LOUTH who face a tough relegation battle in Division Two of the National League, didn't get the start to the new year they were looking for when a point by Wicklow's Fergal Mulligan three minutes before full time knocked them out of the O'Byrne Cup in Dundalk yesterday.
Louth got off to a good start with Colin Kelly, their most potent attacker, getting three points in the first 10 minutes. Ollie McDonnell also pointed to give the home side a four point lead.
However, Wicklow were level three minutes later. Full forward Kevin O'Brien pointed a free in the 12th minute and a minute later he supplied the pass to Mulligan, who shot past Louth's new goalkeeper, Seamus Quigley.
Further points from Keith Byrne and Philip McGillycuddy gave Wicklow a 1-3 to 0-4 halftime lead. In the second half Louth opened brightly with a splendid long range point from Kelly, but Donal McGillycuddy restored Wicklow's two point advantage.
The pair then swopped points before Cat ha O'Hanlon levelled for Louth with a point in the 17th minute. With a strong wind behind them, Louth might have been expected to go on and win the match, but it was Wicklow who created the better scoring chances and Mulligan was unlucky to see his effort rebound off the post in the 20th minute.
With three minutes remaining, Mulligan pointed to give Wicklow victory and a home match against Kildare next weekend.
