Louth “taking it one game at a time” according to McKenny

The Louth senior football side will be eager to get back to winning ways tomorrow when they take on Cavan in the Allianz National Football League, Round 3 tie at Kingspan Breffni Park.

After an opening-round victory over Westmeath, the Wee County fell short by two points in a tight battle against Roscommon in Drogheda. 

They face a Cavan side still searching for their first win of the campaign after defeats to Monaghan and Meath.

Despite the setback against Roscommon, Louth defender Donal McKenny remains confident in the team’s ability to push for promotion.

He said: “We are taking it one game at a time. Nothing is over yet. That is the target this year, one of the targets this year anyway—to get promoted. I don’t think that is unachievable, so we will keep on pushing for that.”

McKenny highlighted the squad’s strength in depth as a key factor in their campaign. “The depth of our squad this year is something serious, so even if one lad gets injured, another lad just as good or if not better steps in,” he said.

Reflecting on the narrow loss to Roscommon, the Ardee St. Mary's clubman admitted that Louth made some mistakes but still showed fighting spirit.

“We don’t think we learned from our mistakes last week. We were very poor in both halves at times. We found it hard to get the kickouts off and missed a lot in the first half, but we showed a good fight as well.”

The Reds did well to cut Roscommon’s lead at times but ultimately fell short and McKenny acknowledged the fine margins at this level.

He said: “They are the margins at this level. Look, a six-point lead isn’t that much of a lead anymore, so if a few more scores had gone our way it would have been a different game.”

While Louth struggled with their kickouts at times, McKenny isn’t overly concerned. He said: “Ah no, not a concern but something to maybe keep in mind more.

“I think we did well last week, and we dug it out and came back into the game well today. But there are a few things to iron out, and we will be grand.”

The new rules have been a talking point early in the season, and the defender believes they have added to the excitement of the game.

“I am enjoying them so far. The kickouts are tough, but I am enjoying them, and I think the games are a lot more exciting.”

Ger Brennan's side will be keen to pick up another win to stay in the promotion hunt, while Cavan are desperate to get their first points on the board.