"There's loads to learn", says Louth skipper Mulroy

Louth All-Star captain, Sam Mulroy, produced an impressive display to help the Wee County secure a Leinster SFC quarter-final victory over Wexford at Netwatch Cullen Park on Sunday.

READ NEXT: Louth ease past Wexford to book place in Leinster last four

Speaking after the game, he said: “We were probably slow to get going in our attacks, and loads of slips, and it just disrupted us a little bit with that surface.

“We probably feel the frustration of the crowd, and as I said, there was no one more frustrating to us that we started that way. It's always going to be like that.

“We haven't played in four weeks either, so you have to take that into account. But I thought once we got a handle on the kick-out, I thought we did pretty well.

“The boys stood up pretty well, and lots of scores across the pitch, and lots of threats, which was super important. I thought the boys kicked on nicely when we needed it.”

McCaul

A key player of the first half was forward Conall McCaul,

“He was, yeah, and there's no better man to kick points. So, yeah, when he winds up that right boot, you know where it's going. So, yeah, fair play to him.

“He's worked hard to get back into contention, and he's taken his chance there today. I think you need to be scoring two-pointers in today's game to win matches or to give you that little bit of breathing space when you need it.

“Luckily, we've loads of lads that can do it, so they came at the right time, right before the half.”

Subs

The introduction of Tadhg McDonnell at half-time added further momentum, with the youngster making an immediate impression.

“We've seen him do that over the last number of weeks. So, yeah, he's a hell of a young lad, and I can't wait to see what he does over the coming years, never mind the coming weeks.”

Mulroy’s own penalty in the second half effectively ended the contest.

“I had a few of them a few years ago. Yeah, look, it was actually a nice move, and Ryan (Burns) was probably annoyed that he was dragging it in at the end. He was about to tap it in. Yeah, look, it was a nice move, and I'm happy to finish it off.”

Game management

Despite a brief Wexford response, the Wee County started to take control and dictate the tempo.

“Yeah, I think when the scoreboard is getting away from you like that, and you can keep pressing the kickout and just keep them there in systems, it's hard to get back into a game.

“Especially, as I said, when we were kicking a few two-pointers like that. So, yeah, look, I thought we managed it quite well.

“But, look, loads to work on, I know, even myself here. You have to stay focused and kick the ball away at one stage, and there's mistakes like that that were creeping in, but, as I said, it's been a while since we've played.

“So, look, the minutes in the legs and that little bit of match intensity was super important today, and lots of lads got a run, so, yeah, all in all, a good day, I think.”

The use of the bench was another positive, with valuable minutes spread throughout the panel.

“Absolutely, look, you've seen the lads that come back in and lads that are just building up confidence and getting minutes in.

“So, yeah, it's about building the panel and the boys are doing really, really well, and it's going to be a hard team to pick in a few weeks' time.”

Remain focused

Mulroy was quick to keep expectations grounded.

“It's one of those, you just have to go about our own business and not worry about anyone else, I suppose. Look, Wexford were down a few bodies today as well, which didn't help their case.

“I suppose when the game opens up like that, maybe it flatters us a little bit. As I said, we made lots of mistakes.

“There's loads to learn from today, and we know we're looking at this more than ourselves over the next two weeks to try and get better, and I think that's what this group does really, really well.

“Hopefully, we know we'll have to go up our levels in two weeks' time. So, that's what the next two weeks will be about.”

There was late news from elsewhere in the province, though it did little to distract the Louth camp.

“I thought Seán (Reynolds) was getting a big reception there; I didn't know what he'd done. But, yeah, I've heard.

“Yeah, so look, as I said, look, it's about us, and we have to keep our eyes on ourselves and keep pushing ourselves on. So, we won't worry about anyone else.”

Dublin

Attention now turns to a semi-final clash with Dublin in Portlaoise in two weeks.

“Yeah, big time. We'll put our heads down, and hopefully we'll have another massive following down there again.

“The crowd was amazing today, and the support was unreal, and it has been for the last while. So, really looking forward to heading to Portlaoise and seeing the Red Sea there again.”