Loup dig deep against stubborn Swatragh

Loup 2-21 ... Swatragh 2-18

Loup edged an extraordinary opening round encounter against Swatragh in Owenbeg on Saturday afternoon, in what proved to be a gripping and dramatic clash.

When the eventual winners led by 12 points approaching half-time, it looked like the game was done and dusted. However, two quickfire goals from Sean Kearney turned the tide, narrowing the gap to just two points at the break. Swatragh even led by three late on in the game, but Loup dug deep to finish strong and secure victory by three points after an absorbing contest.

Declan McVey’s side were outstanding in the opening 25 minutes, producing a footballing masterclass as they tore through the Swatragh defence. Dominating midfield, and with the class of Ciaran Devlin up front, Loup made it count on the scoreboard. Swatragh struggled to find their rhythm early on, though Sean Kearney looked a constant threat, forcing a fine save from Thomas Mallon in the early stages.

By the end of the first quarter, Loup had built a four-point lead, and when Ciaran Devlin set up Caolan Devlin for a palm to the net on 18 minutes, their advantage stretched to eight. Anthony O’Neill added another goal soon after, pouncing on a short kick-out to leave it 2-10 to 0-4—a lead that reflected Loup’s dominance.

Then came the twist. Sean Kearney’s effort hit the inside of the post and rebounded across goal. Despite protests from goalkeeper Mallon, the umpire signalled a goal. To compound matters, Mallon’s continued protest led to a free for Swatragh rather than a kickout, and Kearney buried his second goal in a matter of moments. Suddenly, the deficit was down to two at half-time, with the scoreboard reading 2-11 to 2-9 in Loup’s favour, Sean Kearney landing a two point to wrap up the opening period.

Francis Kearney opened the second half with a two-pointer to level the game, and brother Patrick gave Swatragh the lead for the first time. The sides remained neck-and-neck, with 11 minutes left, both Sean Kearney and Ciaran Devlin landing two pointers at either end, but Swatragh then edged ahead with scores from Fergal Coyle, Lorcan McWilliams, and a Sean Kearney free to open a three-point gap.

But Loup's character shone through. Adam Canavan struck the post, and although his effort was denied, a free resulted from the rebound and Caolan Devlin converted. Ciaran Devlin then landed a superb two-pointer to level matters, and substitute Niall Baine nudged Loup in front.

IN PICTURES: Dramatic clash as Loup edge Swatragh in opening round encounter

A crucial block from James Gallagher denied Swatragh a late goal, and final points from Ciaran Devlin and Anthony O’Neill sealed a hard-fought victory for Loup.

It was a pulsating encounter that had everything. Ciaran Devlin (0-11) and Sean Kearney (2-9) were at the heart of the action. Loup march on in the winners' section, while Swatragh must find a response as they now lose their safety net and know they cannot afford another slip or their campaign is over.

Team and Scorers

Loup: Ciaran Devlin 0-11 (1tp, 1tpf, 2f), Anthony O’Neill 1-3, Caolan Devlin 1-2 (0-1f), A McAlynn 0-2, C Lagan, D Rocks and N Baine 0-1 each

Swatragh: S Kearney 2-9 (1-5f, 0-2 tpf), P Kearney 0-3 (1tp), F Kearney 0-2 (tp), L McWilliams 0-2, N Coyle and F Coyle 0-1 each.

Loup: Thomas Mallon; Tiernan Canavan, Matthew Rocks, Adam Hunter; Dara Joe Martin, Jason Rocks, Padraig McCusker; Calum Lagan, Dylan Rocks; Adam Canavan, Anthony O’Neill, Padraig McAlynn; Aaron McAlynn, Caolan Devlin, Ciaran Devlin.

Subs: Niall Baine far McCusker (36), Peter Coleman for A McAlynn (51), James Gallagher for P McAlynn (59), Padhraic McCorry for D Rocks (64).

Swatragh: Cahir Hampson; Tiarnan Walsh, Patrick Turner, Sean Francis Quinn; Niall Coyle, Conor McAtamney, Tommy McKeagney; Patrick Kearney, Francis Kearney; James Friel, Cahal Murray, Dominic Bradley; Joe McCullagh, Sean Kearney, Lorcan McWilliams.

Subs: Fergal Coyle for McCullagh (39), Aaron McGuckian for McKeagney (54).Referee: Richie Donohue.