McEneaney hails Louth minors after booking All-Ireland final place
The Wee County defeated Monaghan to reach the All-Ireland Tier 2 decider next weekend
Louth minor football manager, Eamonn McEneaney, praised his players' attitude after they secured a place in the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Tier 2 Championship final with a victory over Monaghan in Cullyhanna on Saturday afternoon.
The Wee County produced an impressive display to move within one win of silverware.
While pleased with the overall performance, McEneaney admitted his side took time to settle into the contest before finding their rhythm.
Speaking at full time, McEneaney said: “The first 10 minutes on top we played a bit nervously and didn't play with any real fluency, but then the boys got into the rhythm.
“That scoreline of 1-7 to 0-2 points was massive for us, and we had a good lead at half time, but I knew it mightn't seem like much from the sideline, but there was a fair wee breeze there.
“It made a difference from the shooting point of view, and when they got it back to a point on two different occasions, we showed a great resilience to get back up the pitch and get more scores.
"I'm absolutely proud of the boys and their attitude. All year, never mind us today, but they showed great attitude there when their backs were to the wall.
“There was a couple of last-ditch saves, but the boys threw their bodies in the lane and got the blocks in, so you'd have to be delighted with them and for them because they're such good lads.”
Having defeated Cavan in last week's quarter-final, McEneaney felt his side raised their level significantly against the Farney County.
“We played better today than we did last week. There were some great scores, and at times we moved the ball really, really well and got some really good scores.
“We could have probably had a few more scores, but then they had some waves as well, so I think in the end, if you look at it, they probably balanced out on that.”
Impressive Louth
Several Louth GAA players impressed throughout the field, with Conor Marron catching the eye in a standout individual display.
“You could pick half a dozen. I genuinely thought they were good all over the field.
“We defended well when we had to and showed great bravery, and as I was saying to them, you have to stand up and be counted in the big moments of the game, and the boys did that.
“Looking forward to a final now next week, it's not to be sneezed at. You're going for a trophy, and we're after beating two teams who are highly fancied in Ulster.”
Experience
The victory completed a remarkable turnaround for the group following their Leinster defeat to Kildare earlier in the season.
McEneaney believes the experience of reaching an All-Ireland final will stand in good stead for the players in the years ahead.
“It's all about their development as county players and as players, and they will enjoy this today because they worked so hard and they got the win.
“They've taken it on to another stage, into a final, and as I mentioned a while ago, Kildare have won the last two of these, and they went on to win the under-20s this year.
“So, I think it's good for their character, good for building them and developing them as players.”
Final
The manager also highlighted the significance of the achievement for the county, with Louth now preparing for a rare appearance in an All-Ireland minor final.
“Yeah, look, there hasn't been too many at minor level for a long, long time, so we're delighted to get there.
“We hope that Louth supporters come in their numbers next week to cheer us on in the final.
“Because these boys do deserve that, they have been fantastic to work with all year, and I'll be sad that it's the last day next week.”
Monaghan
McEneaney reserved special praise for Monaghan, who remained in contention throughout and pushed his team all the way to the end.
The Louth manager acknowledged the quality of the opposition and noted the absence of one of their key players.
“Absolutely, Monaghan are a very good side, and we knew that, and they do what they've done.
“They've been short Packie Doogan-Burke today, who was their highest scorer in the championship from wing half, and we know that they were going to put it up to us.
“They would have been fancy to win the Ulster Championship because they won the Ulster Minor League, beat Tyrone and all the teams that are still there in the league.
“I’m obviously a Monaghan fan myself and would like to see them doing well, but just not today.”