“Probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do” – Craig Lennon on missing Louth senior football final

Injured Louth All-Star Craig Lennon admits watching St Mochtas' championship run from the sidelines has been incredibly difficult as his teammates prepare to chase a historic first Joe Ward Cup.

Injured Louth All-Star Craig Lennon admits watching St Mochtas reach Sunday's Louth GAA Anchor Tours Senior Football Championship final has been one of the toughest experiences of his career.

The 25-year-old will miss the clash with Newtown Blues after suffering an ACL injury during Louth's All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Mayo.

Despite missing the entire club championship, Lennon has remained involved with the Louth Village side, who are now one victory away from their first Joe Ward Cup.

“I don't know. It's incredibly, incredibly tough. Probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. It's hard not to feel selfish in a way because there's nothing more I'd love to be playing.

“I'm so, so proud of the lads. It's unbelievable to see what they're doing, but it's tough watching them.”

Frustration

Watching from the sidelines has given Lennon a different perspective on the big occasions, although he admits he would much rather be playing.

“I don't know. It's hard to think when you're watching them. You'd be a bundle of nerves. I'd much rather be playing, like you'd be all over the shop, watching everything and seeing everything but taking in absolutely nothing.

“Definitely probably more appreciative of when you are playing and when the likes of these big days, just absolutely relish them. Have absolutely zero regrets and just go on and play football. That's what we're all here to do, I suppose.”

Lennon has tried to remain involved through video analysis and offering advice to his teammates, although he admits adjusting to that role has not been easy.

“I don't know if I'd say helping. I've done a small bit of video work. It's probably a selfish thing to try and keep me involved. What use it has been, I don't know.

“It means the absolute world, and I wouldn't change any of it. I just try to be involved as much as I can. It's very, very hard too.

“Especially when you can't back it up. It's hard to tell someone, do this, do that. You can't even prove to yourself that you're going to put in that work or make that extra run.”

Having spent several years playing senior football with the Mochtas, Lennon believes his experience still allows him to contribute.

“I suppose I'm 25 now. I've been playing with the Mochtas now for six or seven years at senior football. If I do say something, lads tend to listen. We are a small club; whoever speaks up, it's of great importance.

“I don't know. I've been chiming in here and there. Whether anyone's listening or just trying to make me feel better about it, I'm not sure.”

Progress

Lennon believes the Mochtas have developed considerably since losing their first senior final to Naomh Máirtín in 2021, although previous championship disappointments remain fresh.

“Since ‘21, we've probably pushed on quality-wise but have never really shown it in the championship. Last year, I thought we looked really good.

“The year before that, we probably threw away the Championship semi-final against the Martins. We probably deserved to be in the final after that game.

“Last year, I thought we were unreal throughout the year, a really good league. We finished it off with a really good league final and then just never showed up in the Championship, which still hurts.

“It still hurts all of us, and it's been a big reference point for us.”

Lennon believes a return to more physical, football-focused training has helped the team produce better performances this season.

“We probably have stripped it back a wee bit in terms of training. It's just pure football, skill-based games, lads battering each other pretty much and taking lumps from each other and just going back to the basics, which has probably stood to us a wee bit.

“It's just a combination of everything. We've matured a fair bit in the last couple of years.”

Standards

The influence of former Down star Brendan 'Benny' Coulter to Kevin McClorey's management team has also been important.

“I'd say probably the same as when he was a player. Just get the job done and that's it. No excuses. He constantly says, don't go soft. Just keeping us on the ball in terms of everything; just nail the one percenters.

“It's kind of like a mix of old school and still keeping up to date with how the new game's changing.

“What I mean by that is just old-fashioned training; taking lumps from each other; it is Championship football. He has just been a breath of fresh air.”

Lennon believes the squad have also learned from previous campaigns when strong league performances were not followed by championship success.

“As Darren said, we probably have not necessarily dropped standards going into the Championship, but probably took the foot off the pedal after a good league campaign, a long league campaign. It's probably stood to us this year.”

Recovery

While his teammates prepare for Sunday's final, Lennon continues his rehabilitation following ACL surgery.

“Good. It's just over six weeks now since the surgery. Some bad days, some tough days. In general, for six weeks post-surgery, it's gone well. I can't really complain.”

The Mochtas' championship run has motivated him during his recovery, although watching matches remains difficult.

“Yeah, absolutely. They've definitely kept me going the last six weeks. It's so tough watching it on. It is absolutely breaking me, but it is making it easier at the same time. It's a bit of both. It is hard to explain.”

Lennon has also spoken to fellow Louth players who have experienced the disappointment of missing important matches through injury.

“I've been talking to ‘Casey’ (Ciarán Byrne), and Peter Lynch, who obviously missed out on some big days with Louth this year.

“I suppose it's not just me. It's not just me that has felt this, I suppose. Just talking to them and how they've got through the big days and things like that.”

Dream

Despite the personal disappointment, Lennon hopes his teammates can deliver the club's first senior championship title.

“That will also be result-dependent. If we get over the line, I'll get over it. But if we lose and I'm not involved, that will be tough. It's result-dependent.

“Fingers crossed we get a win. It won't bother me either way. There will be a Joe Ward in Louth Village, and I'm sure the injury will quickly be forgotten about. At least for a couple of days.”