Kevin O'Halloran

Tipp fail to make home comfort count as Louth go up

Tipperary 0-12

Louth 0-16

 

By Jackie Cahill at Semple Stadium, Thurles

 

Tipperary's promotion hopes took a significant hit last Sunday when Louth arrived to Semple Stadium and clinched Division 2 football for themselves next year.

This was meant to be the day when victory for Tipp would secure a return to the second tier but now it’s a winner-takes-all showdown with Armagh at the Athletic Grounds next Sunday.

Louth had lost to Armagh in their previous outing but took the chance to recover with a hugely-committed display.

Tipp manager Liam Kearns expressed the view that Louth were “cynical” but, by fair means or foul, they got the job done. Louth were prepared to lose full-back Patrick Reilly to a black card in the first half while Declan Byrne went in the second half for a hand-trip on Jack Kennedy, who was marauding through on goal.

Tipp also suffered a black card themselves, Michael Quinlivan dismissed in the second half of what was a disjointed display from the home side. 

 

For more, see this weeks Nenagh Guardian