"Louth just kept going" - Larkin

Louth Ladies secured a fourth All-Ireland Junior Football Championship title with a 0-13 to 1-8 victory over Antrim at Croke Park this afternoon.

Louth manager Kevin Larkin, in his first year in charge, watched his side fall behind by five points early on after conceding a penalty.

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But instead of folding, the Wee County rallied with intensity and purpose to go into the break with a one-point lead that they never relinquished.

Speaking after the game, Larkin said: “To be honest, that's all down to the players. What a group to work with. I mean, everybody, all of Ireland, seen it there.

“A penalty, five points down, and the girls just kept going, kept going, and we went in a point up. There was 20 seconds on the clock, and we didn't stop. We didn't try and slow it down. We could have slowed it down and went in with a draw.

“It wasn't good for us, but again, the players called that on their pitch themselves. They're just a brilliant group.”

Composure

Even after the early setback, Louth’s composure remained intact. The side gradually clawed their way back into the contest, showing a collective maturity that stood out on the biggest stage.

“I've been saying it to the girls, their mental strength and their resilience is their biggest weapons. They're just fantastic and even the control on the ball.

“Eimear Murray put in a tackle there. I thought Omolara Dahunsi was through. No, Eimear gets a hand in. Rachel Beirth did not give her women an inch.

“It's all over the pitch. I know, obviously, the forwards will probably get the headlines, but everywhere over the pitch, we were just fantastic.”

Lessons learned

Last year's disappointment lingered in the memory of many within this team, and Larkin acknowledged how that past pain helped fuel the victory.

“No, absolutely not. Again, that's down to the players. It's something we spoke of. You don't really get many second chances in life. By God, were they not going to be leaving here with nothing but a win.”

Second-half display

Louth’s game management in the second half was exemplary. After Antrim opened the scoring, they were held scoreless for a long spell, while Louth picked off crucial scores through their more experienced heads.

“Again, players like Kate Flood and Eimear Byrne kicked a fantastic score. Mia Duffy, I just want to give her a mention. She did her ACL last year, and I've never seen somebody work as hard to get back.

“She was back in eight months, and she ran on in Croke Park today, kicking a point. She's an inspiration for anybody who's injured like that to get back. But again, that's just the character we have in this team.”

The Nolan show

On a day when many stood tall, it was Ciére Nolan who was named Player of the Match, capping off an exceptional campaign with a commanding display.

“Listen, Ciére is just, I keep saying to her, she's the heartbeat of the team. I mean, who's stopping Ciére when she gets the ball?

“Absolutely nobody! It's funny. I said to her before the game, Ciére, just go out and win me the game, please. That was it. And she did.”

Late drama

As the clock wound down, Antrim suddenly sparked to life, trimming the gap to two and raising the tension levels in the stadium. But Louth held firm.

“I'm going to be honest with you, I couldn't watch it. I actually couldn't watch it. I nearly closed my eyes until I heard the hooter, but I had confidence in the girls to get over the line.

“The final is always going to be like that. You know yourself and Antrim; they haven't lost a game all year. We knew they were always going to finish strong, so I was just delighted to get over the line.”

Experience

The return of seasoned players proved pivotal in Louth’s run to the title. The blend of youth and experience gave the Reds the balance they needed.

“100%. Laura (Collins) and Shannen (McLaughlin) have just been a dream this year. Laura, the way she talks to the younger players and Shannen is just a bundle of positivity.

“I've never met somebody more positive in my whole life, and that translates out onto the pitch as well. She's just brilliant.”

Personal level

For Larkin, it was a deeply personal occasion, having welcomed his son Fionn into the world earlier this season amidst all the demands of management.

“I know, it's great. Look, my son Fionn was there for that, and all my family were there. He came six weeks early, so he gave us a bit of a fright.

“But no, listen, Jill recovered well, and I wouldn't be able to come to training if it wasn't for her. She puts him to bed and stuff. She's my rock.”

Commitment

It’s not just talent that defines this Louth side, but the sheer commitment from every corner of the dressing room.

“Like I said, I'm just so lucky to be able to work with this group of players. I count my lucky stars. I love driving down to Darver and yeah, the players deserve all the credit.”

Intermediate grade

With the All-Ireland Junior crown safely secured, Louth’s focus now turns to the next challenge, Intermediate football in 2026. But for now, the celebrations are well-earned.

“We'll enjoy the next few nights. We'll come back in a few weeks and reassess everything and hopefully kick on then in the Intermediate.”