Louth boss Brennan doing due diligence
Ger Brennan has been spending his offseason attending club championship games
As the dust settles on the inter-county season, Louth senior football manager Ger Brennan has taken the opportunity to unwind and reflect.
Despite an earlier-than-hoped finish to their campaign, Brennan has been making the most of the offseason, enjoying some much-needed downtime.
“It has been nice to be spending a bit of time with friends and family. Catching up that way has been enjoyable albeit we finished a bit sooner than we would have liked but it has been enjoyable nonetheless,” he told the Democrat.
With the Louth club championships kicking off, Brennan and his management team have been busy scouting talent across the county, ensuring they leave no stone unturned in their search for potential recruits.
“I got up to two of the senior games last weekend and myself and the management team were spreading ourselves around to get to as many games as possible," Brennan explained.
"We’re also looking at some intermediate and junior games too, to do our due diligence and see if there are any players that we feel should be given an opportunity to come in for the pre-season.”
Brennan takes pleasure in these less pressurized outings, where he can focus on the game without the weight of competition.
“It gives them a chance to get involved and see if they can step up to the next level, so it is nice now to be driving the road with not too much pressure on. You have a cup of tea and go out to watch a few club games.”
When speaking about the specific qualities he values in potential new players, Brennan emphasizes character and work ethic over raw talent.
“I suppose I have spoken about fellas that have good character and are hardworking and honest individuals that may not necessarily have all the natural skillsets or the fitness levels required,” he said.
“But they could be worthy of giving a training programme to try and improve them and see where it ends up. So you are always looking for fellas who are hardworking, honest, and doing the best for the team.”
As for whether any players have caught his eye, Brennan remained diplomatic, careful not to single anyone out just yet.
“Well, there certainly is, but I don't want to obviously mention anyone's names to put them under pressure or to omit other guys that we have noticed but we haven't brought them out yet," he said.
“At the end of the league campaign, we will be inviting a cohort of new players to get involved with a bit of training, gym work, and fitness work for them to see if they can step up to the next level. We have certainly noticed a couple of players already.”
The boss also acknowledges the crucial role that sponsorships like the new three-year mobility partnership between Louth GAA and Blackstone Motors play in supporting the team’s development.
“I think it is a wonderful partnership to have. It has been going on for several years, and to be fair to Noel (Stewart) and Donal (Watters), the co-owners, they are sports-mad.
“They are investing not only in the GAA but in soccer and other sporting entities too because they see the value in giving back to the community.”