Louth GAA club | “The future's bright in Monasterboice” says minor boss

Naomh Máirtín’s minors produced a second-half comeback to clinch the LMFM Louth U18A Championship title by defeating Ardee St. Mary’s 1-14 to 0-12 at Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda, this afternoon.

Manager Niall Martin was full of praise for his young side as they battled back to secure the silverware. Speaking after the final whistle, he said, “I have to say, throughout the whole year, they refused to lose.

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“Regardless, we never had any superstars in the team; it was just a whole team combination for the whole year, from start to finish. At the start of the year, we set out to get to every final we could and we achieved it, two cups we’ll take it.

“We played Ardee in the group stage, and they beat us by three points, so we knew what we were coming up against today.

“They are incredible shooters, which they showed in the first half. We were quite lucky they missed a couple just about. But yeah, I’m over the moon.”

The Jocks were behind by four points at the break but made full use of the second-half wind, and the manager said his halftime instructions were simple.

“Get as many men in beside the goal as possible and leave the space out around the arc. Trust yourself, have a go. It was pretty simple,” said Martin.

The introduction of Ryan McMahon proved decisive as the substitute found the net within a minute of coming on.

“Well, I did tell him to have a go, but I didn't really think it was going to be the first touch of the ball, but I'll take it. That's a memory he'll never forget.

“He was playing with the U16s this year as well, and they were playing the (championship) final, and they won it as well. It's been a fantastic year for them.

“Ryan’s just gone 16. There's probably six of them on the pitch now, just under 16. It's quite a young squad. The future's bright in Monasterboice, I can hang my whistle up now.”

Calvin Winters was named Man of the Match and received praise from his manager after an impressive performance.

“He was phenomenal. He plays (soccer) with Albion Rovers. We had that little battle there this year as well, but you have to give and go; you have to allow him to play. He's a wonderful talent.

“A brilliant, brilliant mind. He just doesn’t give in. I'm just glad I'm not marking him. I know I say there's not superstars, but we have plenty of lads that have very good footballing brains, which is huge.

“Sometimes you don't even have the coach on the pitch, they just do it themselves.”