Louth must "seize the moment" says Byrne

Louth return to Croke Park on Sunday for their third attempt in-a-row to win Leinster Senior Football Championship Final – this time standing in their way are local rivals Meath.

For Louth fans, it is a chance to put to rest the ghosts of 2010, the last time these two counties met in a Leinster decider.

Declan Byrne was part of that Louth team that lined out in the 2010 final, the county’s first appearance in the provincial showpiece in over 50 years.

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Speaking to the Dundalk Democrat ahead of this year’s clash, Byrne reflects on the buildup rather than the game itself.

He said: “Of the day itself I can't really remember a whole pile. The build-up though was crazy, training sessions with supporters attending, the hype about the county and the red and white everywhere.

That game is still remembered today for its controversial ending, with Meath snatching a win in deeply disputed circumstances.

“How I look back on it is that we as a team had ample opportunities on the day to put the game out of sight. We were the better side but kept Meath in the game,” Byrne said.

“I remember Paddy (Keenan’s) incredible goal line block and thinking that particular piece of skill should have been remembered as the key moment in clinching us a Leinster title.”

(Louth's Paddy Keenan in action against Meath's Nigel Crawford in the 2010 Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship Final against Meath at Croke Park. Photo by Sportsfile)

Unfinished business

Despite the lingering disappointment from that day, Byrne doesn’t believe the current squad will carry any baggage from the past into this game.

“Not really, no. Louth and Meath has always been a fierce rivalry, and I have experienced some good and not-so-good memories against the old enemy.

“I don’t think the present crop of Louth players will be thinking that they have unfinished business, they will be looking to create their own piece of history.”

(Louth manager Peter Fitzpatrick with the Louth players before the start of the 2010 Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship Final. Picture by David Maher/Sportsfile)

From player to supporter

For Byrne, now watching from the stands, the excitement is a mix of pride and nostalgia.

“Ah listen there is mixed emotions obviously I have a lot of friends and a brother in that group and want nothing more than for them to get their hands on the Delaney Cup.

“At times it can be hard watching on having left that playing group in the past number of years and then reaching three Leinster finals.

“But look I had my time and enjoyed the small number of highs that we had and will obviously have some regrets about certain aspects of my time involved – but time waits for no man.”

(Louth players Declan Byrne and Conor Early celebrate after beating Wexford in the 2019 Leinster SFC. Picture by Matt Browne/Sportsfile)

Focus

Byrne knows better than most what the lead-up to a Leinster final can do to a player’s mindset.

“Trying to stay out of the public eye/limelight and avoiding all possible distractions. You have to enjoy the build-up surely, but you can’t find yourself consumed by it as it will drain your energy.

“On the day itself, you want everything to run smoothly but that won't be the case for everyone (that’s sport), getting your hands on the ball early and feeling part of the game is huge for any player it builds confidence.”

Asked how best to handle such a massive occasion, Byrne offers simple but valuable advice.

“I think from my perspective I always felt that channelling energy elsewhere whether that be spending time with family and friends or listening to music etc was a great way to declutter the mind and avoid overthinking and playing the game in your head.

“I always found that I played my best games when I kept busy in the build-up and limited thinking time.”

(Louth's Declan Byrne in action against DCU in 2014. Picture by Paul Mohan/Sportsfile)

Team ethic

Louth's current panel has won admiration for its togetherness and work ethic, traits Byrne sees as vital for success.

“Team ethic, everyone is fully aware of the role they are playing in the team whether it’s Donal (McKenny) putting out a fire, Sam (Mulroy) landing a score, or Craig (Lennon) breaking the line - they all contribute to the overall cause.

“The boys are extremely grounded and are hungry for success and my belief is that their time has come.”

(Louth's Craig Lennon in action against Kildare's Colm Dalton in the Leinster SFC semi-final. Picture by Shuana Clinton/Sportsfile)

2010 team - 2025 team

Comparisons with the 2010 team are inevitable, but Byrne sees the eras as too different to measure directly.

“That’s a tough question—they are two completely different teams with different characteristics and the football being coached and played now doesn’t really measure up with the style we would have played in 2010.

“Both teams are and were extremely talented with match winners dotted all over the place, (Paddy) Keenan, Ray Finnegan, 'Lenno' (Shane Lennon), 'Reido' (Adrian Reid) and the rest.

“Andy (McDonnell) is a survivor obviously and this is a testament to his longevity and commitment to still be going strong 15 years later.”

(2010 Leinster final survivor Andy McDonnell in action against Kildare in this year's Leinster SFC semi-final. Picture by Shuana Clinton/Sportsfile)

Advice

As the team prepares to walk out on the hallowed turf of Croke Park, Byrne has one message for the players.

“Seize your moment. Be cognizant of the impact you are having on GAA people in Louth and take what you have worked so hard for.”