Louth “put in a huge shift” to stay in Division 2 says Brennan 

Louth senior footballers ensured their Allianz National Football League Division 2 safety with a hard-fought 1-19 to 0-17 victory over Meath at Grattan Park, Inniskeen on Sunday afternoon.  

After a challenging league campaign filled with injuries and forced changes, manager Ger Brennan reflected on the achievement with pride. 

After the game, he said: “I am a glass half full when you look at how disruptive the campaign was this year because of the volume of injuries and the wear and tear on the bodies. It's an incredible achievement to be fair to the lads and the whole panel.” 

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Brennan highlighted the determination of his squad and acknowledged the effort put in by all players, particularly those who stepped up when needed. 

(Donal McKenny of Louth in action against Jordan Morris of Meath during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile)

“There are guys who put in a huge shift there today, the lads really stood up when the time to stand up was called upon. It's a very, very proud day for the lads and they deserve it, and the Louth supporters deserve it.” 

The absence of captain Sam Mulroy due to an injury sustained in a training session was a significant blow, but Brennan had faith in the depth of his squad. 

“Well, no I've got about 20 plans in my head. Sam has been an incredible captain and he's been used for a lot of football,” he said. 

“I think you see how much his teammates love him today because the question was asked of them.” 

(Louth manager Ger Brennan and selector Dr Niall Moyna celebrate after the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile)

Brennan praised the impact of Ryan Burns and Conor Branigan, along with the resurgence of Andy McDonnell. 

“Conor Branigan again came back. To be fair to Conor he has stuck at it, he has a very young family and there's an awful lot of work that goes into getting the body right for inter-county football,” he added. 

One of the standout moments of the game was Kieran McArdle’s goal, which Brennan credited to the young player’s persistence and development. 

“Kieran there's another guy he's been in, he's been out, he's come on, he's come off and we all have a good few chats with Kieran recently in terms of what exactly it is we're looking for from him.  

“You can't be expecting amazing things from the very off. But we knew that performance was in Kieran, and we are delighted for him.” 

(Tom Jackson of Louth in action against Ciarán Caulfield of Meath during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile)

Louth dominated the first half, taking full advantage of the wind before managing the second half efficiently against a determined Meath side. 

“That first half was fairly impressive from the guys. Tommy (Durnin) obviously, playing in Inniskeen the last couple of seasons won the toss and made a very good decision to go with the wind in the first half.  

“And try and tap over a couple of two-pointers if he could and make sure we were in the game coming in at half-time.” 

Brennan also acknowledged the importance of game management and breaking up Meath’s play, crediting both experienced players and young talent. 

(Louth manager Ger Brennan celebrates with his players after the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile)

“It comes from experience and then the pace of youth and the fearlessness of youth as well with guys coming in and making a difference. 

“Liam Flynn made his senior debut today as well. He's another guy that has put in an incredible shift.” 

Reflecting on the new rules and their enforcement, Brennan sympathized with the referees while expressing his dissatisfaction with one particular rule. 

“To be fair to Kieran (Eannetta) the referee and all the referees, it's tough. Today was a championship match in effect.  

“The only rule I am totally and utterly against is a two-point score from a free. I think it's a ridiculous rule and it's far too easy for senior inter-county fellas to get scores from two-pointers from frees.” 

(Dermot Campbell of Louth in action against Jordan Morris of Meath during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile)

With Division 2 football secured for another year, Brennan spoke of the long-term benefits of remaining at this level for player development. 

“Well in terms of the development of players and looking towards 2026 it's going to be more beneficial to Louth. 

“Our management team and the players to be playing against better-equipped teams compared to Division 3.” 

(Liam Flynn of Louth in action against Eoin Harkin of Meath during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile)

Attention now turns to the upcoming championship in three weeks. Brennan remains hopeful that several injured players will return in time. 

“We would hope to have five to six guys available for the championship in three weeks’ time.” 

(Louth manager Ger Brennan celebrates with supporters after the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Louth and Meath at Grattan Park in Inniskeen. Photo by Daire Brennan/Sportsfile)

All-Star forward Craig Lennon is another player the Louth boss is keeping a close eye on his progress as with Sam Mulroy. 

“If we can get over a Laois or a Wexford, we would like to have Craig available for a Leinster semi-final, but we have to go over Laois or Wexford first. 

“Sam is about 3 or 4 weeks as well so Leinster semi-final for Sam as well.”