Lennon the hero as Louth toast first Championship win over Meath in 49 years

THAT'S THE WAY: Craig Lennon of Louth celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Round 1 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen, Monaghan. Pic: Daire Brennan/Sportsfile

All-Ireland SFC Group 4: Louth 3-10 Meath 0-9

Craig Lennon starred as Louth recorded a first championship victory over Meath since 1975 on Saturday night.

The Wee county’s wing-back found the net twice in the first half of a clash which Ger Brennan’s side dominated and led by nine points at the break.

Meath had actually started the brighter of the derby rivals and were 0-3 to 0-1 in front after 10 minutes in Inniskeen but Louth captain Sam Mulroy turned the match firmly in the winners’ favour before the quarter-hour mark when he collected Conall McKeever’s pass and blasted beneath Billy Hogan.

Cathal Hickey responded for the visitors to cut the gap to the minimum but it would be 10 minutes before the Royals would register again, in which time Lennon had found the net twice as the Reds moved eight points clear.

His first major ended a flowing move involving Mulroy, Tommy Durnin and Ciarán Keenan, although Lennon still had quite a bit to do in dancing around at least three Meath defenders before finishing with composure.

After another Mulroy free, the Louth skipper’s shot for a point came off the upright and landed perfectly on the chest of the inrushing Lennon, who had only Hogan to beat – and he duly did.

Cillian O’Sullivan’s mark ended the Royals’ scoring drought but Louth were rampant and moved 3-5 to 0-5 in front after excellent points by Lennon and Bevan Duffy.

Meath resumed with intent and Eoghan Frayne pointed but they went scoreless until the 20th minute of the second period thereafter, and failed to register during the time Louth were reduced to 14 players after Bevan Duffy’s black card.

And with Mulroy deadly accurate from free-kicks, Louth stretched their lead to 3-9 to 0-7 after an hour, with Meath showing little evidence of the type of preparation or quality that is required to compete in the All-Ireland series.

Ciarán Caulfield and Frayne (free) did amass consolation points for Colm O’Rourke’s charges, while Niall McDonnell made two fabulous saves to deny the Royals a late goal.

Though Ciarán Downey sent over to complete the rout for Louth, for whom this was their first championship victory over their neighbours in 10 attempts.

Scorers for Louth: S Mulroy (1-6, 0-6 frees); C Lennon (2-1); B Duffy, C Keenan, C Downey (0-1 each).

Scorers for Meath: E Frayne (0-3, 2 free); M Costello, S Coffey, R Jones, C Hickey, C O’Sullivan (1 mark), C Caulfield (0-1 each) LOUTH: N McDonnell; D Corcoran, P Lynch, D McKenny; N Sharkey, A Williams, C Lennon; T Durnin, C Grimes; C Keenan, C Downey, C McKeever; R Burns, S Mulroy, B Duffy.

Subs: C Byrne for Duffy (54), L Grey for Lennon (60), P Mathews for Burns (63), C Early for Keenan (67), D Campbell for D Corcoran (70).

MEATH: B Hogan; D Keogan, A O’Neill, R Ryan; H O’Higgins, D Campion, S Coffey; R Jones, C McBride; C Caulfield, C O’Sullivan, C Hickey; E Frayne, M Costello, J Conlon.

Subs: C Gray for McBride (HT), B O'Halloran for O'Higgins (HT), J O'Connor for O'Sullivan (45), J Morris for Conlon (45), M Murphy for Coffey (55).

Referee: P Faloon (Down).