Louth Ladies "can't wait to get to Croker" says boss

With just days to go before Louth Ladies contest the 2025 LGFA TG4 All-Ireland Junior Football Championship Final against Antrim, manager Kevin Larkin exudes a calm confidence.

While the scale of the occasion is not lost on him, the tone is one of composure and focus. Speaking ahead of the final, he said: “We trained well this morning. The girls are absolutely buzzing for it. It won't be anything new to them.

READ NEXT: The Commentary Box: Dundalk will net a very nice return for Keogh

“They've played in Croke Park plenty of times. We'll take that factor out of it, and it's just another game. Looking forward to the week now. We're not wishing away the days. We're kind of taking it in our stride and enjoying every bit of it.”

Louth’s build-up included a fan meet-and-greet in Louth GAA Centre of Excellence, Darver, to give supporters a chance to meet their heros and connect with the team.

And while nerves are natural, Larkin is confident the squad's big-game experience will shine through.

“Naturally, there's going to be nerves. Like I said, this group of players are used to big, big games,” he explained. 

“Even in the National League and things like that, we had big games against the likes of Wexford and Laois. There will be nerves, but our players are well used to that. We're going to overcome them on Sunday.”

All about the players

For Larkin, who is in his first season as Louth manager, the focus has never wavered from his squad. And while Sunday marks his own first time managing at Croke Park, he insists the spotlight belongs on his players.

“Look, it's the players. It's all about the players. I suppose my son will be coming in. He's only six months, so it'll be for his first visit to Croke Park, which will be a nice thing.

“Again, I'm just going to try and enjoy the week, the build-up and things like that. Don't think about the match too much because the work is done.

“We've been training hard since November. It's just about getting to Croke Park now, and the players are showing everybody how good they are.”

Aiming for All-Ireland

The journey to the final has been marked by steady progress. From a near miss in the league promotion race to retaining the Leinster Championship, the group’s ambition has remained singular.

“Yes, absolutely. That was obviously our goal at the start of the year. Like I said, it's easy to work with a group of players like that.

“The dedication, the drive, the commitment, they're just fantastic. They really are. The lads I brought in with me as well, they've been fantastic.

“They plan out the sessions and things like that. They're invaluable. Obviously, you have Bridget (Russell) there as well, the FLO. She's brilliant. She's the mammy of the group.

“The county board has been great as well. It's a real collective kind of a thing. Yep, we're all going round the one way and just can't wait to get to Croker.”

Lessons learned

Momentum has been growing steadily throughout the championship. A pivotal defeat in the league proved to be a turning point for the Wee County's season.

“Yes, absolutely. Like I said, the Down game was actually a great learning experience for us. Ultimately, that was probably the game that cost us promotion.

“Down are a good team, but we felt like we didn't perform that day. That one bad performance can mess up a whole season's worth of work.

“We've definitely learned from that. Since then, we haven't lost a match. We've kicked on and we've ground out results. I'm delighted with how things are now at the moment.”

Opponents

Antrim, on an eye-catching 16-game unbeaten streak, come into the final as serious contenders. But for Louth, the mission remains unchanged.

“Look, Antrim are a fantastic team. They've beaten teams like Fermanagh and Leitrim and things like that. They beat a good Sligo team in the semi-final as well.

“We're going there with one thing on our mind, and that's to win. With all due respect to Antrim, if it was Sligo, we'd be talking the exact same. We're focusing on ourselves and we're looking forward to it.”

Last year

While memories of last year's All-Ireland final loss to Fermanagh may linger for some in the camp, Larkin views 2025 as an entirely new campaign.

“I wasn't involved last year. That narrative doesn't exist for me. I'm just here this year, and we're focused on this year. We've brought new players like Shannen McLaughlin, and a few of the younger girls have come up.

“I think they're a different team from last year. It's not so much righting the wrongs of last year, but just winning and getting into Intermediate.”

Panel depth

Injury worries can always loom large in the run-up to a final, but Louth’s depth gives the management team reassurance.

“It's football, and it's unpredictable. Anything can happen. You're just hoping you get through every session with every player still intact.

“If something does happen, I've said from the start, our panel is our biggest strength. We players are chomping at the bit to get in.

“Whatever happens, happens. We control the controllables. That is outside of our control. We tend not to think about it and just get on with it. Hopefully, everybody gets there for something.”

Intermediate grade

While Leinster's success was sweet, promotion to Intermediate football is the real carrot at the end of Sunday’s final.

“Obviously, that's the prize at the end of it. We're just fully focused on winning and putting in a performance. We know that if we perform on the day, we'll be hard to beat.

“I believe we'll get over the line. Like that, that is the golden ticket. You get promotion or whatever. It really is just about performing and winning. It's as simple as that.”

Louth football

Louth’s senior men already made history at Croke Park this year with their Leinster triumph. The ladies are eager to follow suit.

“It's been great for Louth. I suppose, actually, our girls are determined. They want to be a part of that. I suppose what the lads did in Croke Park that day is great inspiration for our players.

“To go on and try to emulate that. That performance by the Louth men was sensational. I think the girls are just determined to join in on that.

“Hopefully, get everybody into Croke Park and cheering us on with the same support that the lads got. They're just determined to get in on the celebrations, I suppose.”

Supporters

As the final approaches, Larkin’s message to Louth supporters is clear: show up, wear red, and roar this team on.

“Listen, I cannot stress enough how much the girls deserve as many people there as possible. The sacrifices that the players make. Missed weddings, hens, etc.

“I know men's teams make those sacrifices as well. Playing injured. They deserve every single thing they get. Because the effort they put in is the exact same. We're just really hoping that everybody comes out to support them.

“There's no group of players that deserves it more than them. The sacrifice. You have Eimear Byrne, who cancelled travel plans.

“Kate Flood got married and played the following week. They're so driven and determined. And it would just be great to see a lot of red jerseys around Croke Park cheering on the girls.”