Louth Star Explains How His Soccer Background Was Key In Win Over Dublin
Louth have earned a famous victory over Dublin this afternoon, running with a winners on a scoreline of 4-18 to 1-24 at Croke Park. It was their first championship triumph over The Dubs since 1973.
While the sides remained within touching distance for much of the opening half, there was a sense that Dublin were the superior outfit. Their scores were certainly coming easier, with his goal from Con O'Callaghan a big moment in the game.
CON O'CALLAGHAN π±π±
Con O'Callaghan announces his return with the sweetest of finishes to put @DubGAAOfficial ahead π―ππ @DubGAAOfficial @louthgaa #DUBvLOU
Clips Courtesy of @AIB_GAA pic.twitter.com/DrNKTLUrcM
β GAA+ (@GAAPlusOfficial) May 31, 2026
The Dubs would eventually lead 1-12 to 1-6 at halftime.
Then came a remarkable collapse. Within seven minutes of the restart, Louth would lead by three points on the back of two quickfire goals from James Maguire.
MAGUIRE AGAIN π±π±@louthgaa have got two goals in two minutes and it is that man James Maguire who punches it home βΌοΈπ€π₯@DubGAAOfficial @louthgaa #DUBvLOU
Clips Courtesy of @AIB_GAA pic.twitter.com/yvCMolVSsu
β GAA+ (@GAAPlusOfficial) May 31, 2026
While Dublin would manage to stem the tide from there, with the two sides level in the final moments.
However, there was one more key moment to come.
It came when Craig Lennon rifled home what proved to be the winning goal from Louth with three minutes to play.
GOALLL π¨π¨π¨
With only minutes remaining and the game level, it is Craig Lennon who snatches a goal to put @louthgaa in front βΌοΈ@DubGAAOfficial @louthgaa #DUBvLOU
Clips Courtesy of @AIB_GAA pic.twitter.com/gGjKsvDjMS
β GAA+ (@GAAPlusOfficial) May 31, 2026
In the end, Louth would run out as three-point winners.
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Louth star thrilled after Dublin winA number of Louth players put in magnificent performances in this game, but few of them were more crucial to the win than goalkeeper Niall McDonnell.
Not only were his kickouts exemplary throughout the contest, but he also made some big saves to deny Dublin what could have been key goals in the game.
Speaking on GAA+, McDonnell explained how his soccer background ended up being an important skill in this particular fixture.
" We just wanted to right all those wrongs"@louthgaa goalkeeper Niall McDonnell shares how the hurt of their Leinster Championship defeat fuelled their victory over @DubGAAOfficial today π€π₯@DubGAAOfficial @louthgaa #DUBvLOU
Clips Courtesy of @AIB_GAA pic.twitter.com/DjVzX59iy8
β GAA+ (@GAAPlusOfficial) May 31, 2026
I suppose that would my bread and butter.
I have a soccer background, so that's the stuff I like to see. I hate when they come in handpass the ball over the bar! Everyone puts it over.
When they come in I like to back myself one-on-one. In fairness to Ger [Devlin], he gave me the opportunity a couple of years ago. I've got a lot of rewards out of it now.
McDonnell previously lined out as a goalkeeper for League of Ireland club Drogheda Town, although he has focused exclusively on GAA in recent years.
Louth will be hoping that he continues to perform for the remainder of this year's championship, with some potentially big games on the horizon over the coming weeks.
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- dublin
- louth
- Gaelic football
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