Inside Track: Leinster final win highlight of under-20s’ season

There was much to admire in the under-20s’ odyssey, which began with a defeat of Longford in the opening round of the preliminaries in March, and didn’t end until the day the Clarke Cup, the trophy that goes to the All-Ireland winners, was handed over in Armagh on the last week of May.

There was the memorable Leinster final win over the title-holders, Meath, and before that a defeat of Dublin on an evening in Darver when umbrellas were turned inside out by a gale-force wind and only the sturdiest of gear kept the rain out.

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The players couldn’t avoid being drenched. Yet, they gave it everything, playing better than the conditions allowed. Louth were the better team, worthy of their four-point win.

There was a score to be settled with Meath in the final played in Newbridge. This was a repeat of 12 months earlier. Back then Meath got the decision, inspired by Eamonn Armstrong.

Armstrong was involved again this time, but he and his colleagues couldn’t stop Louth from gaining sweet revenge. Victory brought a fourth title this way, and a first in 44 years.

Mayo were heavily touted before the All-Ireland semi-final. They’d been impressive in Connacht, winning out for the first time in seven years.

The game in Longford saw the advantage swing from one side to the other. In the end Louth were a point clear, heading for a place no team from the county had been before.

It didn’t work out in the final. There were a few mistakes as well as some missed chances. Tyrone had more going for them, but Louth didn’t deserve to be a distance behind at the finish.

Recognition for the Fergal Reel-coached side’s history-making run came soon after the competition ended, with the selection of four of the 15 on the grade’s team of the year. Honoured were Seán Callaghan, James Maguire, Pádraig Tinnelly and Tadhg McDonnell.

There’s reason to be optimistic about the under-20s’ chances next year. Eleven of this year’s panel will be eligible for selection.