DCU were comfortable 1-15 to 0-09 winners over Louth in the Bord na Móna O’Byrne Cup match in Haggardstown on Saturday evening.
Conor McGraynor’s early goal gave DCU the platform to take control of the group D game in what was an impressive display by the Wicklow man.
Points from Brian White and Paddy Keenan keep Louth in contention with the score 1-08 to 0-06 at the break.
Louth's Richard Brennan received the first black card of 2014 as he was replaced by James Stewart on 49 minutes.
Brian White was also forced off after he received the black card and earlier saw yellow.
DCU continued to dominate as they ran out comfortable nine-point winners in this first match of the new year.
On Wednesday Louth face Dublin in Parnell Park, while DCU host Westmeath.
