GAA National Leagues: Donegal defeat Armagh on a busy day of football league action

Sam Mulroy struck seven points in a dominant display as Louth earned a valuable five-point victory over Tyrone at Páirc Mhuire in Ardee.

With a gale-force wind at their backs in the opening half, Louth started strongly as Kieran McArdle opened the scoring before Ciaran Downey punished a loose Niall Morgan kick-out to rifle home a fifth-minute goal and hand the hosts early control.

The Red Hands responded through Darragh Canavan, who hit two quick points, and further efforts from Michael McKernan and Ciaran Daly, while Morgan converted a long-range free. However, Louth’s accuracy from distance proved decisive.

Conor Grimes converted a superb two-pointer and Mulroy followed with one of his own from play. Dara McDonnell also raised two white flags as the home side built a 1-8 to 0-8 half-time lead.

Louth continued to find scores in the second half as a slick passing move involving Downey and Ryan Burns allowed Grimes to add another point, stretching the margin.

Tyrone pressed hard in response but missed key chances with Darragh Canavan and McKernan off target and Ethan Jordan later striking the post.

Morgan and Canavan kept the visitors in touch from placed balls, while Seanie O’Donnell and substitute Darren McCurry narrowed the gap to two points entering the closing stages.

Louth regained composure and dominated late on as Mulroy was clinical from frees to bring his tally to eight points, with Craig Lennon and Conor Early contributing late points to secure victory and place them ahead of Tyrone in the Division Two league standings.