LOUTH ARE THE REEL DEAL WITH FINAL STUNNER

LEINSTER U-21 FOOTBALL FINAL Louth 2-19 Meath 1-15

- BY PAUL KEANE

LOUTH are on the verge of a historic provincial double after producing a thrilling second-half display to capture a rare Leinster U20 title.

Fergal Reel's side hit eight points without response in a devastating third quarter blitz - leaving them 10 points clear in Newbridge.

First-half goals from senior panellist Pearse Grimes Murphy and Adam Gillespie were important, leaving Louth three up at half-time.

But it was those eight points between the 34th and 42nd minutes that saw off holders Meath.

It's Louth's first Leinster U-20 success since 1981 and things could get even better with Sunday week's senior showpiece, also against Meath, on the horizon.

The county's minors will also contest a provincial football quarter-final tie this evening, against Westmeath.