Monaghan’s year came to an end with a three point defeat in GAA HQ.
Louth overcame a red card, playing 63 minutes with 14 players.
Conor McCarthy opened the scoring for the afternoon with a two-pointer that landed on top of the Louth net after two minutes.
Andrew Woods followed that up as Monaghan moved three ahead after four minutes.
A huge moment arrived on seven minutes. Louth midfielder Sean Callaghan was shown a red card for a late hit, leaving The Wee County with 14 players.
This red card seemed to spark Louth into life! James Maguire and Sam Mulroy kicking a point each before Darren McDonnell landed Louth’s opening two-pointer. Drawing the side’s level after 11 minutes.
Michael Bannigan and Sam Mulroy traded scores before the opening goal arrived. Oisin McGorman sold a wonderful dummy to the Louth keeper before finding the back of the Louth net after 21 minutes.
The sides traded scores again through Sam Mulroy and Andrew Woods before Louth finished the half strongly.
Points from Ryan Burns, Sam Mulroy and James Maguire before Ciaran Downey gave Louth a two point lead on the hooter. Louth held the advantage at the break, 0-12 to 1-07.
Louth started the second-half strongly with points from James Maguire and Kieran McArdle inside the opining minute.
The Monaghan response was strong with Andrew Woods landing a two-pointer. Efforts from Michael Bannigan and Andrew Woods tied the game level after 40 minutes.
Sam Mulroy and Ryan Burns both regist4erd points as Louth retook the lead, Stephen Mooney replied for Monaghan when he found the target from play.
Louth registered four unanswered points inside four minutes. Tadgh McDonnell, James McGuire, Craig Lennon and Conor Early all found the target as Louth moved into a four point lead with 48 minutes played.
Monaghan hit a purple patch of their own which stared when Jack McCarron landed a two pointer.
Stephen O’Hanlon found Monaghan’s second goal, palming the ball to the net on 52 minutes.
Efforts from Michael Bannigan and another Jack McCarron point in this phase saw Monaghan edge in front, 2-16 to 0-21 after 55 minutes.
A Tadgh McDonnell fisted point on the hour mark brought a five minute scoring draught to an end. Kieran Burns gave Louth the lead with 64 played.
Points from Max Maguire and Conor McCarthy gave Monaghan a one point advantage heading down the home straight.
However, a strong finish from Louth proved too much for Monaghan. Tadgh McDonnell, Kieran Burns and a Kieran Byrne point seen Louth progress to their First All-Ireland semi-final in 69-years.
Lout running out three point winners, 2-18 to 0-27.
