Reynolds on fire as Longford claim O'Byrne Cup

Longford 3-13 Louth 0-12

Dessie Reynolds powered Longford to their fourth O'Byrne Cup title in their history with a punishing hat-trick that earned the Midlanders a 10-point victory over Louth at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park.

Reynolds punished every mistake in the visitors' defence to land Paddy Christie his first piece of silverware in his maiden season at the helm. Reynolds was simply electric with each goal was better than the next.

The first came entirely against the run of play. Having opened Longford’s account seconds earlier, the Sean Connolly’s man was on hand to finish off a move that began with a Craig Lennon slip on the Louth wing after quarter of an hour of action.

Midway through the second half, Reynolds all but sealed the preseason decider as Louth centre back Liam Jackson coughed up the ball coming out from his defence and Reynolds galloped through to slot home under Martin McEneaney.

And with the home crowd willing him on, Reynolds duly finished the job with the best of his three majors with ten minutes to go. Collecting the ball over substitute Gerard Browne’s head, Reynolds, full of confidence, danced through to secure his hat-trick.

Christie had the wherewithal to take the star man off so he could savour the fully deserved adulation.

Louth looked sharp early on, despite an element of experimentation, to take a two-point lead. Despite the concession of the first goal, Sam Mulroy powered over five first-half points to keep Mickey Harte's men in touch.

Longford have not lost to Louth in eight games spanning all competitions. A stack of those wins have come down to Darren Gallagher’s trusty right boot. The midfielder’s accuracy from placed balls again ensured Longford would lead 1-07 to 0-07 at half time.

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