As if he was not under enough pressure following a heavy Leinster SFC defeat to Dublin, Louth manager Peter Fitzpatrick had to cancel training on Monday night due to 21 of his players being unavailable.

Mick Fanning will make his seasonal debut for Louth in Sunday's Leinster SFC quarter-final against Carlow in Portlaoise (throw-in 3.30pm).

KEITH CRIBBIN struck at the death for Kildare to dramatically deny Louth silverware for the second time in six months.

THAT only two points separated them in the end was a testament to Westmeath’s spirit, but Louth were full value for a win that puts them into the Leinster final for the first time since 1960.