“We got the job done” - Louth captain proud of team's resilience

Louth senior football captain Sam Mulroy, spoke after his side defeated Clare by three points in a dramatic encounter at Laois Hire O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, on Sunday afternoon.

It was a hard-earned win for the Wee County, and the skipper was the first to admit that they made it more difficult than it needed to be.

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Mulroy said: “Yeah, look, really good at times and then again really poor at times, so lots to work on, but I suppose the main aim coming here today was to get out of the group and we've done that, so we'll take it and we'll get back up the road.”

Despite a slow start, Louth managed to regain control, especially in the first half, and Mulroy was pleased with his team’s resilience.

“I suppose it's been a feature of our game has been that slow start, so when Clare tagged on a couple of points we knew we had to get to work and I thought we responded really well today,” Mulroy noted.

The team’s response to the early pressure was impressive, especially with the timing of their two goals, but Mulroy did highlight areas that still need improvement.

“We got the two goals at good times, but yeah, we fell asleep then, typical us, so it's definitely something we have to keep an eye on.”

Clare’s disadvantage

Louth took advantage of a crucial moment in the match when Clare received a black card, and Mulroy acknowledged that it was a significant opportunity for his side.

He explained: “We knew it's such a massive, massive advantage when a team can only defend with ten (men) so you have to make hay when you get it. We tagged on a few nice ones before half-time.”

Impressive Downey

A key factor in Louth's win was the performance of Ciarán Downey, who impressed throughout the game. Mulroy was quick to praise his teammate’s contribution.

“Yeah, he was excellent. Craig (Lennon) also had a really good first half and unlucky to lose him, obviously, but I thought a lot of boys played really well at times today and it's good, the lads are coming into good form,” Mulroy said.

Despite an eight-point lead at half-time, Louth struggled to extend their advantage in the second half, and Mulroy admitted that the team needs to improve in these situations.

“It’s hard because the game is so open and there's no lead that is safe and I missed a bad three in front of the goals to kick us back out again maybe five or six points and he didn’t take and then their big moments,” Mulroy reflected.

“We definitely need to work on being a little bit more ruthless and just not let teams back into the game and make it hard on ourselves.”

Crucial saves

With the game in the balance, goalkeeper Niall McDonnell made a crucial save to keep Louth ahead, and Mulroy highlighted the goalkeeper’s consistent excellence.

“Yeah, look, he's doing it all year, he's unbelievable, so from the pull-out and everything like that is no surprise to us and I'm sure no surprise to the Louth supporters watching him, but he always stands up when we need him, so he was excellent again,” Mulroy said.

In the final moments of the match, with Clare chasing a goal, Mulroy admitted that it felt like déjà vu as they had been in similar situations before.

“It’s like we enjoy it or something, I don't know. But yeah, I suppose it was just a case of trying to hold out and wait for the hooter to go to actually get the ball out of play and thankfully Emmett had his hand on the ball at the right time and we got it out," he explained.

Strong panel

The performance of the panel, particularly from players like Dara McDonnell, Ryan Walsh, and Conor Branigan, was another positive for Louth. Mulroy highlighted the strength in depth, even as injuries continue to take their toll.

“It is and look, I suppose the last few weeks it's been a big focus on the boys pushing on and testing each other, U20s coming into the team,” he said.

"The boys have come in, Ryan and Conor and Daire McConnon, lads that we mightn't have seen already or haven't seen much of throughout the campaign have stepped in today and done a brilliant job.

“It's great, I suppose we want to keep the injury list down but to see the boys coming in and doing really well is excellent.”

Next

As Louth progresses to the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final, Mulroy is determined to take on whoever comes their way.

“No odds to us, we will give it a right crack. I think we're going to be underdogs no matter who we draw out of the hat tomorrow.

“As I said, it’s an exciting wait and hopefully wherever we’re going next week we’ll see a big Louth following and as I said we’ll give it our all.”