Leinster club SFC | Jocks “eager to make a statement” in Leinster

It's back to business for Louth Senior Football Championship winners Naomh Máirtín as their attention now turns to their AIB Leinster Senior Football Championship quarter-final clash with Laois champions Portarlington on Sunday afternoon.

Coach/selector Stephen Kelleher looked back on their recent Joe Ward Cup victory. Speaking with the Dundalk Democrat, he said: “It’s been nearly two weeks since the final, and the sense of pride still hasn’t faded.

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“The mood in the dressing room that day was absolutely incredible, pure joy, relief, and pride all rolled into one. The lads had emptied the tank against a brilliant Newtown Blues side, and they fully deserved to lift the Joe Ward.

“After the final whistle, you could feel what it meant to everyone, the players, the backroom team, and the supporters who’ve been with us every step of the way.

“There were smiles, a few emotional moments, and a real sense that all the hard work throughout the year had paid off.

“Looking back now, it was one of those days you don’t forget easily. The togetherness and belief in the group really shone through, and that’s what makes this team so special.”

Consistency

Consistency is the key as the Monasterboice side prepares for their Leinster campaign.

“That performance against the Blues was as close to a full team effort as you could ask for.

“Every player did their job, from the lads in the full-back line right up to the forwards, everyone worked for each other and stuck to the plan. That collective drive and discipline were what got us over the line.

“Going into the quarter-final, it’s absolutely vital we hit those same standards again. Championship football doesn’t allow for any drop in intensity, once you ease off, you get punished.

“The lads know that. We’ve spoken about backing up the performance, not just living off the buzz of winning the county final.

“If we bring that same energy, focus, and work rate into this next game, we’ll give ourselves every chance. It’s about keeping that hunger alive and remembering what it took to reach that level in the first place.”

Unfinished business

The Jocks are driven by a sense of unfinished business from their last Leinster campaign in 2021.

“It’s definitely more of a case of unfinished business from 2021. That defeat has stayed with a lot of the lads, it was a tough one to take, and it’s something that’s driven this group ever since.

“We’ve learned from it, we’ve matured as a team, and there’s a real determination now to show that we can compete and push on at provincial level.

“We’re not looking at this as bonus territory. Winning the county title was a massive achievement, of course, but this group has higher standards. They want to test themselves against the best outside Louth and see how far they can go.

“There’s a quiet confidence and hunger about the place, the lads know what it takes now, and they’re eager to make a real statement this time around.”

Portarlington

Kelleher knows the Mairtins will have to be at their best to progress against a strong Portarlington side.

“Yeah, we’ve had a good look at Portarlington over the past week. They’re a very strong outfit — five Laois titles in six years says it all.

“They’ve got serious experience, they’re well-drilled, and they know how to manage big games. You can see from their county final and their opening win in Leinster that they’re playing with real confidence and structure.

“We know they’re going to be hard to break down, they defend really well as a unit and transition quickly when they turn the ball over. They’ve got quality right across the pitch and plenty of experience in tight situations, so we’ll need to be at our best.

“From our point of view, it’s about respecting what they bring but also focusing on our own game. If we hit the same levels of intensity, work rate, and discipline that we showed against the Blues, we’ll give ourselves every chance.

“It’s a massive challenge, but these are the games you want to be involved in, testing yourself against one of the best sides in Leinster.”

Familiar turf

The Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda, is set to host the encounter, a ground Naomh Máirtín knows well after beating the Newtown Blues there to win the Louth championship.

“Yeah, we’re very happy to have the game in the Gaelic Grounds. Any time you get a home draw at this stage of the competition, it’s a big positive.

“The lads are familiar with the pitch, the setup, and the conditions there, so it gives us a bit of comfort and confidence heading into what will be a tough game.

“It’s also brilliant for our supporters, it’s great for them to have a provincial game so close to home.

“At the same time, we know a venue doesn’t win you a match; it’s about performance. Portarlington are an experienced side, and they won’t be overawed by travelling.

“But for us, we’re delighted to be playing in front of our own people, and we’ll be doing everything we can to make it count.”

Naomh Máirtín take on Portarlington on Sunday, 16^th November at Integral GAA Grounds, Drogheda at 1.30pm. Patrick Coyle from Meath has been selected as the referee.