Louth 2-15 UCD 1-13:Armagh All-Ireland winner Aidan O'Rourke passed his first competitive test as Louth got 2013 off to a winning start against UCD in Drogheda. The rookie manager wasn't afraid to experiment as Bernard Mulligan and Gary Connolly made their debuts in the Louth fullback line, but the experienced Darren Clarke was the key man, helping himself to a goal and seven points.
UCD started well and a goal from Roscommon’s Niall Kilroy in the ninth minute earned them a deserved 1-2 to 0-2 lead. The students continued to hold their own until five minutes before the interval when the hosts took control, signing off with 1-4 without reply.
The goal was a fine team move finished by Clarke and ensured a 1-9 to 1-4 half-time lead. Both sides played the second half with 14 men as Mark Brennan and Rory O’Carroll picked up second yellow cards in injury time .
UCD rallied well after the restart, closing the gap to three points on two occasions, but another flowing Louth move finished off by the cool Jim McEneaney clinched victory.
Next up for Louth is visit to Páirc Tailteann to face Meath on Wednesday night.
