Louth hurlers "Will not be leaving any stone unturned" says boss

Louth senior hurling manager Trevor Hilliard was in good spirits after his side’s hard-fought 0-22 to 2-8 victory over Longford in the Allianz National Hurling League, Division 4, Round 6 clash at Pairc Naomh Brid, Dowdallshill this afternoon.

The win not only secured promotion for the Wee County but also set up a league final at Croke Park later this month. Reflecting on the match, Hilliard acknowledged the challenge Longford presented, especially in the first half.

He said: “It was a hard battle against Longford, and I didn’t expect any different. They are probably preparing for the Lory Meagher Cup.

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You can see they brought the game to us in the first half. I thought we started rightly enough and then we let them get the grip hold.”

Louth were railing 1-7 to 0-7 at the break and had work to do in the second half, but the manager had faith in his team.

“You would have been a wee bit worried, but I always know the lads will get to grips with things and organise things themselves across the field and push on from there.”

The home side had struggled to find their rhythm early on and missed opportunities proved costly. “The penalty was probably a bit of a kick back when we were after getting back into the game.

“We missed one or two frees then at that stage, and one or two points. We could have went in at half time probably ahead but instead we were behind by three.”

The second half saw the Reds take control as they used the breeze to their advantage and found scores from distance. “The point from Sean Flynn from the centre was a big lift to us and I think that one pushed us on over the line.”

Darren Geoghegan was once again key for Louth and finished with 12 points to his name.

“There was one or two of them especially there late on when it went to 22 points, so we are happy with how they went. Some of the frees didn't go the way we wanted but other days they will go.”

Hilliard was also pleased to give game time to younger players, with James Byrne making his senior debut and U20 player Sam Phelan coming on as a substitute.

“James Byrne has been training with the lads, and he pulled his hamstring at the start of the year. That was just the opportunity to get him his debut and we sent him in.

“Sam (Phelan) came in and he looked lively when he came in. He won one or two frees and he got a score himself.”

With a few weeks to prepare for the final at Croke Park, Hilliard is keen to keep the squad focused while allowing time for recovery.

“We will not be taking anything for granted. We might have finished top, but you have nothing won until you win the final.

“We might just take it handy this week and then we will start to build. We have no game next week and all the other teams have games. 

“So, it gives us that extra week of a break, but we won't take the foot of the gas now at training.”

Looking ahead, Hilliard is determined to ensure his players are ready for both the league final and the upcoming Nickey Rackard Cup campaign.

“To get to Croke Park to play in a league final is great too but we have to start looking then around the corner at the Nickey Rackard. 

“There is a lot of teams we can go after this year, and we will not be leaving any stone unturned.” 

Louth’s unbeaten run remains intact, and Hilliard believes maintaining that winning mentality is key. “Of course, a winning mentality is the best thing. That’s why today we didn’t take the foot off it.”