Brennan 'very pleased' with Louth performance

Louth GAA senior football manager, Ger Brennan, was full of praise for his team following their Jimmy McGeough Cup pre-season game against Fermanagh.

While the result was secondary in this early-season encounter, Brennan was heartened by the effort and potential on display, despite some moments of inconsistency.

Reflecting on the game, Brennan described it as “very enjoyable” for players, officials, and supporters alike, especially as everyone adjusts to the new rules.

He said: “I thought it was a very enjoyable game for both teams. Fermanagh and Louth are both getting used to the new rules, as are the officials and even the supporters. 

“There were a couple of decisions that Martin McNally would have made today which the majority of us weren’t fully sure what happens next. 

“We got a black card, we only had to keep two (players) back, so you are not at a disadvantage numerically defensively. 

“Then when the goalkeeper got a black card for Fermanagh, one of the outfield players had to put on a bib to distinguish him from the rest of the outfield players so he could still play the goalkeeping role. 

“So, stuff like that was good learning tonight. In terms of Louth trying to develop more senior inter-county footballers at the top level, I think we would all agree there was a great heart and talent on show there. 

“Probably at moments that bit of cohesion between the players because there are so many of them coming together for the first time. 

“We probably just missed out on that bit of slickness here and there with some of the goal opportunities that we created. But in terms of the effort and the heart of the Louth players you would have to be very pleased.”

(Garvan Jones of Fermanagh attempts to tackle Louth's, Daire Nally, during the Jimmy McGeough Cup at Haggardstown. Picture by Arthur Kinahan)

For Brennan, the McGeough Cup was about giving players a chance to prove themselves. He expressed gratitude to the Geraldines club for nominating several players, including Gareth Neasy, Seán McEneaney, and Matt Corcoran.

Brennan said: “You are basically giving fellas an opportunity to see if they can compete at the top level.

“We were very thankful to the Geraldines to nominate several of their players, Gareth Neasy, Seán McEneaney, and Matt Corcoran (Dan’s brother), to represent the county tonight.

“All that was asked did incredibly well so it was good to see them. Val Leddy from Naomh Maírtin was able to make himself available and he made a great contribution during the second half too. 

“Then you are looking at some of the guys who wouldn’t have gotten as much league or championship time last year. 

“Players like Conor Branigan or James Stewart who would have been on a county panel before, trying to get more minutes into their legs. So, from that point of view, there are a lot of positives to be taken from it.”

(Jack Largo Ellis of Fermanagh scores a point in the Jimmy McGeough Cup as Louth's Liam Jackson tries to block. Picture by Arthur Kinahan)

The manager was particularly encouraged by the performances of young talents like Pearse Grimes-Murphy and Tadhg McDonnell.

He said: “Yeah, I am really, really happy with both guys. Fergal Reel, the U20 manager, and myself have a very good working relationship.

“We are all trying to develop the quality of players at minor, U20, and senior level to ensure there is a bit of continuity in the years going forward.

“So, when some of the older guys need to maybe step away because of age, there isn’t a void for another five, six, or seven years and you are rebuilding from scratch.

“I'm very happy with how these guys played, they are still very young, and you have to be patient with them, supporters have to be patient with them too as they are only young kids.

“They are going to make mistakes but again, the desire and the want to represent their county is great to have there.”

Adjusting to the revamped rules is an ongoing process, Brennan admitted with a laugh: “I wouldn’t be content with my own understanding of the new rules.”

He said: “What has been very enjoyable as a management team and even the group of players that are there is that it’s new for everyone.

“Elements and still some parts of it remain the same in terms of the basic skills of Gaelic football.

“So, we are coming up with a couple of ideas as a management team, the players are coming up with a couple of ideas and you merge them together.

“You go out and practice with them in a couple of challenge games. Ultimately, they’re the ones who are on the pitch, so they are seeing what is working and what's not.

“The game I played is now different to the game that is there, so you are kind of bowing down to the on-field expertise and experience of the players and the feedback they give you.

“Hopefully by the time it comes to the national league and into the championship, you will have a better refined product and game plan.”