Louth's McDonnell proud of "phenomenal" Leinster U20 victory

Louth football is celebrating a long-awaited breakthrough after the county’s U20s claimed their first Leinster title in over four decades.

The young Reds put in a stellar shift to defeat defending champions Meath, winning 2-19 to 1-15 at Cedral St. Conleth’s Park in Newbridge on Wednesday night.

READ MORE: Louth book their place in Leinster MFC semi-final with victory over the Lake County

Among the standout performers was Dundalk Gaels' ace Tony McDonnell, who played a central role in this landmark win.

Emotions were still raw and the occasion just sinking in when we caught up with the U20 star post-match.

McDonnell was still soaking up the atmosphere visibly emotional after the final whistle.

“No, it hasn't. I'm just sitting up in the stand there and I'm just trying to take it all in. It's an absolutely phenomenal feeling and I can't believe it.

“We've worked extremely hard for this from December to winter onwards and all the work has just paid off now and we're not done here.

“We want to go on even though there's so much history since last time we won this. We want to move on and get on to the next.”

Teamwork

Beating the reigning champions took grit and a team-first mentality, something McDonnell says has been ingrained in the squad.

“All 30 members of the panel worked extremely hard there for every single one of us. It wasn't just a one-man job. Everyone bought into it and all the managers and coaching all over the years have been building up to this.

“Even last year that squad was built on and we're extremely grateful for that and you know luckily it's paid off this year.”

Support

The game itself was a rollercoaster, especially in the first half, with both teams trading blows and the crowd fully engaged.

“Yeah, it was end-to-end there. It was definitely a spectacle for everyone watching and we're extremely grateful for all the fans and all the fans coming down here and what a match.”

It clicked

Louth pulled away in the second half, finding a rhythm in attack and breaking up Meath’s momentum.

“Everything just started to click at the end of it. Even the Meath lads, what a team. They didn't win it last year for the craic. What an actual team we played against there and you know what a game.”

Solid at the back

Meath had their chances, but Louth’s defensive pressure made them work hard for every score.

“Yeah, we were lucky for that but then again it was, they weren't just missing, it was our defence putting pressure out and we really focused on that because obviously they have forwards who can kick two-pointers for fun.

“So we had really focused on pressing up on that 40-meter arc and you know the pressure paid off.”

Courage

With the game in the balance, Louth’s players stood tall, throwing themselves into tackles and blocks.

“Everyone put the bodies on the line there. Padric Tinley, Keelin Martin and everyone, all the defenders.

“That's only naming two players, there's everyone buying into it and you know very brave from every single player on the pitch there tonight.”

Redemption

For many of the squad, the pain of last year’s disappointment added fuel to the fire. McDonnell himself wasn’t on that side but saw the hunger first-hand.

“I wasn't part of the team last year and I know even speaking to some of the lads, it hurt and it hurt a lot.

“You know coming this year we were really hungry for it and everyone bought into it and you know everyone was really up for it tonight 100% and showed on the pitch there tonight.”

Louth football

These are exciting times for Louth football at every level. The U20s are leading the charge, with the seniors and minors making waves too.

“Great times and you know we'll enjoy tonight but we'll move on to the next.”

Mayo next

An All-Ireland semi-final now awaits against Mayo. But for now, the team will take a well-earned moment to enjoy what they’ve achieved.

“We'll celebrate tonight so we will.”