Orchard in full bloom

Armagh’s decision to drop down a tier paid dividends as they cruised to victory in Saturday’s Nicky Rackard Cup final at Croke Park.

It was tough on Louth, who had to face London in last year’s decider, and Pat Clancy’s side were put to the sword in the first half.

Declan Coulter bagged two goals in that opening period, while Conor Corvan also grabbed another as Armagh led by 3-13 to 0-8 at half-time.

David Carvill provided five of the winners’ points in that half, while Shane Fennell was Louth’s chief sscorer.

The Wee County provided stouter resistance after the resumption and though Brian Corcoran’s brilliantly-taken goal in the 58th minute was a fitting reward, they were never likely to peg Armagh back.

Scorers for Armagh: D Coulter 2-2; D Carvill 0-6(5fs); C Corvan 1-3; R Gaffney, P McCormack(1f) 0-2 each; R McGrattan (f), J King, C Carvill, J Corvan, F Bradley 0-1 each

Scorers for Louth: S Fennell 0-9(8fs); B Corcoran 1-2; D O’Sullivan, S Callan, D Murphy, A Wallace 0-1 each

ARMAGH: S Doherty; P Hughes, C Clifford, C McKee; K McKernan, N Curry, P Gaffney; R McGrattan, J King; D Carvill, C Carvill, R Gaffney; C Corvan, P McCormack, D Coulter.

Subs: F Bradley for Coulter (47); J Corvan for D Carvill (54); M Maguire for King (63); A Carville for C Corvan (68)

LOUTH: J Connolly; D Rafferty, W Morrissey, M Wallace; D O’Sullivan, R Byrne, D Horan; S Callan, D O’Hanrahan; B Corcoran, S Fennell, D Murphy; K McNally, D Dunne, A Wallace.

Subs: G Rellis for O’Hanrahan (22). Subs: G Rellis for O’Hanrahan (22); G Smyth for McNally (38); D McArdle for M Wallace (48); S Maguire for Murphy (61)

Referee: H Wallace (Donegal).