Louth GAA Division 2 roundup: Cooley leapfrog Kilkerley to go top

Division 2A

Cooley Kickhams 0-10

Kilkerley Emmets 0-8

Cooley Kickhams moved top of Division 2A thanks to a 0-10 to 0-8 win over Kilkerley Emmets in Fr McEvoy Park.

The Emmets went into the game a point ahead of their opponents but slipped back to second place following this reverse in a game that was effectively decided in the first half.

Cooley were four points ahead when Emmets’ first point on 18 minutes came from Fintan Brady and went 0-7 to 0-1 before Emmets second point came from a Conor Quigley free on 25 minutes. At the break, Cooley were 0-8 to 0-2 in front.

Cathal Bellew hit the first point of the second half followed by a Cooley free from Hanlon, then Tadhg McEnaney pointed a free before Fergal Malone hit the last Cooley score of the night. 

KIlkerley finished strongly and added points through Quigley, Micheal Begley, McEnaney and Fionn Cumiskey but time ran out before they could rescue the game.

Roche Emmets GFC 4-13

Clan na nGael 1-7

Roche Emmets remain third in the table after a comprehensive 4-13 to 1-7 win at home to Clan na Gael.

The Faughart side got on top from the early stages and a goal from Liam Dawe helped them to lead by 1-7 to 0-3 at the break.

Despite a goal from Robbie Curran the visitors were never in a position to challenge that lead in the second half as Roche continued to dominate and added goals through Mark Byrne, Gerry Browne and DD Reilly. Barry O’Hare landed seven points for the winners.

Sean O’Hanlon, Jack Callan, Liam O’Hanlon and Gavin Gaffey were also on target for the Clans.

St. Kevins 1-11

Dundalk Young Irelands 1-9

Young Irelands remain bottom of the Division 2A table after suffering a 1-11 to 1-9 defeat to St Kevins in Philipstown.

The winners laid the foundation for the win with a strong first half display which allowed them hold out despite a second half rally from the Dundalk men.

Cian Callan’s goal on 21 minutes was the highlight of an impressive first half display that ended with his side leading by 1-8 to 0-4 as Daire McMullen, Karl Martin and Seanie Crosbie added points. Liam McStravick, Derek Maguire and Jordan O’Donoghue were on target for the visitors.

The second half saw the Young Irelands fight back and they hit the net late on through McStravick but it was too late to save the game.  

Division 2B

St Josephs 0-15

Glen Emmets 0-16

Glen Emmets picked up what could prove to be a vital win when they edged out league leaders St Josephs on a 0-16 to 0-15 scoreline at Cluskey Park.

An injury-time point from Kealan O’Neill proved the difference between the teams at the end of an entertaining contest.

In what was a tight affair throughout, the Emmets had a slender 0-8 to 0-7 advantage at the end of a first half in which Alex Carolan, Conor Grimes and Evan English were on target alongside O’Neill.

The second period saw the teams continue to trade points with Cian Talbot, Cathal Maguire and Sean Byrne landing scores before O’Neill fired over a late winner. 

Scorers for the Joes on the night were Craig Doherty (5), Jack Mulligan (3), Conall Snyth (2), Conor Neary (2), Killian McDonnell (2) and Ben Collier.

Lann Léire C.P.G. 1-13

Hunterstown Rovers GFC 2-9

Inspired by a second half strike from Darragh Malone, Lannléire edged themselves closer to safety in Division 2 with a one point win over Hunterstown Rovers.

The Dunleer men claimed a 1-13 to 2-9 win in the end but had to withstand a late rally from Hunterstown in an exciting finish to Tuesday's game in Dunleer.

Lannleire led 0-8 to 0-3 at half time and at the end of the third quarter were 1-9 to 0-7 with Malone’s goal coming three minutes into the second half.

Rovers were sluggish but goals from Ryan Burns and Shane Halpenny looked to be enough but Paul Callan kicked Lannleire's final four points of the game to finish with a personal tally of 0-7.

O’Connells GFC 1-4

Dundalk Gaels 4-16

Dundalk Gaels made a return to winning ways when they enjoyed a comfortable victory over O’Connells at The Grove.

The Dundalk men have struggled in recent weeks but found their scoring boots against an O’Connells side who have now gone 13 games without a win. It finished 4-16 to 1-4 for the visitors.