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15 Oct 2025

Louth manager Pete McGrath hands out three debuts as Byrne and Williams return for Down clash

Allianz National Football League Division Two

Louth manager Pete McGrath hands out three debuts as Byrne and Williams return for Down clash

The Louth players before their O'Byrne Cup encounter with Longford at Darver. (Pic: Arthur Kinahan)

Louth manager Pete McGrath has named three National League debutants ahead of Sunday's opener with Down at the Gaelic Grounds.

Newtown Blues' Emmet Carolan gets the nod at full-back where he is joined by fellow rookie James Craven of the Geraldines who has been handed the number four slot.

The other first-time inclusion is Naomh Fionnbarra scoring-machine William Woods. With Declan Byrne expected to filter out from his right-corner forward position in what will be his first competitive appearance of the season, Woods and full-forward Ryan Burns look set to lead the Wee County's attacking cause.

Elsewhere, team captain Andy McDonnell has been paired with Tommy Durnin at midfield, while Bevan Duffy will feature at centre-half back. Anthony Williams is named for the first time under McGrath.

The Louth team to face Down on Sunday: Craig Lynch (Naomh Máirtín); John Bingham (Ardee, St. Mary's), Emmet Carolan (Newtown Blues), James Craven (Geraldines), Bevan Duffy (St. Fechin's), Anthony Williams (Dreadnots); Tommy Durnin (Westerns), Andy McDonnell (Newtown Blues, captain); Derek Maguire (Dundalk Young Irelands), Jim McEneaney (Geraldines), Gerard McSorley (Dundalk Gaels); Declan Byrne (St. Mochta's), Ryan Burns (Hunterstown Rovers), William Woods (Naomh Fionnbarra)

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