Louth assert full control

NFL Division Two semi-final/ Louth 2-13 Limerick 0-11: Louth outclassed Limerick at St Conleth's Park, Newbridge, yesterday to book their place in the Division Two final.

Eamonn McEneaney's side were on top from the very start as their opponents simply couldn't cope with their tenacious tackling and stylish brand of football.

At one stage Louth led by a 11 points as it took Mickey Ned O'Sullivan's side almost a half hour to get off the mark.

It really was a performance to remember from the Louthmen and their manager was justifiably proud.

"We played some great football throughout the first half and the lads did themselves really proud," said McEneaney after the victory.

"The Louth supporters were tremendous and now we have a final to look forward to. We don't mind who we have to play now. It is just great to be there."

A sign of things to come happened after just 90 seconds when Paddy Keenan played Darren Clarke clear through with a superb pass only for the forward to be denied by a fine stop from Limerick goalkeeper Seán Kiely.

Mark Stanfield fired over the resulting 45 and further scores from Christy Grimes, Clarke, Keenan and captain Martin Farrelly saw Louth lead by 0-5 to no score after just 16 minutes of the game.

Things got even better for Louth two minutes later when Grimes played a pass over the head of full back Johnny McCarthy and JP Rooney took full advantage as he rounded Kiely before finishing to the net.

Further points from Grimes, Aaron Hoey and another Stanfield 45 saw Louth stretch their lead to 11 points before Conor Mullane finally got Limerick off the mark in the 28th minute.

Muiris Gavin then added two stoppage-time points but that still left the Munster side with a huge uphill battle as they trailed by 1-8 to 0-3 at the break.

Limerick briefly cut the deficit to six points twice in the second half but couldn't bridge the deficit any further as Louth easily held on.

With three minutes remaining Mark Brennan struck the crossbar after a superb solo run but substitute Trevor O'Brien was on hand to slot home the rebound as Louth booked their place in the final.

LOUTH: S Reynolds; D Brennan, C Goss, J Carr; J O'Brien, P McGinnity, J Neary; M Farrelly (0-2), P Keenan (0-1); C Grimes (0-2, one free), M Brennan, M Stanfield (0-3, two 45s); JP Rooney (1-0), A Hoey (0-1), D Clarke (0-4, one free). Subs: R Carroll for Stanfield (55 mins), J Kermath for McGinnity (58 mins), D Finnegan for Neary (64 mins), T O'Brien (1-0) for Hoey (64 mins), D Bracken for Clarke (72 mins).

LIMERICK: S Kiely; S Gallagher, J McCarthy, P Browne; A Lane, S Lavin, C Mullane (0-1); J Stokes, J Galvin (0-1); P Ahern, T Carroll, S Buckley (0-1); M Crowley, M Gavin (0-5, three frees), E Keating (0-2). Subs: D Reidy (0-1) for Ahern (20 mins), M Reidy for Keating (49 mins).

Referee: M Hughes (Tyrone).