Louth Footballers full of confidence ahead of Dublin challenge

Sunday sees Croke Park play host to what is the biggest game of Gaelic Football that any Louth GAA team has been involved in for many years.

It had been a couple of really lean seasons for those who follow the Wee County the length and breath of the island. Always hopeful this would be the time the Delaney Cup finally returned home. But knowing it was a longshot, one which kept getting larger as Dublin’s dominance continued.

But since the arrival of Mickey Harte at the end of 2020, things have looked brighter. The Men in Red have quickly soared up the league tables, gaining back to back promotions. Getting out of the basement and even flirting with a return to the top flight.

But what has alluded one of the greatest men to ever grace a GAA sideline since arriving through the doors in Darver was a proper championship run with his new county.

Offaly ended his first battle for Leinster glory. Extra time seeing them run out of steam in Pairc Tailteann during the Covid-hit season that was 2021.

A year later and a first win in the province came via a comprehensive demolition of Carlow. But those highs didn’t last long as they too were put to the sword by Kildare. A result which has helped shape the tactics of his side ever since.

2023 almost ended early too. Westmeath looked home and hosed at half time, before eventually falling to a remarkable comeback. Then came the return to Croke Park, where the Wee County were pushed to extra time by 2021 conqueror’s Offaly.

However when it matter most, it was Harte’s troops that found another gear when put under pressure. Extra time belonged to them, as they earned their place in a first provincial final for 13 years. No reminders needed of how that game went. Better to leave those old wounds alone.

And what of Louth’s opponents Dublin? Well, we got a taste of how the teams compared when they collided earlier this year in the league. A game that was pretty much a straight shootout for promotion. The winner earning promotion to Division One.

A dominant second half from Dessie Farrell’s men saw them power on to win by seven at the finish, 0-16 to 1-6. All while having the luxury of make a host of substitutions. But it was only 0-5 to 0-4 at half time, with Conal McKeever denied a first half goal only by the woodwork.

The Dubs were maybe a little laboured that day and clocked plenty of wides, but it was five in a row that ultimately put the tie to bed. A defeat, yes, but this was also a chance for the master that is Mickey Harte to get to see Dessie Farrell’s Dublin up close and in person. He will have learnt plenty.

In terms of their championship so far, Dublin's two games so far could not be more polar opposites.

In a rare trip outside the capital, The Boys in Blue were a few classes above Laois in the Leinster Quarter final in Portlaoise. By half time they were ahead by 27. By full time they had amassed 3-30, having notched 3-26 from play. 11 different players getting on the scoresheet.

However there is more faith to be found in their Semi-final display. Back in HQ, Kildare showed immense courage as a blanket defensive setup was proving hard for Dublin to break down.

They led for large periods of this contest, putting it right up the to Dubs. In the end they tired and Farrells’ troops finished the stronger to eke out a hard fought and narrow victory, 0-14 to 0-12.

Conor Grimes dreaming of bringing Delaney Cup home

Joe Carroll: Many Louth players’ lineage filled with winners

Louth are well capable of producing defensive football, and with plenty of potent forwards they will be ready to pounce should anything but the very best Dublin of old arrive on Sunday (Throw in 1:45PM).

There is a lot history on the line in this Leinster Final. And that goes for both teams.

Louth are of course in just their third provincial decider since 1960. They will be desperate to make it fourth time lucky and bring home the Delaney Cup for the first time since 1957. A year more famous in these parts for Sam Maguire returning to the Wee County.

But the Dubs have their piece of history on the line too. That being their long unbeaten run in Leinster that now stands at 37 games following their narrow win over Kildare. Those in Hill 16 will demand this record is kept intact.

Down the line both teams will enter the race for Sam Maguire, with the winners group maybe looking the easier way of advancing to the knockout stages, as you avoid reigning champions Kerry.

But for now, all that matters is Leinster. 70 minutes standing between one side potentially increasing a superb record in the championship or another county finally breaking a long overdue wait for provincial glory.

Louth are up against it, but when have they ever been favourites. People are longing an upset and how badly does this championship need an unlikely underdog to ignite the Summer of sport. Why not Louth?