Louth's aim was to “win at all costs” says boss
It was mission accomplished for Ger Brennan and his players as their All-Ireland SFC campaig continues
Louth senior football manager Ger Brennan was in good spirits after his side secured a 2-17 to 1-14 victory over Clare at Laois Hire O’Moore Park in Portlaoise on Sunday afternoon.
The win sees the Wee County advance from the GAA All-Ireland SFC group stage to the preliminary quarter-final for the second year running.
Brennan was quick to acknowledge that while the performance may not have been perfect, the important thing was the win.
He said: “And that was the main aim, win at all costs. It doesn't have to be pretty, today it wasn't pretty but we got over the line and that was the main aim.”
Asked about the team’s performance, Brennan admitted it was a mixed bag but praised his players for getting the job done.
“Absolutely… and some terrible. It was a mix of good, bad and terrible. But to be fair to the lads, we are asking to try and pick up the pace with the ball in hand and that probably takes a bit of time to adapt to but you have to credit today.
“They put an awful lot of pressure on our fellas in possession but ultimately we came out with a win by three (points) in the end. We're in the draw and we’re thrilled.”
Slow start
Clare came out strong, asking serious questions of Louth in both halves. But after a slow start, Brennan’s side found their rhythm, especially in the first half.
“We did find a bit of a rhythm then and again. It's probably part of our start throughout the National League and Championship this year where we were slow to get up and running.
“It didn't take as long today so that in itself is an improvement. We did quite well in the first half."
With Clare reduced to 14 men, Louth capitalized on the advantage, taking control.
“Clare were down to 14 men and we managed to make hay with a numerical advantage and that probably got us over the line at the end.”
Clinical Louth
Brennan was pleased with his team's clinical edge during their period of dominance.
“No, it was excellent to be fair and we had another goal chance, Craig Lennon was unlucky not to get another goal. Maybe that would have killed their spirit altogether. We were eight (points) up at half-time.
“There wasn’t much of a wind involved for both halves and we knew that Clare weren’t going away. We had targeted trying to get a couple more goals but it wasn't to be in the second half.”
Missed chances
While Louth had their moments, Clare had their chances as well. Brennan was aware of the danger they posed, particularly from the left-hand side.
“Clare, they'll be kicking themselves, they missed some good chances themselves. They were cutting in from that left-hand side and caused a lot of trouble for the Louth defence.
“Niall McDonnell, a mention for him, unfortunately, had to go off injured, but that save from the substitute was absolutely crucial.”
McDonnell’s impact
Brennan didn’t hold back in his praise for goalkeeper McDonnell, who had a major influence on the game before going off injured.
“Niall is just such a superb talent and even in the first half as well, a lot of ball dropping short, he's out dominating.
“He’s a massive presence on the goal for a guy that's maybe not as big as a Dara McDonnell or the Tommy Durnin's of this world, but he's just a superb talent and he's saved our bacon on numerous occasions.”
McDonnell’s bravery was on display when he went for a punch to clear the ball, which led to his injury.
“Yeah, that was it and Niall didn't think twice about it, he just goes for it. The ball was there to be got and Niall did his job and I'm not surprised that he did it.”
Standout performances
Ciarán Downey was singled out for an excellent performance, one of his best in recent times, while Dara McDonnell impressed i on his Championship debut. Brennan was thrilled with their contributions.
“Ciarán was excellent, he really was. In the game against Down he really started to come alive again and then today he was really excellent.
“We just took him out the last couple of minutes when Clare were causing a lot of bother, so we just put on a fresh pair of legs but Ciarán, he was tremendous.
“And then Dara McDonnell, his first Championship start. What a player, he looks like he's been there for years and is probably the best player on the park for Louth today, along with Ciarán Downey, so delightful for both lads."
Brennan also pointed to Ryan Walsh and Tiernan Markey, both making their Championship debuts, as additional positives.
“Ryan Walsh made a Championship debut, fetched a lovely ball and scored a lovely point.
“Tiernan Markey then obviously had to come on for Niall McDonnell in goal, that's another debutant as well. So a lot of positive things happened for Louth GAA at the moment.”
Squad depth
The Louth manager wasn’t afraid to empty the bench and give new players a chance, and he felt it was the right call.
“He earned it because of his performances in training. Daire McConnon was out of the loop for a couple of games and he has worked incredibly hard and I have to give Daire kudos there because he was just an example of resilience.
“Where he wasn't getting into the 15 and sometimes out of the 26 and his effort and skill level in training the last couple of weeks, to have pumped him back up the line, and he's probably unlucky not to start actually going to the game today so thrilled for him.”
Injuries
Looking ahead, Brennan is concerned about the mounting injury list but remains focused on next week’s challenge.
“Yeah, everyone's in the same boat. It’s the walking wounded across the country, given the condensed nature of the season. It doesn't bother us, we'll just get on with it.”
As for All-star Craig Lennon, who went off after a suspected concussion, Brennan was unsure of his status.
“I'm unsure, he's just been assessed so he went off to be assessed by the doctor. I'm unsure where he's at.”
Regarding Niall McDonnell, who is recovering from his injury, Brennan remains hopeful.
“Niall will be fine. We'll look forward to next week.”
Supporters
Brennan also took a moment to thank the many Louth supporters who made the journey to Portlaoise to cheer on the team.
“Shout out to the supporters. I think when you look at the stand there today, certainly when we're on the pitch for the warm-up and you look in, it's probably 9-1 favouriting Louth versus Clare.
“So just credit to all the supporters that are continuing to travel to support us. Even though we keep getting heart attacks and myself heart attacks on occasion, they are like the 16th man there.”
With the win secured and a provincial quarter-final on the horizon, Louth will now look to build on this performance as they prepare for next week’s challenge away to Donegal.