Lennon: There was a lot on the line for Louth

There was a sense of pride and satisfaction among the Louth faithful on Sunday afternoon in Tullamore, as Ger Brennan’s men battled past Kildare to secure a third consecutive Leinster Senior Football Championship final appearance.

The 1-18 to 0-18 win over the Lilywhites at Glenisk O’Connor Park didn’t come easy, but it was made sweeter by the return of All-star Craig Lennon, who was named Man of the Match.

Back in the starting fifteen after a long spell out injured, Lennon admitted it was a tough battle but was delighted to be back making a difference.

READ MORE: Louth march into third straight Leinster SFC final after win over Kildare

He said: “We are just getting the lads back at the right time I suppose. Sam (Mulroy) is back there today as well. And hopefully, we get a few more bodies coming back into the panel for next week.

“So, a really hard team to pick. It is just the way football goes. I come in and unfortunately, somebody has to make way.

“It is just nice to get minutes into the legs. You’re kind of hoping you're going to progress. And when you make progress it's nice.”

Seeking silverware

Having missed the tail end of last season's league through injury too, Lennon is now hoping to stay fit for the big days ahead.

“I know. I don't want to jinx myself or anything. But missing the league might be the way to go in the future. But no, it would be nice to get a Leinster Championship back to Louth. Just talking to a few lads there.

“We're heading in the right direction. The whole thing, minors going well and U20s going well. So just a bit of silverware now at this stage would be nice.”

Starting slow

The game didn’t always look like it was going Louth’s way. Kildare made the brighter start and had the Wee County under serious pressure early on, but Lennon said they stayed calm despite the rocky beginning. 

“No. We spoke. We've gone through every scenario in the last couple of weeks in training. And then you see from other games how quickly games can swing with the new rules. The two-pointers and stuff like that.  

“Just when you're getting on the ball, you know, Ciaran Downey, Tommy (Durnin). You're just controlling games. We're so capable of it. So just kind of stay calm. Obviously, you don't like to let the gap get too big.”

McDonnell save

Key moments swung the tie Louth’s way. A huge save by Niall McDonnell and a well-timed goal just before half-time gave them the edge.

“I got asked after one of the games last year against Meath. He's the best shot-stopper I've ever seen.

“He is unbelievable. Like Darragh Kirwan is one of the best forwards in the country. And point-blank save right in front of him towards the end of the game there.

“He is unbelievable. Just the value he brings is unbelievable. I'm glad we had him,” Lennon said.

The goal from Conall McKeever, set up beautifully by Kieran McArdle, couldn’t have come at a better time either.

“Yeah, exactly. I probably should have had one just a few minutes before. And you're kind of thinking, do we need one?

“Not that we need one, but is that our chance gone? And thankfully Kieran McArdle gets off his shoulder. And just tees it up lovely for Conall McKeever. But in terms of timing, it couldn't get any better.”

Composure

Even in the second half, Kildare refused to go away. Louth’s composure in front of the posts proved decisive.

“Yeah, we thought they were kind of lethal in the first 20 minutes, first half in front of goal. So we just had to kind of take the sting out of it. Keep control of the ball. But we controlled the ball towards the end.”

There were some nervy moments late on too, but a crucial two-pointer from Tommy Durnin helped steady the ship.

“I know I didn't want Tommy to shoot. I don't think Sam (Mulroy) did either. We were both behind him. There was two minutes left, I'd say.

“But you don't tell Tommy what to do, I suppose. But he absolutely nails it, in fairness to him. It just about came in, I think. But I won't complain.”

Final few minutes

Managing the final minutes with the clock ticking down was a challenge, but Lennon said the team knew what was at stake.

“Yeah, difficult. Obviously, Alex Bierne was on fire, and Darragh Kirwan was playing well. Give them a sniff and they kind of take it.

“So just trying to control the game, knowing the rules. The next day, well, apparently I was right to kick the ball out. But just tidying things up like that, we just have to nail everything to win a Leinster Championship.”

Full time

When the final whistle blew, the emotion was clear among players and supporters alike.

“There was a lot on the line today. You lose you're in the Tailteann Cup, and that's probably a big backward step to where we were last year.

“All Ireland quarter-finals for the first time in however many years. But yeah, there was a lot on the line today. Another chance at a Leinster Championship, and another chance at an All-Ireland Championship.

“So I think whether we beat them by 20 points or a point, there was going to be relief today.”