A Division 3 campaign packed with twists ended in typically dramatic fashion in Drogheda as Westmeath snatched the point they required to clinch promotion.
A beautifully executed John Heslin point in the final minute of normal time proved decisive for the visitors as they denied Louth an instant Division 2 return.
The hosts needed to win and led for long periods but Westmeath timed their run perfectly to book a title showdown with Laois next weekend.
Louth seized the initiative with a brilliantly worked goal in the 24th minute, centre-back Bevan Duffy bursting through the cover to fire low past Eoin Carberry as they lead 1-4 to 0-5 at the break.
But they fell behind for the first time shortly after it when Ger Egan slotted home a penalty. Sean Laverty evened up the spot kick count five minutes later and Jim McEneaney made no mistake to grab the lead again, 2-5 to 1-6.
Heslin edged them ahead to leave Louth chasing a goal but all they could summon was a late Ryan Burns point.
Louth scorers: B Duffy (1-0), J McEneaney (1-0, 1-0pen), C Downey (0-3, 0-1m), J Craven (0-1), J Califf (0-1), S Mulroy (0-1f), R Burns (0-1).
Westmeath: G Egan (1-4, 4f, 1-0pen), L Loughlin (0-03), D Corroon (0-1), S Duncan (0-1), J Heslin (0-01).
Don’t miss this weekend’s GAA action – sign up to Sky Sports and get 6 months half price here , or try a NOW TV Sports Month Pass here , now just €20 a month – usually €50
If you haven't already, be sure to like our Irish Mirror Sport and Irish Mirror GAA pages on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
