Dundalk Gaels McKeown says "To bring the trophy back would mean everything"

As the Louth Intermediate Football Championship final approaches Dundalk Gaels prepare for what could be a historic game for the club.

The Ramparts side have battled their way through the quarter-finals and semi-finals, showing grit and determination that has brought them within touching distance of the Seamus Flood Cup.

Dylan McKeown reflected on the journey so far and the sense of momentum building within the team.

He told the Dundalk Democrat: “When we won that game against Kilkerley (Emmets) in the quarter-final, you could feel that something was building within the group.”

After overcoming Kilkerley the Gaels faced Mattock Rangers in a grueling semi-final that went to extra time. McKeown recalled how important it was for the team to step up.

“In the week up to training, it was just a case of whether we did perform. We had a saying that day in the huddle: 'If it's not now, then when? When are we going to step up and win a big game?'"

The win over Kilkerley marked a turning point for many of the players, including McKeown, who had experienced years of disappointment in the championship.

“The Kilkerley game was the first time that I have ever won a championship game, and I've been playing for five years.

“It sat with a lot of us, and we were uncomfortable that we weren't stepping up to the plate when it came."

Their hard-fought victory over Mattock Rangers shows Kevin McKernan's side has shown an ability to win tight games when it matters most.

“We probably don't make it easy any game we play," McKeown admitted. “Now that we have experience of two games where we beat Kilkerley and Mattock of getting in a tight game and eventually getting over the line has really stood to us.”

McKeown credits the belief within the group and the lessons learned throughout the season as the keys to their success so far.

The 21-year-old said: “I think it is taking it one game at a time. Obviously, we were thrilled Saturday that we got to an intermediate final, but we were back here Sunday morning at 9 o'clock, we got a recovery session in, and everyone went out for breakfast.”

McKeown has learned from early mistakes and had to adapt his role within the team to trust in his teammates and share the scoring load.

“In the first game against Collon, I was nearly too keen to shoot the lights out a wee bit. Then, obviously, for the Kilkerley game, my role changed a wee bit.”

As captain, McKeown is relishing the opportunity to lead Dundalk Gaels into the final and the thought of bringing the trophy back to the club is something that fills him with pride.

“It would be a huge honour. Even thinking about the final and the lead-up to it, it's giving me goosebumps."

For the team, it’s not just about winning for themselves but for the whole Dundalk Gaels community, from the older members of the club to the youngsters training every week.

He said: “We are just the lucky ones that get to play the matches. It's them that can't play, they are supporting us. To bring a trophy back to them after a bit of a drought would mean everything.”