Dublin pushed hard by Louth in adding to Leinster haul

A strong final quarter proved pivotal as Dublin completed a four-point victory over a well-organised Louth in their Leinster Senior Football Championship final at Croke Park on Sunday afternoon.

In doing so, the Dubs secured their 14th successive provincial title but this was a performance from the holders that left more questions than answers, particularly during a lethargic and imprecise first-half.

Even with a seven-point lead heading into added time, the holders lacked their customary control as they conceded a soft goal to Craig Lennon and those lapses in concentration will require addressing ahead of the round-robin stages.

It's fair to say that Louth’s set-up to frustrate the holders in the first half as they more than held their own despite playing into the breeze blowing from the railway end.

A well-struck Sam Mulroy free opened the scoring in the sixth minute and while Brian Fenton restored parity soon after, Louth restored their lead through a well-worked point from Ciarán Downey.

A Cormac Costello free levelled matters three minutes later and Fenton once again found space behind the heavily-manned Louth defence to edge Dublin in front for the first time.

With every misplaced pass or fumble from the Dubs, their opponents grew in confidence and an excellent Tommy Durnin score reflected Louth’s general comfort as the contest evolved.

With Dublin kicking some uncharacteristic wides, their opponents took full advantage with Conor Grimes kicking two excellent points to restore Louth’s lead while Fenton added his third score of the half in riposte.

A Con O’Callaghan point in the 33rd minute looked to have ensured an interval stalemate but the half finished as it had begun with Mulroy kicking another long-distance free to