Dundalk Gaels will give it a “good go” says McKernan

Dundalk Gaels prepare to take on Hunterstown Rovers in what promises to be an exciting Louth Intermediate Football Championship final at DEFY, Páirc Mhuire, Ardee on Sunday at 3.30 pm.

Gaels manager, Kevin McKernan, spoke to the Dundalk Democrat about the team’s preparations heading into this crucial game as they aim to win a record fifth Seamus Flood Cup and their first since 2007.

The former Down footballer highlighted the challenge his team faced in their intense semi-final against Mattock Rangers that went into extra-time. 

The focus in the lead-up to the final has been on recovery and ensuring that the players are ready for another big effort.

“Really good in terms of we have done very little only to recover because the boys have gone through 80 minutes of absolute battle in a semi-final of championship football," McKernan said.

"When a championship match goes to extra-time, you've played 80 minutes and all the extra emotion that goes with it – the preparation really just is recovering the bodies and giving us one really good go now again."

Reflecting on their one-point semi-final victory over the Collon side the manager believes that tough challenge has prepared his team for what’s to come.

“It's like anything. Hunterstown will have faced different challenges in their games and no game is the same but I think we are just glad that we have come through two really good games," he said.

“The Kilkerley game was massive in the quarter-final. A lot of these young fellas hadn't won a championship match in four or five years, which is a crazy stat.”

McKernan also noted how significant it was for players like Luke Murray and Dylan McKeown to finally experience that winning feeling, adding to the excitement and belief in the squad.

“It’s a lovely feeling to see them have that and when you come through a big game like extra-time in the championship, then there is no feeling like the final whistle," the 36-year-old added.

The squad has had its share of injuries throughout the season, but McKernan feels they are coming together at the right time. Players like Gary Shevlin and James Lynch are returning from injury just in time for the final.

“Even throughout the group stages we've had a couple of niggly injuries that have cleared up thankfully, but right throughout the season even pre-championship we had a lot of injuries that probably hampered where the team is at," he said.

Youth and experience have blended well in the team and McKernan pointed out how the younger players have benefited from the guidance of their more experienced teammates.

He said: “We started seven or eight players under the age of 19 so it was really a U21 team plus three or four lads that, a bit like myself, who are a bit more experienced".

Hunterstown has had an impressive run in the league and championship and the Gaels boss knows his side will need to be at their best.

When sharing his thoughts on Sunday's opposition, he said: “We're looking at Hunterstown and we are seeing a team that has won 14 games in the league, they've drawn a game and they've lost a game in the championship as well.

“They are the highest-ranked team left, they finished first in the league. We are under no illusions it is going to be a tough game.”