Leinster MF Semi-final/Carlow 1-10 Louth 0-9:Carlow will contest their first Leinster minor final since 1994 after a fully deserved four-point win over Louth on the Dublin/Offaly undercard yesterday.
Inspired by three Murphys - Brendan, Denis and Con - Carlow were slow to find their rhythm, but the Barrowsiders moved 1-2 to 0-4 ahead after 20 minutes when the latter slipped a delicate finish under goalkeeper Seán Connolly's foot and it was a lead they protected right to the finish.
After a spirited 60 minutes, referee Eddie Kinsella had his worked cut out in injury-time after a melee in front of Hill 16. Brian Duffy and Dean Matthews saw red for Louth and Carlow talisman Brendan Murphy also received his marching orders.
CARLOW: P Hughes; B Molloy, A Callinan, D McInerney; S Redmond, D St Ledger (0-1, free), G Nolan; B Murphy (0-1), M Clowry; C Murphy (1-3, two frees), D Murphy (0-4), J Roberts (0-1); B O'Connor, D Kinsella, C Mullins. Subs: J Lowry for B O'Connor (39 mins), R Lawler for M Clowry (60 mins).
LOUTH: S Connolly; G Hoey, P Nixon, D Byrne (0-1); J Clarke, P Smith, RJ Callaghan; B Duffy, S McCann (0-1); E McArdle (0-3, two frees), R Lenaghan, D Matthews (0-1); N Conlon, D Maguire (0-2, one free), K Rogers (0-1). Subs: D Moloney for RJ Callaghan (h-t), B Flanagan for K Rogers (42 mins), R Callaghan for R Lenaghan (42 mins), P Flynn for S McCann (53 mins).
Referee: E Kinsella (Laois)
