Dublin got the better of Louth in a bad-tempered Leinster minor football quarter-final that was marred by two sendings-off, one from each side, at Parnell Park on Saturday evening. From the moment right corner forward Mannix Ryan found the net after just 20 seconds, Dublin showed the greater cohesion and ability throughout the field. Wayne McCarthy, in particular, showed that his vital contribution against Meath last week was not a one-off display. He was astute from placed balls and open play. Dublin scored 1-5 without reply before Louth full forward Damien Connor kicked their first point from a 15th-minute free. Things didn't improve for Louth thereafter and Dublin led 19 to 0-2 at the break. However, Dublin's captain and midfield inspiration, Declan Conlon, was sent to the line in the 27th minute after needless retaliation.

The second half was somewhat lacklustre: Louth left corner back Emmet Page was sent off for a rash challenge on Dublin centre back Colin Moran.

Dublin: C Clarke; D Henry, M Breathnach, M Thompson; F Armstrong, C Moran, G Norton; M Kennedy, D Conlon (0-1); F Purcell (0-1), C Murphy (0-1), P Devitt; M Ryan (1-1), J Gahan (0-1), W McCarthy (0-6, four frees). Subs: P McEntyre for Ryan (49 mins), E Kinsella for Devitt (52 mins), J Gibbons for Kennedy (54 mins).

Louth: G Corcoran; N Mahon, R Nash, E Page (0-1); S Callinan, A Page, D O'Callaghan; D McElroy, S O'Neill; R Byrne (0-1), G Sheridan, E Boyle; D O'Connor, D Connor (0-4, all frees), S Sweeney. Subs: D Martin for Boyle (34 mins), S Thornton for Sheridan (38 mins), P Burke for O'Connor (51 mins).

Referee: E Murtagh (Longford).