"We're on the right path" says Louth defender Kettle

After Louth's National Hurling League defeat to Tyrone, defender Stephen Kettle spoke as a player who understands both where his team is and where it is trying to go.

There was disappointment after the defeat, but Kettle spoke with honesty and perspective. He began by reflecting on the overall challenge.

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He said, “It was a tough game. We were close to them there at half time, just a few times, a bit of lapse of concentration. But yeah, look, they're a big physical team, we kind of knew which way they were going to set up and sweepers, etc.

“As you said there as well, they were playing the likes of Kildare last year, and Kildare’s playing Dublin today, so it's just a gap as well.

“Obviously, they were relegated last year, but with that experience playing in Division Two last year, it really stood to them, I think, towards the end.

“But like, we battled hard, and unfortunately, it was a goal or two down in the second half, and we struggled to kind of get back. Then a couple of missed opportunities, and towards the end.

“But look, overall, we're happy enough, eight points, I know it's like a moral victory, but we're on the right path anyway, so Fermanagh next week.”

He then turned his attention to missed chances that proved costly against the Ulsermen.

“A couple of bad wides and you can't really blame conditions around because it was the same for both teams.

“I suppose, as I mentioned previously, it was a lapse of concentration; it was a great save by Conor (Clancy) there, and then we weren't cute enough getting back for that follow-up.

“It was their number 19 that scored; it was just a lapse of concentration, so we need to work on that.”

Next, he spoke about the opposition and experience of playing a team that was plying their trade in Division Two last season.

“You're playing against a team as well that were playing in two divisions higher than us last year, so probably that cuteness from them.

"You can't fault the efforts from everyone, anyone at all, we've a solid group there and just going to keep battling on.

“Fermanagh now away next week, and we have to take our chances there and hopefully another win now, we'll be safe in the league anyway, and we'll drive on from now.”

Finally, Kettle's focus shifted to the next test away to Fermanagh on Sunday.

“Funny enough, I've been playing a long time, and I can't remember the last time we played in Fermanagh.

“It always seems like we always get them at home at Dowdallshill, they're forever. Whoever I was marking last year turned around to me and was like I have marked you for three or four years in a row, and it always, on this pitch.

“We are due to come up there for a visit, that's obviously an advantage towards them, but we're not going to fear them at all.

“We know which way they're going to line out and a couple of good others there as well, like, there's (Luca) McCusker you'll have to watch out for.

“Just relish the opportunity now, licking the wounds now today, but back at it next week, hopefully, up there in Enniskillen, another two points, safe and then drive on from now.”