Naomh Mairtin 1-08 Portarlington 0-14
A Portarlington purple patch before half-time was enough for them to see of Naomh Mairtin at the Integral GAA grounds in Drogheda.
Portarlington full-forward Darragh Galvin was a constant thorn in the Louth champions side as he lead his side to their first Leinster semi final since 2022, closing out the entertaining affair with three second-half points.
A deserved win overall for the Laois conquerors, using their greater provincial experience to aplomb, especially in the close-quarter combat of winter football.
As the nation held its breath, regular Portarlington corner-forward Jordan Fitzpatrick went off in crutches after an injury in the warm-up. So even before the start, the Laois side were in bother.
Recently awarded an All-Star, Sam Mulroy played with the swagger of that award to open the scoring, marauding through to point.
His in-form wing-back Jack Murphy quickly added another.
With his first point, Galvin responded for Naomh Mairtin, and Alex Mohan inspired all around him with a double block.
With that show of skill and resilience, the elusive Rioghan Murphy soon levelled.
As the winter sun peaked out, the game was really hotting up. Mulroy again gave his side the lead and, with the first free of the game, Colm Murphy introduced himself to proceedings.
It was point for point at that stage. However, with 20 minutes on the clock, Portarlington led for the first time.
Mikey Bennett with two on his back, but playing wing-back found the target after Murphy levelled.
That run seemed to spark the Laois champions into believing they could push on and win.
With six points in a row, Colm Murphy tagged on frees, while Jason Moore and Ronan Coffey doubled down their sides dominance.
Portarlington supporters argued that it was the finest half of football they played in years.
It was hard to argue as they led 0-09 to 0-04 at half-time.
Louth county player Dara McDonnell found the orange flag for Naomh Mairtin upon the restart and it was much needed as they struggled for scores.
The scoring ratio soon got better when Tom Gray fired in from close range.
The Louth champions were level after seven second-half minutes.
Pat Roe’s side responded through the impressive Galvin again and another Colm Murphy free.
Underage county player Galvin closed the game as the Laois side march on to face Athy on Saturday week.
Naomh Mairtin: Darren Morgan; Cian Sands, Thomas Sullivan, Conor Healy; Evan Whelan,Eoghan Callaghan, Jack Murphy (0-01); Adam Booth, Dara McDonnell (0-02, 1tp); Wayne Campbell, Sam Mulroy (0-04, 0-02f), Sean Healy; Tom Gray (1-00), Val Leddy, Darragh Dorian (0-01).
Subs: Joe McGrane for Dorian (ht), Shane Morgan for Sands (41), Jack Lynch for Campbell (50) Dorian for S Healy (61).
Portarlington: Luke O’Reilly; Curtis Lyons, Robbie Piggott, Alex Mohan; Mikey Bennett (0-01), Jason Moore (0-01), Paddy O’Sullivan; Keith Bracken, Sean Byrne; Rioghan Murphy (0-02), Ronan Coffey (0-01), Darragh Slevin (0-01); Tom Corcoran, Darragh Galvin (0-04), Colm Murphy (0-04, 0-04f).
Subs: Diarmuid Bennett for Lyons (43), Sean Michael Corcoran for T Corcoran (59).
Referee: Patrick Coyle (Meath)
