Cork edge out Louth in free-scoring Navan encounter

Cork edged a thriller over Louth in Páirc Tailteann to open their All-Ireland series with a well earned victory.

After the disappointing Munster championship exit seven weeks ago, John Cleary will be pleased with his side's efforts after the long lay off.

Having led for the majority of the entertaining affair when Brian O'Driscoll found the net in the first half, Cork succumbed to Louth's momentum to trail in the 57th minute.

Cleary will be most pleased with how his side withstood that fightback to get over the line in the final quarter in Navan The supreme composure, depth off their bench and astonishing energy levels shown could also indicate a long summer for the rebels.

More to follow

Louth: James Califf; Dermot Campbell, Peter Lynch (0-01), Donal McKenny; Leonard Grey (0-01), Niall Sharkey, Anthony Williams; Tommy Durnin (0-01), Conor Early (0-01); Conall McKeever, Ciarán Downey(0-02), Bevan Duffy; Paul Mathews, Sam Mulroy(0-08, 0-04f), Craig Lennon (0-01).

Subs used: Daire McConnnon for Mathews (ht), Dylan McKeown (0-01) for Duffy (ht), Liam Jackson (1-00) for Campbell (39), Conor Grimes (0-01) for Lennon (44), Conal McCaul for McConnon (65),

Cork: Mícheál Aodh Martin; Maurice Shanley, Daniel O'Mahony, Tommy Walsh; Luke Fahy, Seán Meehan, Mattie Taylor; Colm O'Callaghan (0-02), Ian Maguire (0-02); Brian O’Driscoll (1-01), Ruairí Deane, Killian O’Hanlon (0-01); Seán Powter (0-01), Brian Hurley (0-08, 0-06f), Chris Óg Jones (0-01).

Subs used: Kevin O’Donovan for Meehan (21), Steven Sherlock (0-01) for Powter (48) Cian Kiely for Walsh (49), Eoghan McSweeney for O’Hanlon (55), Conor Corbett (0-01) for Jones (64), John O’Rourke (0-01) for Hurley (73).

Referee: Martin McNally (Monaghan)