Connell Kelly, last year's minor football championship top scorer, displayed his quality again as provincial holders Louth made it back-to-back wins in Leinster. The sides were level at 0-8 apiece at half time but two Kelly points immediately after the restart gave the hosts the impetus to leave Laois in their slipstream. Kelly, son of former Louth forward and manager Colin, added three more points and finished with 0-8 in the eight-point win. Conn Brennan's goal for Meath cut the deficit to three after 42 minutes but late two-pointers from Kildare duo Kelly and Jack Reilly sealed their win. The third-placed team in Group 1, Meath or Laois, along with the third-placed team in Group 2, will claim the other preliminary quarter-final places.

Source: Irish Examiner April 07, 2026 23:46 UTC