Louth All-Star Lennon says “It’s still a wee bit surreal”

It’s a proud day for Louth GAA as wing-back, Craig Lennon, picked up a 2024 PwC Football All-Star award.

Lennon is the first Louth player in 14 years to claim an All-Star award in recognition of his incredible season on the pitch.

The St. Mochtas club man racked up an impressive 4-7 from play in the championship and joins Paddy Keenan as the only Louth player to ever receive this prestigious honour.

He said: “It still hasn’t sunk in yet but it’s a special day for me, my family, club, county, and everyone involved. It’s a special day.”

The timing of the news caught Lennon off guard as he had just returned from a cousin’s wedding in Lanzarote.

“We were only home last night so I got to bed late enough and woke up late enough but the phone was hopping all day. It wasn’t your normal Thursday morning but it was an enjoyable one,” he said.

Lennon first heard about his All-Star nomination from Louth manager, Ger Brennan, who dropped a subtle hint over the phone while Lennon was still at the airport.

He said, “I froze for a minute and asked, was that a hint? He said I won't say congratulations until you see it yourself, but I had a feeling then, and then I saw it this morning confirmed.”

The All-Star win is a major moment for Louth GAA and for Lennon personally, who reflected on the honour of being just the second player from Louth to receive it.

“It is strange when you think of all the footballers Louth has had,” he said. “But it is still a wee bit surreal.”

For Lennon, the recognition is also a tribute to those who’ve shaped his career. “I have been blessed with coaches, I really have.

“From underage, they’ve taught me everything that I know,” he said, giving special mention to former inter-county manager Mickey Harte and his current mentor Ger Brennan. “I wouldn’t be here without them, it’s all the clichés but I really wouldn’t.”

Lennon also paid tribute to his clubmate, Darren McMahon, who he credits with a huge part of his development at St. Mochtas.

He said: “Any of the Mochtas lads who are my age if they were ever going to thank anyone it would be Darren and his father.”

The journey to the All-Star wasn’t smooth as injuries set Lennon back. He said: “After the Armagh game somebody actually mentioned it to be funny enough that I was going to get an All-Star this year.”

When asked whether an All-Star compares to the possibility of a provincial title, Lennon didn’t hesitate. He said: “I don’t think there is a comparison.

“I’m dying for a championship with the club or county. I would much prefer a championship over an All-Star but it is a nice honour.”

Louth had a strong showing this year with four All-Star nominations which has Lennon and the team hopeful for the future.

He said: “Hopefully me and Paddy (Keenan) will nearly be forgotten about in a few years so that it just becomes the norm.”