second goal - this time a spectacular effort from man of the match Darren Clarke.
Malone put seven points between the sides before the break to leave the score 3-6 to 1-5 and DIT never threatened in a disjointed second half, owing mainly to six players, four from Louth and two from DIT, visiting the sin bin.
Carlow midfielder Tom Walsh saw red on 58 minutes for a high challenge on Louth's Ronan Carroll, but by that stage the reds were nine points ahead and cruising.
LOUTH: S Connor; R Kelly, J Clerkin, J Carr; R Rooney, S Gerard, J Neary; D Hughes, D Devaney; R Carroll, R Valentine (1-1), C Malone (1-3); P Matthews, A Hoey (0-2, one 45) D Clarke (2-4, one free). Subs: A McCartney for Valentine (64), H McGinn (0-1) for Kelly (68).
DIT: D Hoare; D O'Halloran, C Prenderville (0-1), O Zamboglou; B Kelly, Paul Begley, D Burke; T Walsh, McCann (1-3); C Calvey, J Melia (1-0), P Turley (0-1, free); Michael Lyng (0-1, free), Johnny Kermath (0-1), John Carlton (0-2).
Referee: Seamus McCormack (Meath).
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