Former Footballer of the Year Bernard Brogan started the goal rush with a brace in and around the 10th minute. Emmet O Conghaile added the third major in the 23rd minute as his point attempt crept in under the crossbar.

The inexperienced Louth line-up were reliant on free-taker Jim McEneaney for much of their scores. He finished with a 0-5 (0-4f) tally with the hosts unable to overturn a 4-8 to 0-7 half-time deficit.

Young forward Paul Hudson fisted home Dublin's fourth goal in injury-time, finishing off a quick-witted attack that involved Diarmuid Connolly, Paddy Quinn and Paddy Andrews.

Cormac Costello was one of the Under-21 players sprung from the Metropolitans' bench and he added his name to the scoresheet with a 60th minute point.

Brogan was in very good form from placed balls, pointing six frees to move his personal haul on 2-7. Wing back Jack McCaffrey, who was impressive in defence and attack, scored two points from play.

Louth's other scorers on the day were David Reid (0-2) and midfielder Conor Rafferty, Sean McCann and Daniel O'Connor all scored a point apiece.

Kildare progressed to their third successive O’Byrne Cup final with a 1-12 to 1-9 defeat of Offaly at Tullamore.

Former Cavan ace Seanie Johnston tallied up 0-7 as the Lilywhites held on for the result. Offaly had a late chance to draw level but Niall McNamee missed a 68th minute penalty.

Kildare had to see out the final stages down to 14 men after Mikey Conway, their O’Byrne Cup captain, was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

The sides were locked level at 1-4 apiece at half-time, Eoin Carroll netting for the Faithfuls in the third minute and Conway converting a penalty.