Inside Track: Fergal Reel targets success at county and club levels

If Fergal Reel meets all of his targets he has set for himself next season, he’ll have lots to celebrate.

Arguably, the most successful coach Louth club football has accommodated in recent times, with success at inter-county level also on his CV, the Silverbridge man will wear two hats in 2026, one red, the other blue.

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He was on his second year in inter-county football when he guided the under-20s to provincial glory a number of months back, and after that to the All-Ireland final.

In his first outing with the same age group, Louth reached the Leinster final, only for his charges to go down to Meath. That defeat was avenged in brilliant fashion in this year’s renewal, and that Newbridge win was followed by a defeat of Mayo. Tyrone proved too strong in the final.

Eleven of the panel are eligible for next year, and that augurs well. This team will occupy Reel’s mind in the first half of the season, when inter-county football activity across all grades will have the call; but when it comes to the serious end in club football, when championships will be down for decision, he’ll be taking on a more active role St Mary’s, having been chosen to fill the vacancy cause by the departure of Cathal Murray, the mastermind behind the Ardee side’s three successive title-wins.

As was the case this year, Mary’s will be on many short lists for honours. A quarter-final defeat by Newtown Blues scuppered the Ardee bid for a four-timer this year, even with Tommy Durnin in for his debut.

The presence of the county star, however, was offset by the loss of three regulars, one of the county team’s most consistent players, Damien McKenny, among them.

While Fergal Reel will be concentrating on the under-20s, Mary’s won’t be lacking in training ground expertise. Barry Teather is to take charge, and here’s someone who knows his way around Páirc Mhuire.

The former Na Piarsaigh player was an integral part of Cathal Murray’s team, said to be hugely popular with the players.

Changes have also taken place at other clubs, and the trend may continue into the New Year. Kevin McKernan, who led Dundalk Gaels to an intermediate championship win last year, and followed this term with league success, has joined an Antrim club as coach. No replacement has been announced at the time of writing.

There’s also been a changing of the guard at Cooley, locals Alan Page and Seán Connor replacing Ciarán Marks and Paul Grier.