Inside Track: All set for clash of Faneside rivals
Inside Track with Joe Carroll
They say the RTE radio programme, Morning Ireland, has a listenership of almost a half-million. How many Louth people are usually tuned in is not known. But what is known, yesterday morning’s programme had more Louth ears than ever before.
The draw for the All-Ireland quarter-finals was the feature – at least for GAA fans in this and seven other counties. To them, it wouldn’t have mattered had it been announced that Trump had apologised for something, and Starmer said he wasn’t packing it in.
ATBK – any team but Kerry – was Louth people’s wish, and, we suspect, also for those from the other two counties that could be paired with the champions. It was granted.
This was dramatic stuff played out on radio. Galway, first out of the hat, against Dublin. Cork next. They play Kerry. No, they can’t – the Munster men have already played each other. So, another roll of the dice. It’s Cork v Mayo this time.
Now it’s getting sticky for Louth. It can only be Kerry or Monaghan. No-one from around these parts wants the Kingdom. Wish granted. It’s Tyrone to face the Sam Maguire holders.
Then it’s confirmed – for Louth, a second successive meeting with a neighbouring county. Just over a week ago, there was a clash with Armagh. Now it’s Monaghan, next weekend.
The sides met last year when the competition was run on different lines. Although well beaten on a rainy day in Newbridge, Louth stayed in the running, but eventually dropped out after being beaten by Donegal.
Now it’s win you’re in, lose you’re out for both. The game goes ahead at Croke Park, and at the time of writing, it seems likely it will be on Sunday. It’s a lick-lipper if ever there was one, a place in the last four going to the winners.
Monaghan have been there in recent times, but for Louth it would be a first semi-final appearance since 1957 if they were to win this Faneside battle.
Interestingly, of the eight teams in yesterday morning’s draw, Kerry were the only one to win a provincial championship this year. Monaghan, Galway, Dublin and Cork reached finals, but there were relatively early exits for Tyrone and Mayo, along with Louth.
Something that won’t go unnoticed by Louth fans. Sam Mulroy’s team have had four games with Ulster opposition this season and won them all – against Cavan, Tyrone and Derry in the league, and Armagh, in that championship humdinger.