Louth boss praises spirit despite defeat

A determined Louth side came out second best against Monaghan in the All-Ireland series on Saturday, with a six-point defeat that left manager Ger Brennan both reflective and optimistic as he spoke after the game.

When sharing his thoughts after the final whistle, Brennan admitted: “The better team won today. Credit to Monaghan, they played some lovely attacking football. Very efficient in front of the goals.”

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Despite the loss, Brennan was keen to highlight his team’s battling qualities and effort in difficult circumstances.

“But if you look at how much our guys continued to fight, despite not playing well, and to get it to a six-point defeat, I thought it was a real credit to the lads then again.”

He also stressed that the final margin could yet play a part in determining who advances from this group.

“And the score difference will obviously come into it when it comes down to the end of the group in about three weeks' time.”

Late changes

Louth’s chances were dented before the game began, with the late withdrawals of defensive stalwarts Peter Lynch and Dermot Campbell, as well as Paul Mathews.

“That was tough. Paul Mathews as well. A bit of a knock as well. Paul had to come out from the 26 as well. 

“Fellas like that are obviously big losses, but I have to say the strength of the panel is far better as you can see.

“Credits to the lads who went in. They worked hard and tried their best. But again, you just have to credit Monaghan in terms of how efficient they were in front of the goals.”

4/10

Once more, it was the first half that cost Louth, with Monaghan making an early push. Brennan acknowledged the performance was far from what they’re capable of.

“We were probably a 4 out of 10 today overall. And again, that's just down to a bit of a hangover after the Leinster final and also credit to Monaghan too.”

Still, there was hope heading into the break.

“To be three or four down at half-time, having again played probably only 4 out of 10, we'd have taken that.”

Efforts were made to shift momentum after the interval.

“We tried to make a couple of tactical and positional changes in the second half and get ourselves back up to the pace. Ultimately, we couldn't get up to the energy levels that we have demonstrated before.”

Penalty

There was a moment in the second half when it looked like a comeback might be on. A converted penalty gave Louth a glimmer, and fans dared to believe.

“Look, they are truly an amazing group of players. And certainly, since my management team took over, you can see that resilience is there in this group. 

“They never give up, they never give in and they keep fighting until the the very, very end.”

Monaghan’s game management, though, proved the difference.

“Yes, and that's again, that experience of Monaghan playing in the top tier for the guts of 10 years. 

“Ultimately, when you are chasing the game, you can leave the odd gap there, gaps in your defence. But again, credit to Monaghan, they are a very talented team.”

Sideline drama

A bit of tension on the touchline didn’t go unnoticed, but Brennan played it down.

“We were just organising pints after the game, so myself and Gabriel (Bannigan) had a good chat at the end. We shook hands and we had a good hug and a smile at the end.”

On the referee, Brennan chose to keep things measured, despite the reaction from supporters.

“Well, I think last year you probably asked my referees regularly and to be fair, they have a job to do and I think the people who are watching the game can make their own opinions of how the officials got on.”

Leinster hangover

Some questions were raised about whether Louth were still carrying the emotional weight of the Leinster final. Brennan suggested it only became clear after the game began.

“We didn't know until the game started. Now we know. Now it's done. Now we have to pick ourselves up and focus on Down now in seven days' time.”

Late goal

A final goal in the dying minutes could yet prove significant in a tight qualification race.

“Yes, that's again credit to the lads. They knew that the scoreboard matters. It's a four-way league competition and we would have liked to have pushed hard to try to finish top of the group to give ourselves that extra week going into a quarter-final.

“But now we're going to have to fight our way and slog it out against Down and Clare two weeks after that.”

Down next

Dan Corcoran made a return to the pitch, and while not yet fully match fit, Brennan praised his contribution.

“And Dan's another guy who's worked really hard behind the scenes to try and get himself back up and fit. So it was not as straightforward making decisions when we had to make last-minute changes to the squad.”

Attention now turns to the clash with Down, in Newry, a game Brennan knows will be a serious test.

“It's going to be very tough. They had a superb performance against Clare. We had people watching that, their ability to break from the back was second to none.”

Monaghan

Monaghan’s pedigree and poise showed throughout. Brennan said his team was ready for it in theory, but execution is another thing.

“Yes, and looking at what Monaghan did today, we certainly would have prepared for it.

“But again, when you look at the context of where we've come from the last couple of weeks, talking about it is one thing and trying to execute it is another. 

“But look, very proud of the lads again, the fact that they kept fighting to the very end.”