“We've really figured it out” Louth skipper Breen praises squad ahead of final

Sunday’s LGFA TG4 All-Ireland Junior Football Championship final against Antrim at Croke Park is far from uncharted waters for Louth captain Áine Breen.

The experienced captain is preparing for her fifth All-Ireland Junior final in red and white, with two medals already tucked away from the 2015 and 2019 victories.

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Speaking ahead of the final, she said: “I suppose if you keep thinking about last year, you'll drive yourself mad. But, no, we're all really looking forward to Sunday.

“We haven't played Antrim now in over a year, and, look, we haven't met this year at all. So it'll be a good battle, a good game. I think each team is fairly even, and, look, we're going out to enjoy the day, really.”

Evenly matched

The Wee County are unbeaten since the end of the league, a fine run that includes a Leinster title and a commanding campaign through the All-Ireland series. Their last loss? A tight affair against Down, a game that lit a fire.

“Yeah, they were playing Division Four. They went on one and they beat Fermanagh in the final, which was, again, a brilliant game.

“We've lost two games this year, one to Down, one to Cavin. Again, two brilliant teams. But, yeah, both runs have been fairly good.

“You can't argue with 16 unbeaten games either. Antrim obviously wants to go the full year unbeaten, but we both have the same goal.

“We're both going to back ourselves going out on Sunday. I think it'll just ultimately come down to who plays and who wants it most.”

Bouncing back

After last year’s heartache, the Louth ladies could have buckled. But instead, with a new management setup and renewed spirit, they’ve come back stronger.

“I think we have to probably remind ourselves that it was difficult to pick ourselves back up, to go and play a junior campaign again this year.

“That can be difficult. To remind yourself that if you lose on Sunday, you're going back out to play junior again next year.

“Whereas we talk about progression, we want to see progression within Louth, especially ladies' football in Louth. I think Sunday will be the telling of that as well.”

Still hungry

It’s been ten years since Breen first tasted All-Ireland glory in the 2015 final against Scotland. But her passion hasn’t faded.

“Yeah, like 10 years ago now. In 2018, we lost out to Limerick, then beat Fermanagh in 2019, and obviously last year as well. We had a good experience. I think every day you put on the jersey, there's still that appetite.

“You wouldn't do it. You wouldn't come training in the winter months, the cold weather, unless there was that appetite. We will hopefully show that and display that on Sunday.”

Croke Park

While Louth Ladies have played across the country this year, nothing compares to the buzz of a final at GAA HQ.

“You're talking to people here today at the meet and greet, and you're hearing plenty of people going to the games, which we might not have gotten as much following, especially at away games.

“There wouldn't be as many people there to cheer you on. I think that is the big difference on Sunday when you hear the reaction of the crowd, be it the score or turnover. That really brings momentum and gets the team going.

“We're grateful for all the support that we've been offered. Between the county board, management, the supporters coming to the games and coming on Sunday. Last year there was a good turnout, so hopefully this Sunday it will be even better.”

County development

Breen has seen the highs and lows of Louth football over a decade, but what stands out most is the steady growth.

“I suppose we'll probably be disappointed when we go back to relegation in 2023. We have progressed. I think we're certainly a better team.

“There are a lot more skillful players, but it's just more so the development than the actual players there. The coaching has improved.

“Over the past 10 years, there's definitely been a greater interest in ladies' football. Again, more people are coming to games, and more people want to play with Louth.

“I think that's what this team wants to do, is support that and try and get more girls playing football and sticking to football.

“That it's not a constant turnover of players year on year. We have a solidified team, and you're bringing girls from the underage set-up, and they want to push on and play with Louth.”

Digging deep

Louth’s run hasn’t been flawless, but Breen believes the team has proven it can overcome adversity in pressure moments, something they’ll need come Sunday.

“Yeah, there's a few. I know we probably lost out to Cavin, but I think that performance was brilliant. There was determination there.

“I know we lost by two points, but we kept going to the very, very end. Then we look at the Limerick game and the Championship.

“I think we were down by a point or two points, and there were only a couple of minutes to go, and we ended up winning by four.

“All of that comes into play, and we have to think of those moments when we might be faced with a big challenge, or we might be down and the clock's ticking.

“It's definitely easy in Croke Park to keep looking at the clock ticking away, but knowing that if we just put our head down and work for each other, that we'll get over the line.”

Squad depth

Early season inconsistency in the Leinster campaign has been addressed, and Louth look more settled heading into the decider.

“I think with the Leinster campaign, there was probably a wee bit of chopping and changing with the team to give girls a chance.

“We found that maybe in the second half, we were losing structure a little bit, and in the Championship, we've kept the same team the whole way throughout.

“It showed that it's just maybe more structured because if you're chopping and changing, it can be difficult. But I think we've really figured it out.

“We're comfortable playing with each other, and I think that's what's important, and then you have the girls coming on that finish out the game. That is making a huge impact and a huge difference.”

Wee County

With the Louth men’s senior footballers also enjoying a successful year, the county is riding a wave, and Breen is uniquely placed, having been involved in both sides.

“From the men's perspective, you've always been a supporter, and it was a great honour being a part of that this year and to finish off the year from a Louth perspective overall, between supporting and playing, it would just be a fantastic year.

“Again, I think it's just so important for loud football in general, men and ladies, probably ladies in particular, that we're showing role models are here.

“That there are people playing for Louth at a high level and that we're able to showcase that on the biggest stage in GAA.”

Wedding bells

If the final wasn’t enough motivation, Breen has another big date looming, but there’s one thing she’s hoping doesn’t happen between now and Friday.

“(I'm) Getting married then on Friday after the All-Ireland. So, yeah, I just hope it doesn't go to replay.”