Louth players have “nothing to prove” believes Brennan

Louth are gearing up for what is a crucial All-Ireland Senior Football Championship clash against Clare this Sunday.

After their most recent setback against Down at Pairc Esler, the Wee County need a win or a draw to progress out of the group to the preliminary round.

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Manager Ger Brennan, spoke about his team’s preparations and highlighted that Clare's form has been impressive, despite some player losses; they still have plenty of talent.

He said: “They're a talented group. They're unlucky to miss out on promotion just about up to Division Two.

“Three seasons ago they were the best team in the early rounds of Division Two. Louth mobilised quite well after that, finishing on eight points themselves in that division.”

He added, “They’re an excellent team. Yes, they've lost a couple of bodies, but if you're looking, you've got Mark McInerney, Emmet McMahon, Connor Meany, Brian McNamara, and then Keelan Sexton too.

“Then Eoin Cleary and one or two boys due to come back from injury that we haven't seen yet. They're quite a talented bunch.

“Looking at their performance against Down, they would be a bit disappointed with how they started, and particularly on their own patch, they seemed to perform that bit better the last day against Monaghan.

“Albeit Monaghan pulled away in the second half, and then they certainly fancy themselves against Louth.”

No pressure

Despite the stakes of the game, Brennan was quick to stress that there is no pressure on his players.

He highlighted the incredible achievements of this Louth team, particularly the historic victory that ended a 68-year wait for a Leinster title.

“What this group of players have done for Louth has been phenomenal, and whether we win or lose at the weekend that will never change,” he said.

“The joy and the happiness that they've brought to people's lives, that ending of a 68-year famine, these fellas, whether we win or lose on the weekend, they're always going to be legends, and for me, there's no pressure on them.”

Brennan continued, noting that his players should go out and enjoy the game, irrespective of the outcome.

“They've nothing to prove to me or the management team, I know they've got the elements of their own play, and they've lost the last two games, but there are obviously mitigating circumstances there.

“But for me, they're just a wonderful group of lads, and they should have no fear of the outcome at the weekend, and go out and have fun, and express themselves.”

Preparation and injuries

In terms of preparation, Brennan provided an update on how his side is shaping up ahead of the vital clash.

“I think we're in good shape that way. There have been big numbers that have been on the training field now which is great.

“We’ve also brought in a few of the U20s who were with us for the National League too, so that's kind of refreshing.

“We took a couple of days off after the Down game and I was conscious of the lads as they're elite amateurs. Amateur being the important word here.

“They need to be given a bit of a break to switch off football and to have some downtime. Hopefully, that will help the group go into the game again.”

A strong performance this weekend could see Louth advance, but regardless of the result, this group of players will always be remembered as red and white heroes.