Louth must “Learn from mistakes” according to Mulroy

Louth captain Sam Mulroy gave an honest assessment after his side’s defeat to Cork in the Allianz National Football League in Drogheda this afternoon.

On a frustrating afternoon in front of a big home crowd, Mulroy admitted his team fell well short of their standards.

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He said, “Just plain and simple, we never got to the pitch of it really, which is probably the most disappointing thing about the result. But probably didn't perform anywhere near our capability.

“We were obviously looking forward to getting here, and a big crowd came out to support us again. So yeah, look, all that adds to the disappointment, I think. It’s never our intention to go out and play poorly. And that wasn't the intention today.

“But yeah, as I said, look, maybe we just didn't get our tactics right, and then we didn't show up with it show up with what we can. It's a tough one to, I suppose, come here to Drogheda and not perform, as I said. So yeah, disappointing.”

Early opportunities went begging for the Wee County.

“I think it was one of those where we couldn't get back-to-back scores, nearly wrestle back momentum, which was big.

“Especially in the second half when we maybe could have hit the net with Craig (Lennon), and if you hit the net then and you put a few scores together, it's a different scenario.

“I suppose it was one of those where every time we seemed to get one or two back, they'd go down the other end and chip away at us again and just keep us at arm's length the whole time, so yeah, we never got to grips with that.”

Physical Cork

The visitors dominated key areas.

“We've played Cork, and I don't know how many times over the last number of years, and we know what they bring. They're one of the most physical teams in the country.

“Their pace, their power, their size, their ability to get the ball out of tackles and their ability in contact is pretty good. I don't think we'll come up against more physical side over the next few weeks. They're one of the best sides in the country, I think.”

Frustrating

Louth struggled to regain control.

“Yeah, big time, which is very frustrating when you're running around after the ball, and you can't get your hands on it. So, yeah, it's tough, and they manage it well in front of them, so, yeah, it's something we'll have to look at.”

Score difference

Every point still counted late on.

“Yeah, absolutely. And it's something we could have spoken about before, you know, you never know when this will, or when it will come down to it. It's important that every play, every ball, every score is super, super important.

“So, yeah, while you're still losing, you still want to chip away at that scoreboard and keep yourself put in a decent position with your score difference.”

Meath next

Focus now turns to the next test against a familiar foe, Meath in a fortnight.

“The performance we had last time, we'll be looking for that. So, yeah, that'll be the mantra of next week, is get back up to performance levels that we showed against Offaly last week.

“I think we've lots to learn there today and we'll take lots from that game, which I think is the big thing, then it'll just be a case of trying to apply it now in two weeks' time.”

Division Two

Every match will be a battle in a tough Division Two group.

“It was never going to be easy; it was never going to be straightforward. If you thought it was going to be, you're looking at the wrong division; you're mad in the head.

“So yeah, it's one of those where everyone's going to be everyone. You've seen the results of Derry beating Tyrone last night, and it's so wide open, but you need points on the board, and that's what we've got to get.”

Learning

Reflection is now the priority.

“Absolutely. And that's the key. You've got to learn from your mistakes, and there's lots of them today. So it'll be a case of analysing it through the week and seeing where we can improve.

“As I said, there's many areas that we can do so there's no better team to analyse and try and improve so this team will sit down during the week no doubt and see where we can get better.”