Burns says Louth IFC final is “a long time coming” for Hunterstown

This Sunday promises to go down in history for Hunterstown Rovers as they prepare to play Dundalk Gaels in the Louth Intermediate Football Championship final.

It's been over a decade since Rovers last clinched championship silverware with their previous title being the 2013 Junior Football Championship.

The opportunity to lead his side into the final is a special one for captain Ryan Burns. He told the Dundalk Democrat: "It's a great achievement for the club and a long time coming since 2013.

"We have been knocking on the door ever since and we always wanted this day so we are looking forward to it. We have a young team here and it will be a great day."

Burns has been a key figure throughout Hunterstown’s campaign but a recent injury has cast some doubt over his availability for Sunday’s clash. 

When assessing his availability for the final Burns said: "It's day-by-day for myself. We will play it by ear and see what happens".

Hunterstown has had an impressive campaign to date with their Division 2 success adding confidence to their IFC push. Burns is mindful that previous victories won't decide the outcome this weekend.

He said: "Every game is a different game and you just have to take it as it is. Don't get me wrong, there are definitely more positives in winning games than losing games.

"Nothing in the past is going to change what's coming and it is just how we prepare for this weekend. All we can do is put the right foot forward and see what happens."

In addition to the hard work and talent that have carried Rovers this far, the team spirit and camaraderie within the camp have also played a vital role.

The 27-year-old noted the mix of youth and experience that has lifted the squad.

He said: "There are a good few young lads who are after coming in so they've put a bit of youth on our squad and a bit of light-hearted craic around the place. The oldies were getting a bit too serious but there is a nice blend now. It is going well."

2024 has been a standout year for Burns personally as he also enjoyed a fruitful season with the Louth County team.

However, the focus is firmly on his club now and he knows what winning the Seamus Flood Cup would mean.

"It's been a brilliant year and years with Louth over the last while. It goes completely separate from the club. You come back to the lads you grew up with, went to school with, and live right beside you.

"It would be nice alright but all we can do is put our best foot forward and give it a good whack and see what happens."

The thought of lifting the trophy as club captain is something Burns doesn’t take lightly, with the last Intermediate Championship success for Hunterstown being in 1999.

"I think 1999 is the last time that we won the Intermediate, so that tells you how long and how hard it is to win it. It would be great for the club.

He finished by saying: "We are a proud wee club in the rural countryside, so all we can do is be a little bit prouder on Sunday and we will see what happens then."