National GAA Leagues: Donegal defeated Armagh in a busy day of Football League action

Sam Mulroy scored seven points in a dominant display as Louth secured a valuable five-point win over Tyrone at Páirc Mhuire in Ardee.

With a gusty wind at their backs in the first half, Louth started brightly when Kieran McArdle opened the scoring before Ciaran Downie converted a sloppy penalty from Niall Morgan to score in the fifth minute and give the home side early control.

The Red Hands responded through Darragh Canavan, who scored two quick points, and other efforts from Michael McKernan and Kieran Daly, while Morgan converted a long-range free kick. However, Louth’s accuracy at long range proved decisive.

Connor Grimes converted a nice two-pointer and Mulroy followed with one on the play. Dara McDonnell also raised two white flags as the home team led by 1-8 to 0-8 at half-time.

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

Tyrone pressed hard in response but wasted key chances with Darragh Canavan and McKernan wide and Ethan Jordan later hitting the post.

Morgan and Canavan kept the visitors in touch from placed balls, while Signe O’Donnell and substitute Darren McQuarrie reduced the deficit to two points entering the closing stages.

Louth regained their composure and took control late on as Mulroy was clinical from free kicks to take their tally to eight points, with Craig Lennon and Conor Early contributing late points to secure the win and put them ahead of Tyrone in the League Two standings.