Three talking points from Cork's gritty away victory over Louth

1 – Orange flags: Two-pointers are such an important part of the game now and Cork are lucky to be blessed with so many different options in terms of going for orange flags. 

Having kicked four against Cavan in the first league game, the Rebels landed two here.

The pair of two-pointers just before half-time were absolutely massive. It helped give Cork an eight-point lead at half-time.

Brian Hurley and a Steven Sherlock free with the crucial scores.

It must also be noted that Cork were excellent in not giving away kickable two-point shots at the other end. Louth did hit one, but it was a mere consolation. 

2 – Defence: On the last two visits to Louth over the last few years, Cork went back down the road with the tail between their legs, the Rebels stood strong this time around at a very hostile venue.

The Rebels lost in 2023 and ’24 to the Wee County up in Louth where on both times goals proved so important.

Those games were played in Ardee whereas on this occasion it was on in Drogheda. It was a similar enough venue, small and compact, but the bigger pitch didn’t help Louth against a pacey Cork team.

Louth did on occasions have goal chances including Sam Mulroy’s effort for a green flag in the first half, but you need a bit of luck too to win and Cork had that on their side. 

Louth’s goal did come right at the very end with the final whistle sounding seconds later. Had they scored a goal in the first half when the game was tight, the result could have been different.

3 – COMPOSURE: It was a low-scoring second half and that won’t bother Cork in the slightest. They led 1-13 to 0-10 after 47 minutes and the way they managed the game after that was excellent.

Tommy Walsh was outstanding for Cork and was one of the top performers. He did his primary job and was also not afraid to go forward chipping in with a point.

Walsh typified the Cork display especially in the last quarter when they needed cool heads.

Scores were at a premium in the second half mainly down to the away side managing the game. They will be disappointed though with the concession of a goal in the dying embers.