There was joyous scenes at Croke Park this afternoon as Louth saw off the mammoth challenge of Offaly on a scoreline of 0-27 to 2-15 to make their first Leinster senior football championship final since 2010.
Mickey Harte's men surrendered a lead late on in normal time, with Offaly scoring four unanswered points to take the game to extra-time.
Louth were full value for their victory and had some impressive performers, none more so than Ciaran Downey who kicked seven points and earned Man of the Match for his efforts.
"It means everything," an elated Downey told Aisling O'Reilly on GAAGO after the game.
It's been thirteen years since we've been here, I think it's our third time in 67 years. It's massive for us.
Fair play to Offaly, they are a credit to themselves. I know the year they've after had with the passing of Liam Kearns, I know what it must mean for them.
We never do it easy. It's probably good to watch but it's not the best to play in the odd time but we're happy to get over the line.
Downey says Louth success is "collective effort"
"Credit does have to go to Mickey and Gavin (Devlin, coach) and what they've done for us over the last three years but it's a collective effort. We've a thirty plus panel, a county board and fans behind us. It's the whole package."
All over @statsports l @OfficialBSM_1 #BackedByBlackstone l #LúAbú pic.twitter.com/sW0zI8nK5v
— Louth GAA (@louthgaa) April 30, 2023
Downey was also asked about his memories of the controversial 2010 final which saw Louth lose after Joe Sheridan scored a late goal, throwing the ball into the net, as Meath took the Delaney Cup home.
"I was sitting up in those stands crying my eyes out unfortunately. It's (the Leinster final) a serious opportunity for this group and we're going to tackle it head on."
Louth will now face Dublin or Kildare in the Leinster final at Croke Park in two weeks time as they attempt to win their first provincial title since 1957. Offaly now head for the Tailteann Cup.
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