Mickey Harte hopeful Louth can raise their game for Derry test

It was a difficult beginning for the Louth Footballers in Division Two, as a last gasp point from Clare at the death saw the Banner men take the victory, despite trailing for most of the game.

But with such a tight schedule of matches at this time of year, there is little time to reflect or be annoyed by the loss, as this Sunday the Wee County are back in action when they host Derry in Pairc Mhuire, Ardee (Throw in 2PM).

Going up against the reigning Ulster Champions is a huge test for the Men in Red, especially after a bitter defeat. The process of lifting the team up for this contest began for the management the minute the full-time whistle was blown last Sunday in Ennis.

“That business has started already” stressed manager Mickey Harte when speaking to the media after the game.

“When we were talking to players today that is all we could do, speak well of them and tell them that they should feel good about what they achieved out there today.

“Their first game at this level, playing against a team well-seasoned in this division for six or seven years. And on their own soil. The fact we put in such a fight, that recovery mission mentally is already on.”

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The Oak Leafers couldn’t have had a much different experience in their opening round compared to Louth, as they welcomed Limerick to Owenbeg.

Leading by 0-7 to 0-2 at the break, it was all too easy for the men from Ulster who cruised to a nine-point win, 0-16 to 0-4.

Playing Derry this early in the league, the least Louth would’ve hoped for was that they would be without the likes of the influential Conor Glass due to his club exploits with the Glen, the All-Ireland Senior Finalists.

However, Glass, as well as his Watty Grahams compatriot Ethan Doherty, started for the county side last Saturday night. So unless rested in Ardee, there is no reason why the duo won’t feature once again.

“Rory Gallagher has worked wonders with them and every year they are getting better” exclaimed the Tyrone native. “They believe in the system he plays and are executing it to a high level. They are serious operators, as they would not have won Ulster without it.

“Derry were very close to being in an All-Ireland Final as well, so are a great outfit. It shows how things are not going to get any easier.”

One thing that is playing into their favour in the coming weeks is the schedule, with Louth playing on home soil in four out the next five matches.

The only trip away from Ardee sees them tackling local rivals Meath in Navan in Round 4.

After seeing just what his side are capable of against the Banner County, be it their work rate or their battling qualities, alongside their commitment levels in training, the multiple time All Ireland winner is hopeful they can raise their game for what is sure to be their hardest test yet.

“People like to believe that their home venue means something to them, that they can do better there than on the road. It is less demanding on the players, you don’t have to stay overnight, don’t have long travels to go on. We need to try and make the best of that.

“But just because we are at home, it won’t necessarily mean we will get the result that we want. If we put the effort in like today and add some more, then you are giving yourself a fighting chance.”

While the result was the biggest negative to come out of the game in Cusack Park, unfortunately it was also a tough week from an injury standpoint.

Ciaran Byrne was an early withdrawal, who needed to be stretchered off the field. Early reports after the game indicated that it wasn’t a fracture, but since then it has been confirmred that St Mochtas man is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury. 

He was replaced by Tommy Durnin, who also left the field late into the contest having picked up a knock himself, while Paul Matthews, one of the standout performers throughout the O’Byrne Cup, was not in the matchday panel against Clare. He got hurt a day prior in training.

“It wasn’t a good weekend for us injury wise.” admitted Harte. “They are big men physically who we have lost around the middle of the park. That’s life, we just have to roll up our sleeves and do the best we can.

“The next game is coming knocking on our door again and it is not going to get any easier. We are playing the Ulster Champions.

“But we will have to give it our best shot. If the boys do themselves as proud as they did today, then you couldn’t fault them. You couldn’t ask for anymore and that is all you ever want from a team, that they give the best of themselves. Give every ounce of energy.”