Louth progress in O'Byrne Cup

LOUTH 0-18 ATHLONE IT 1-8

In a keenly-contested O'Byrne Cup quarter-final at Drogheda, a strong second-half display ensured Louth got the better of Athlone IT as winners.

Colm Judge (0-5) and Paddy Keenan (0-4) were the scorers in chief for Peter Fitzpatrick's charges who led by 0-9 to 0-6 at the interval.

Cold and foggy conditions prevailed throughout, but this failed to deter two sides eager for battle, with Athlone preparing for a Sigerson Cup clash against either UL or IT Carlow in less than a fortnight's time.

Cavan's Ray Galligan done his utmost to keep the students in contention in the first half, with an excellent free-taking display.

However, Louth upped the intensity in the second half and with Keenan on song the gap was extended to five points inside five minutes of the restart.

Athlone IT's defence was now under strong pressure, with the Louth attack failing to ease up.

Mark Brennan, Darren Clarke and Ronan Carroll were all introducted as the hosts went 0-17 to 0-8 ahead in the closing stages.

Offaly's Brian Connor netted a late goal but there was no denying Louth as they advanced to the last-four.