Louth GAA club | Burns: We're under no illusions

Hunterstown Rovers captain Ryan Burns once again proved why he has been nominated for an All-Star award.

He scored an impressive 1-11 to help his side defeat Mattock Rangers in an exciting CTI Business Solutions Louth Intermediate Football Championship semi-final replay in Stabannon last Thursday night.

Now, his attention turns to a county final against Stabannon Parnells. Reflecting on the semi-final win, Burns admitted he felt relieved.

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He said, “Just talking to a couple of the clubmen coming out. We never do things easily, somehow, but one thing's for sure, we go to the end. Look, it's not good for the heart, I'm sure, watching and even playing.

“It'd be nice just to win by a couple of points easily. It's something in the DNA of this team that we like to go to the end, and I'm so proud of the lads tonight to dig it out.”

An eight-point cushion looked decisive with just minutes remaining, but Mattock Rangers launched a comeback to level matters.

“Collon, their passion and fight, they're never going to give up. They're such a great club that will fight to the end.

“Over the years of winning championships, we knew that they were going to go the whole way, like ourselves, and it was just going to be a matter of a couple of scores, who's going to get over the line.

“But thankfully now, look, there are tired bodies from the first game, it was tough in the end, but look, so glad to just hear the final whistle then at the end.”

Composed captain

The Collon side struck twice in quick succession late on to draw level, but Burns delivered the decisive blow with a goal.

“I'm sure it was a sucker punch for them, thinking they got back and conceded a goal, but they were after going somewhat high of a press and going after us, the little bit of space was there, I just took a risk and just went for it.

“Thankfully, Glenn (Matthews) found me back post, but look, one to 15 and plus five, I think, came on, (it was) just immense effort because the bodies were tired since Sunday, that pitch in Ardee was heavy.

“The lads turned it around to get on the pitch tonight and give that, it just tells you what the bunch is made of.”

Recovery

After two physically demanding games in the space of a week, Hunterstown's focus now switches to recovery ahead of the final.

“We haven't even had a chance to think of the final. Collon, we had to give full attention to them. So, we'll hopefully get a good night's sleep and reassess from tomorrow on.”

Opponents

Hunterstown return to the intermediate final for the second year running, this time facing a Stabannon Parnells side who have impressed throughout the campaign.

“Without a doubt, a couple of the league games we played last year against them, we know the talent that's in that group, youth and experience, it's a fine mix.

“It's very similar to ourselves, so we'll be under no illusion now when we do sit down and start talking about Stabannon that it's an uphill task coming again because they have firepower.

“They'll have the couple of days on us, rest, and they would have had a look at us tonight in their own ground. It's going to be another uphill task for ourselves, but we'll get the bodies right first of all and then take it from there.”

Stabannon danger

With the Butterly brothers, Harry and Bobby, and sharpshooter Seán Reynolds among their ranks, Stabannon carry serious attacking threats.

“Without a doubt, they have their talented boys, lads that have to be watched. They're after putting up big scores, and they're up in the air, everyone's names, they're talking about them.

“So we'll have our homework done, please God, now for the final, and we'll give it a good shot, we'll see what happens. We will get a good night's sleep first and then we'll reassess in the final.”

Fitness

Unlike last year, when Burns entered the final carrying an injury, he is firing on all cylinders this time.

“Ah yeah, look, just tipping away. I don't like to talk about it too much. It's all about the team, and it's a collective effort. I'm so proud to be captaining these lads, and we'll drive the wheel to Ardee and we'll see what happens.”

Silverware

Hunterstown are aiming to cap off a memorable season with championship glory, but Burns knows nothing comes easy.

“Of course, but it's never handed to you; we have to go earn it. In 2013, we won the junior championship, and we've been here since, so we're under no illusion what it's like.

“We're under no illusion whatsoever, so we'll be leaving no stone unturned to give a performance and, on the day, anything can happen, but once we give a performance, it'll give us a shout anyway.”