Louth look to light up Leinster SFC in last-four clash

Louth football fans will be making the journey to Tullamore this Sunday as Ger Brennan’s men prepare to take on Kildare in the Leinster Senior Football Championship semi-final.

After a solid win over Laois in the last eight, Brennan is keeping things grounded by focusing on performance and consistency.

Speaking ahead of the clash, the manager offered a fairly upbeat update on the injury situation in the camp.

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He said: “Everyone came through who we expect to come through, great to have Craig Lennon come on, which was a huge plus.

“Part of the matchday squad, your reserves on that day were Anthony Williams and Dan Corcoran, so both lads have trained really well this week.

“Sam (Mulroy) is certainly getting closer the whole time too, so this week will tell us a lot in terms of how he's moving. Bevan Duffy, another guy, this week will tell us a lot.

“And then Ciarán Keenan, I think, comes in for a scan this week to see how the injury has progressed and where he's at.

“So, a lot of positives and a lot of great work being done behind the scenes with our S&C team and our medical team as well. 

“Which there is, to be fair, a lot of extras being done by the guys trying to get some of those fellas back up and running.”

With key names possibly edging closer to fitness, it could give the Wee County that extra depth needed heading into what looks like a tightly-matched encounter.

Squad depth

Brennan highlighted how far the squad has come in just a few weeks, having previously had to plug gaps at training due to injuries.

“Well, I probably joked in previous chats with myself and Barry Teather, one of the S&C coaches, we marked each other in training at one stage during the league, I think after round four, to make up numbers for training.

“We were that decimated with injuries, so we still laugh and joke about it. I think Barry got the upper hand in that particular training session, but that's the truth.

“But this week now we have probably 32, 33 really fit and healthy guys vying for a spot, and it's going to be the most difficult team we've probably had to pick possibly.

“You're trying to honour the guys who've gotten this far, and then you're looking at the quality and the experience of fellas like the Anthony Williams of this world, who have pushed hard to get back up to speed and trying to find the right balance going into the Kildare game.”

Looking back at Laois

The Reds saw off Laois with a 2-16 to 0-17 win at St. Conleth’s Park, but Brennan knows there’s plenty still to fine-tune.

“Well, Laois did what we prepared for. I think where we probably got caught, we kind of came down to the pace of the game that they wanted to play it at.

“Quite often when you're a favourite, albeit a slight favourite on that occasion, last week going into a game. It's probably something that Louth aren’t used to, the way of the mindset.

“So that's something that we're continuing to work on when we are paired up against the opposition, who mightn't be as far along in their development.

“The black-and-white analysis of it was that we created eight goal chances, we scored two. At the same time, Laois had two really good goal chances, and Niall McDonnell pulled off two very good saves.

“So, they get those goals in, and that changes the momentum of the game for them too. We probably forced a couple of the goal chances, I think.

“We had a good scoreboard ticking over, I think we went 5-2 up early on. And then in the second quarter, we weren't great. Started the second half a bit better again.

“Craig Lennon coming in made a big difference, boosted the morale of the group and obviously contributed a fisted point too.

“Overall, trying to get a bit of consistency and decision-making, improving that and wanting to make the right choice in front of the goal.”

A win is a win, but it's clear there are levels still to reach. Brennan and his team will be keen to show more control against Kildare.

All eyes on Kildare

There’s no shortage of respect from the Louth camp when it comes to their semi-final opponents.

“Licking their lips being one, and the other, a new management team has come in, and there's probably no gripe that he would have, maybe, as he wasn't there last year.

“Brian Flanagan is doing a great job in his first season in charge and is a really successful manager underage. 

“So, I'd say he'd be looking at the results last year, but I don't know if it would be the primary motivator for him.

“I know even our lads, a few of our older, experienced guys, have played against Kildare in previous seasons in Tullamore, and it wasn't so pretty.

“I think, possibly two seasons ago. So that probably lingers there from some of our guys, that they might like to put it right, but it's probably something we're not focusing on, this management group.”

Brennan isn't one for dwelling on the past, but he’s aware that memories of past defeats could quietly fuel some of his players.

Lilywhites threat

Kildare come into the game with a mix of youthful flair and seasoned heads, and Brennan is well aware of their attacking threats.

“The introduction of younger players with some of their experienced guys, like Kevin Feely’s and David Hyland’s in his world.

“So, Kevin Feese was eight on the last day against Westmeath, and David Hyland was six. David Hyland, from UCD, lovely guy. He contributed 1-2 from play against Westmeath.

“So, they're very, very strong in the midfield. Callum Bolton, another UCD current student, and again, a youthful guy, very talented, very tough player. So they have a lovely platform to spring from.

“Their top six are quite strong. Some of the subs they bring in. Niall Kelly's come in for most games. Would you believe I actually marked Niall Kelly in years past?

“So when he was only starting off, he's still knocking around, and he's always quite dangerous when he comes in. But Alex Beirne is a big player for them at 11, Ben McCormack at 10. Those lads have been around the block.

“And then Dara Curran is a super talented player, and he's well able to take the scores. I've seen Ryan Sinkey, again, an up-and-coming player, very talented in the Leinster final.

“I watched him a couple of seasons ago. That final was played in Dr Cullen Park in Carlow, and they beat Dublin on that occasion.

“He had a super game, so he's a big talent too. So, they've threats all over the place, and I think collectively that youthful enthusiasm that they have is quite positive.”

Tullamore.

While some fans might grumble at the venue selected for the semi-final, Brennan has no issue with Tullamore hosting the match.

“It's a distance and I think the pitch is going to suit our guys. It's going to suit Louth's style of football and to be fair to Kildare too with the pace they have as well. So, it should make for an enjoyable game.

“It doesn't bother me, you can play anywhere. The Leinster Council, I think their logic is trying to get a venue that holds 15,000+ people safely.

“So, you're looking at Portlaoise and you're looking at Tullamore and we end up in Tullamore. So, I am happy with that.”