All-Ireland SFC preliminary quarter-final
Louth 1-9 Cork 1-8
LOUTH qualified for a first-ever All-Ireland SFC quarter-final as Sam Mulroy stroked over the decisive score to end the Wee county’s 67-year wait for a Championship victory over Cork.
Captain Mulroy was composed and precise in landing a 73rd minute free to snatch a sensational win amid extraordinary scenes of celebration at Grattan Park, Inniskeen.
The Rebels looked in prime position to qualify for a third quarter-final date in succession but a combination of poor finishing and defensive errors sent them packing, as they lost to Louth for the first time since the 1957 All-Ireland final.
Ger Brennan’s men will face Ulster opposition at Croke Park next weekend with Armagh or Donegal awaiting in this morning’s draw, sides who they faced in Division Two earlier in the season.
“There will be a bit of familiarity for us, and for Armagh or Donegal,” said Brennan.
“Whoever we’re drawn against, we know what we’re getting into. We will plan for it like we’ve planned for all the other games, see what we’re getting into and how we can counteract it.”
Louth trailed to Daniel O’Mahony’s goal at half-time – 1-5 to 0-5 – but showed their grit and determination when the match resumed, levelling through Mulroy (free), Paul Mathews and Craig Lennon points.
That was a telling response after a 16-minute barren spell in the lead-up to the break. Ryan Burns’ quickfire brace had given Louth a 0-4 to 0-2 lead early in the second quarter but Cork came strongly and with midfielder Colm O’Callaghan in excellent form, the Leesiders had pushed ahead by the time O’Mahony flicked Ian Maguire’s delivery past Louth goalkeeper Niall McDonnell.
Having levelled, the victors spurned opportunities to take the lead, only for Brian Hurley to restore Cork’s advantage, but they managed a crucial breakthrough on 56 minutes when Christopher Kelly spilt Conor Grimes’ dropping effort under pressure from the inrushing Donal McKenny, who displayed remarkable composure to gather possession and shoot to the net.
Over the remainder of the allotted time, Cork dominated and were back on terms at 1-8 apiece when Chris Óg Jones converted twice inside 60 seconds.
It looked as though the Rebels would make use of the momentum that was now behind them but a handling error deep into stoppage time sent Louth on the counter-attack and Craig Lennon drew a free from which Mulroy sealed the Wee county’s place in the quarter-finals.
Brennan’s men have come a long way since March when they needed closing round wins over Fermanagh and Kildare to seal survival in the National League’s second tier.
“Getting a win under your belt just helps to galvanise and make worthwhile the work that was going on in the background,” the manager added.
“When these lads have been asked to win knock[out games – Fermanagh in the League was a knockout game and Kildare ended up being a knock-out game in the League – and these boys answered.
“There was a 49-year wait for a victory over Meath and the lads answered that as well. Now they’ve broken new ground by beating Cork for the first time in the Championship since ‘57.
“It’s just an incredible group and when it matters, the lads are able to stand up.”
Louth N McDonnell; D Campbell,D Corcoran, D McKenny (1-0); B Duffy, A Williams, C McKeever; T Durnin,C Byrne; C Early, C Keenan, C Lennon (0-2); R Burns (0-2), S Mulroy (0-4, frees), C Grimes
Subs P Mathews (0-1) for Byrne (27), L Grey for Early (63), L Jackson for Burns (69)
Cork C Kelly; M Shanley, D O’Mahony (1-0), K Flahive; R Maguire (0-1), T Walsh, M Taylor; I Maguire, C O’Callaghan (0-3); R Deane, M Cronin, B O’Driscoll (0-1); C Óg Jones (0-2), B Hurley (0-1), S Sherlock
Subs T Clancy for Walsh (24), E McSweeney for Deane (51), S Powter for Sherlock (57), C Corbett for Cronin (60)
Yellow card M Taylor (27)
Referee N Mooney (Cavan)