Louth overcome Kildare in high-scoring encounter

Louth 1-22 Kildare 1-16

Louth secured another famous championship victory over Kildare and there was no doubting the merit of it as they laid waste to the Lilywhites defence to register a scoring tally more commonly seen in a hurling match.

With a berth in the Leinster semi-final safely booked, Peter Fitzpatrick’s men now await the winners of the Wicklow-Westmeath clash but judging by their on-pitch celebrations, will take a little time at least to enjoy this famous win.

The Wee County have made a habit of upscuttling Lilywhite dreams, most famously in 1991 when the Mick O’Dwyer era was beginning in Kildare.

However, they have also beaten them in 1995 and 2007, and with an O’Byrne Cup victory over Kieran McGeeney’s charges earlier this year under their belt, it was clear that Louth would not fear the favourites.

That was evident from the start as the Reds started brightly with a point in just 17 seconds from Shane Lennon, who was afforded a remarkable amount of space.

JP Rooney followed up almost immediately afterwards and that duo continued to cause the Kildare full-back line huge trouble, sharing six points from play equally in the first half.

Although John Doyle got Kildare off the mark with a point from a fifth minute free, Louth continued to play with energy, swamping the midfield where Brian White and Paddy Keenan were colossal, and delivering quickly to the danger men inside.

White kicked two points, one from a free, and Rooney bagged his second and Louth were full value for their four-point lead.

Remarkably, Kildare were in front three minutes later. Pádraig O’Neill fisted a point after taking a pass from James Kavanagh and the same combination ended with O’Neill sending a low shot to the corner of the Louth net in the 13th minute.

A minute later, Sweeney opted to chip a point with a goal there for the taking but Kildare were now in front.

The expectation was that they might kick on from there but not for the first time, Louth showed their resolve, kicking seven points without replay, White, Lennon, Mark Brennan, Colm Judge and Andy McDonnell producing the goods.

By that stage Kildare had made two substitutions, including bringing on Dermot Earley, although there was some surprise that the All-Star midfielder was introduced for O’Neill.

Louth led by 0-14 to 1-6 at half time but Kildare resumed with serious intent, Daryl Flynn, David Whyte and Kavanagh all launching points from distance.

Then came what was probably the game’s most crucial moment, as a quick 39th minute free from Mark Brennan found Louth wing-back, Ray Finnegan lurking around the Kildare area.

The St Patrick’s defender shrugged off a retreating defender before sending a rasping left-foot drive beyond the helpless Shane McCormack.

Soon, Louth were seven points ahead again and it might have been more but for some reason, referee Michael Duffy awarded them a free when Brennan had slipped inside with only McCormack to beat.

But with Kavanagh and especially team captain, John Doyle showing tremendous leadership, Kildare had the deficit down to two with 16 minutes still remaining.

Doyle scored five points in that period, two from play and his left-footed effort, just before another fine Kavanagh score, had the Kildare faithful on their feet.

But again Louth responded in style, putting the foot on the accelerator one more time for what proved the decisive surge.

Five consecutive points from Adrian Reid, Lennon, Judge and the pacy McDonnell (two) put the issue beyond Kildare, who must now look to the All-Ireland qualifiers.

Louth: N Gallagher; E McAuly, D Finnegan, R Greene; R Finnegan 1-0, M Fanning, J O’Brien; P Keenan, B White 0-7(6fs); M Brennan 0-1, A McDonnell 0-3, A Reid 0-1; C Judge 0-3(fs), S Lennon 0-4, JP Rooney 0-3. Subs: D Byrne for Keenan (38-39); Byrne for McAuly (67); A Hoey for Reid (68); D Clarke for Rooney (70+3); S Fitpatrick for Finnegan (70+3).

Kildare: S McCormack; H McGrillan, G White, E Bolton; M O’Flaherty, B Flanagan, K Cribbin; D Flynn 0-1, D Whyte 0-1; J Kavanagh 0-2, R Sweeney 0-1, P O’Neill 1-1; J Doyle 0-9(7fs), E Callaghan, A Smith 0-1. Subs: A Mac Lochlainn for Bolton (19); D Earley for O’Neill (29); T O’Connor for Callaghan (ht); D Hendy for Cribbin (45); Callaghan for Sweeney (60).

Referee: Michael Duffy (Sligo).