Truly Scary Sight for any Louth fan tonight!
Thursday 31 October 2013
Friday 25 October 2013
Leinster Club Champo
Newtown Blues v Tullamore
Gaelic Grounds, Sunday, 3pm
The Blues are playing the Blues sunday no thats not a typo the Offaly men are also know as the Blues.
However they wear a darker shade of Blue, similar to the Mary's Ardee.
The last time the Blues were in Leinster they lost to Kilmacud Crokes in a really close game, they could have won. Crokes went on to win the All-Ireland.
It will be exactly 4 weeks on sunday since the Blues triumphed over Cooley to capture the title but they've kept busy, losing to Gaels the following thursday and saving themselves from possible relegation by beating the O'Connells away in an impressive second half performance.
So it won't be for lack of practice that the Drogheda men don't advance.
Tullamore Background
They have won the Offaly championship as recently as 2007 and 2002.
Not one player remains from 2002 team beaten by Mattock Rangers in Ardee in the opening round.
5 remain from 2007 team beaten away to Eire Og in opening round.
They are: Current Full back and Captain Paul McConway,
corner back Mark Conlon, centre back James Keane, Midfielder John O'Donohue and ace attacker Shane Dooley
So in recent times, they have a poor Leinster record but that could be due to the seeded away draw set by Rhode's success over the years.
So do not let that fool you.
The have quality 4 current County men
1. Paul McConway captain, Full back....Colm Judge will know him well from his UCD days.
2. Johnny Moloney on the forty
3. Michael Brazil in Midfield is Really strong in the air
4. Shane Dooley Dual star but a real live wire 2-3 in the county final
Notable mentions
Eoin Brennan has played in goals for Offaly in recent seasons, Corner Forward Kevin Williamson is talented soccer player playing with Bohs and Athlone town in his day, alongside him in the full forward line is another dual star Shane Kelly, midfielder for the Offaly hurlers.
Majority of their team has represented Offaly at some level So they will not be found wanting in quality stakes.
Summary
Last year Louth champions Pats beat Rhode in Tullamore which would suggest we have the pedigree to beat them but that Pats team have been knocking on the door and desperate for a decent run in Leinster. Tullamore also beat Rhode in the final this year.
So that tells me nothing.....but it does indicate that the outcome could be decided all on the day.
Whoever gets the best start could give the team the confidence to go on and settle into the game.
This is a solid Young hard working Tullamore team and their main quality is their stout defending. They are what you would call counterattacking team, they soak up alot of pressure and rely on Dooley up front to get them through most games.
The Blues for me would be the opposite...they attack and they attack from all angles. The half back line especially. The early rounds might suit their style more.
This clash of styles makes for an entertaining game!
Furthermore, the home tie is also an advantage not only the logistics but the nuisances of the drogheda pitch take getting used to.
For me the over reliance on Dooley could be Tullamore's downfall if the Blues manage to curtail him they have enough firepower to beat any team on any day and thats what this competition is about.
Verdict: The Blues, the Newtown Blues.
.JPG)
Gaelic Grounds, Sunday, 3pm
The Blues are playing the Blues sunday no thats not a typo the Offaly men are also know as the Blues.
However they wear a darker shade of Blue, similar to the Mary's Ardee.
The last time the Blues were in Leinster they lost to Kilmacud Crokes in a really close game, they could have won. Crokes went on to win the All-Ireland.
It will be exactly 4 weeks on sunday since the Blues triumphed over Cooley to capture the title but they've kept busy, losing to Gaels the following thursday and saving themselves from possible relegation by beating the O'Connells away in an impressive second half performance.
So it won't be for lack of practice that the Drogheda men don't advance.
Tullamore Background
They have won the Offaly championship as recently as 2007 and 2002.
Not one player remains from 2002 team beaten by Mattock Rangers in Ardee in the opening round.
5 remain from 2007 team beaten away to Eire Og in opening round.
They are: Current Full back and Captain Paul McConway,
corner back Mark Conlon, centre back James Keane, Midfielder John O'Donohue and ace attacker Shane Dooley
So in recent times, they have a poor Leinster record but that could be due to the seeded away draw set by Rhode's success over the years.
So do not let that fool you.
The have quality 4 current County men
1. Paul McConway captain, Full back....Colm Judge will know him well from his UCD days.
2. Johnny Moloney on the forty
3. Michael Brazil in Midfield is Really strong in the air
4. Shane Dooley Dual star but a real live wire 2-3 in the county final
Notable mentions
Eoin Brennan has played in goals for Offaly in recent seasons, Corner Forward Kevin Williamson is talented soccer player playing with Bohs and Athlone town in his day, alongside him in the full forward line is another dual star Shane Kelly, midfielder for the Offaly hurlers.
Majority of their team has represented Offaly at some level So they will not be found wanting in quality stakes.
Summary
Last year Louth champions Pats beat Rhode in Tullamore which would suggest we have the pedigree to beat them but that Pats team have been knocking on the door and desperate for a decent run in Leinster. Tullamore also beat Rhode in the final this year.
So that tells me nothing.....but it does indicate that the outcome could be decided all on the day.
Whoever gets the best start could give the team the confidence to go on and settle into the game.
This is a solid Young hard working Tullamore team and their main quality is their stout defending. They are what you would call counterattacking team, they soak up alot of pressure and rely on Dooley up front to get them through most games.
The Blues for me would be the opposite...they attack and they attack from all angles. The half back line especially. The early rounds might suit their style more.
This clash of styles makes for an entertaining game!
Furthermore, the home tie is also an advantage not only the logistics but the nuisances of the drogheda pitch take getting used to.
For me the over reliance on Dooley could be Tullamore's downfall if the Blues manage to curtail him they have enough firepower to beat any team on any day and thats what this competition is about.
Verdict: The Blues, the Newtown Blues.
.JPG)
Monday 21 October 2013
Ciaran 'Casey' Byrne
Tip of the hat to this young man.
Seriously.
The Mochta's man is blowing Louth's inferiority complex every single time we see him.
I'll explain how.....
Deep down in our Louth Mentality when we read about Ciaran Byrne last week, we doubted him.
We all heard he was training with the Irish panel but we thought ah sure they'll give him a shot at training with Ireland seeing as he is away over to Austrailia.
Wrong. he makes the Panel.
Ah he's only on the Extended panel because all the dubs and the Gooch Pulled out.
Wrong. he makes the match day squad.
Now do you get my point?
Not only does he make the match day squad, Louth man makes the team! Not only does he make the team the Mochta's man starts on the forty ahead of a whole host of quality players with All Ireland and provincial medals.
Finally and what sums up his character he's not just happy with that...He starts brightly getting on the ball early, he bring the physicality to the Australians! he was really getting about and trying to get the hits in. Then to top off the day he hits 3 pointer.
It was really great to see and inspiring all at the same time!
Paddy Keenan broke the door down and made the breakthrough first and now this chap is 19 18, heading to Aus for a AFL career and he is from Louth, he is one of ours we'd be raving about him if he wasn't from Louth like say Ciaran Kilkenny, Paul Mannion, Eamonn Wallace....none of those 3 could make the team and only 1 could make the panel. Our man from Louth Village did.
I wasn't the only one who felt inspired and this is what I mean about blowing away the inferiority complex.
Lads were tweeting 'I played Colleges with Casey', 'I was playing minor club against Ciaran Byrne last year and now he's starting for Ireland!'
Even an average player who rubbed shoulders with Casey along the way can say if Ciaran can do it, I can do it!!
They might not see the hard work that goes behind the success but The knockon effect will have will only help build confidence in Louth GAA and make us within the county believe that we have as much right as anyone to be winning championships!
If you still doubt this and don't believe don't worry, Ciaran and Paddy Believe so you don't have to!
Sometimes you don't appreciate what you got till it is gone. GAA fans in Louth appreciate!!
Seriously.
The Mochta's man is blowing Louth's inferiority complex every single time we see him.
I'll explain how.....
Deep down in our Louth Mentality when we read about Ciaran Byrne last week, we doubted him.
We all heard he was training with the Irish panel but we thought ah sure they'll give him a shot at training with Ireland seeing as he is away over to Austrailia.
Wrong. he makes the Panel.
Ah he's only on the Extended panel because all the dubs and the Gooch Pulled out.
Wrong. he makes the match day squad.
Now do you get my point?
Not only does he make the match day squad, Louth man makes the team! Not only does he make the team the Mochta's man starts on the forty ahead of a whole host of quality players with All Ireland and provincial medals.
Finally and what sums up his character he's not just happy with that...He starts brightly getting on the ball early, he bring the physicality to the Australians! he was really getting about and trying to get the hits in. Then to top off the day he hits 3 pointer.
It was really great to see and inspiring all at the same time!
 |
| 2 of the Best teenagers in Ireland who would you rather have? |
I wasn't the only one who felt inspired and this is what I mean about blowing away the inferiority complex.
Lads were tweeting 'I played Colleges with Casey', 'I was playing minor club against Ciaran Byrne last year and now he's starting for Ireland!'
Even an average player who rubbed shoulders with Casey along the way can say if Ciaran can do it, I can do it!!
They might not see the hard work that goes behind the success but The knockon effect will have will only help build confidence in Louth GAA and make us within the county believe that we have as much right as anyone to be winning championships!
If you still doubt this and don't believe don't worry, Ciaran and Paddy Believe so you don't have to!
Sometimes you don't appreciate what you got till it is gone. GAA fans in Louth appreciate!!
Friday 18 October 2013
Busy Weekend Ahead
Minor League Final's
Kilkerley/Mals combo play the Brides in Division 2 'A' Darver pitch 2 7pm
Pats/Cuchulainn play the Marys in Division 1 'A' Darver pitch 1 7.30pm
Anyone think it's about time we named these pitches in Darver?
I could think of several servants who deserve their name recognised?
Marys look to win the Division 1 league as a consolation for losing the Championship final
Division 1 Semi's Sunday
Pats and Kilkerley
1pm Lordship
Cooley and SOM
3pm Cooley
Looks like we are heading for a Halloween League final in Dowdashill between the Pats and Cooley.
How appropriate!
Play off's Division 2
Mary's and Glyde
3pm Ardee
The Marys get back on the wagon against a dogged Glyde team surely the underdogs won't shock them again?
Joes and Brides are playing next Thursday night if you are wondering..
Leinster Junior ChampionshipHunterstown Rovers play KilcavanMontmellick 2pm Sunday
Don't forget about Hunterstown Rovers this weekend either.
They begin their Leinster voyage away to Kilcavan, the Laois Junior Champions who, from the pic below look to mean business!
However, I really fancy rovers to represent us well....these competitions are usually loose open affairs as teams usually step into the unknown and play with a bit of freedom as a result.
Perfect scenario for Hunterstown, young team, low expectations, packed with nice forwards and coming off the back of a great league win against their local rivals.
BEst of Luck to them! Great experience!
Kilkerley/Mals combo play the Brides in Division 2 'A' Darver pitch 2 7pm
Pats/Cuchulainn play the Marys in Division 1 'A' Darver pitch 1 7.30pm
Anyone think it's about time we named these pitches in Darver?
I could think of several servants who deserve their name recognised?
Marys look to win the Division 1 league as a consolation for losing the Championship final
Division 1 Semi's Sunday
Pats and Kilkerley
1pm Lordship
Cooley and SOM
3pm Cooley
Looks like we are heading for a Halloween League final in Dowdashill between the Pats and Cooley.
How appropriate!
Play off's Division 2
Mary's and Glyde
3pm Ardee
The Marys get back on the wagon against a dogged Glyde team surely the underdogs won't shock them again?
Joes and Brides are playing next Thursday night if you are wondering..
Leinster Junior ChampionshipHunterstown Rovers play KilcavanMontmellick 2pm Sunday
Don't forget about Hunterstown Rovers this weekend either.
They begin their Leinster voyage away to Kilcavan, the Laois Junior Champions who, from the pic below look to mean business!
However, I really fancy rovers to represent us well....these competitions are usually loose open affairs as teams usually step into the unknown and play with a bit of freedom as a result.
Perfect scenario for Hunterstown, young team, low expectations, packed with nice forwards and coming off the back of a great league win against their local rivals.
BEst of Luck to them! Great experience!
Wednesday 16 October 2013
League all about it!
Louth NFL Fixtures 2014
Sun 2nd Feb: Home Armagh
Sun 9th Feb: Home Laois
Sat 1st Mar: Down Away
Sun 9th Mar Monaghan Away
Sun 16th Mar: Home Galway
Sun 30th Mar: Donegal Away
Sun Apr 7th: Home Meath
4 home games and 3 winnable away games
gives us a great platform to stay in Division 2 and possibly more!!!
Sun 2nd Feb: Home Armagh
Sun 9th Feb: Home Laois
Sat 1st Mar: Down Away
Sun 9th Mar Monaghan Away
Sun 16th Mar: Home Galway
Sun 30th Mar: Donegal Away
Sun Apr 7th: Home Meath
4 home games and 3 winnable away games
gives us a great platform to stay in Division 2 and possibly more!!!
Thursday 10 October 2013
Tuesday 8 October 2013
International Rules 2013
First we had PK and now we have Ciaran Byrne.
The Mochta's man in his first Season for Louth will hopefully become our second player to represent the Country at this level.
Well Done Ciaran
Sunday 6 October 2013
IFC Final 'Final' Preview 2013
Geraldines Vs St Brides
Sunday 6th October 4pm
Dowdallshill
Although I haven't built up the game too much....
I've had a bit of a Senior final hangover, I haven't been drinking all week with the Blues but I'm feeling the effects of standing on a bank in Drogheda for 5 hours without a coat!
I've had a bit of a Senior final hangover, I haven't been drinking all week with the Blues but I'm feeling the effects of standing on a bank in Drogheda for 5 hours without a coat!
but, I'm really looking forward to this years Intermediate show piece.
It is like a litmus test a leaving cert of sorts for alot of these young men that have dominated the underage game.
Leaving Cert
The Gers have competed in 5 Minor Championship Finals in the last 7 years!
The Brides are no chumps at underage either in fact beating the Geraldines in 2011. A possible 8 from that team will start for the Brides come Sunday and 5 for the Gers.
In fact the only player with no minor final experience for the Geraldines is their full back Nicky Mackin.
That just shows you the volume of youth and potential talent this final possesses.
But, potential never won anything.
Experience Vs Final pedigree
That's why I think ironically this game will hinge on the experience of the Brides elder statesmen.
The core of Aaron Hoey, Ray Kelly, David Dunne all of whom played in a senior final in 2002 makes it easy for the Brides youth to express themselves as the veterans will be a well of calm at the right stages be it having the nous to get on the ball or not to panic when things are not going there way.
Also, They might want it that bit more and I think it would be a shame for those 3 servants to finish their career without a championship medal....Hoey and Kelly especially, as they are arguably two of the best club players in louth of the past decade.
Verdict
The two sides have met twice previously this year, first in the league which the Gers won at home and secondly in the Championship group stages in Dowdallshill which the Brides won....I think this years Championship history is going to repeat itself. Brides.
Saturday 5 October 2013
IFC Preview 2013 A tail of 2 players
Geraldines Vs St Brides
Sunday 6th October 4pm
Dowdallshill
The future is crucial...and so are these two players.
Jim McEnaneny Geraldines
Jesus, I can never spell his name right!!!
Mc-Ene-an-ey
right, that's that memorised.
and
Patrick Paddy Reilly Brides
Sons of famous Footballing Fathers and coincidentally managers.
Lets compare and contrast the two.
Scoring
Jim
is intermediates top scorer with 4-20 and as we seen with Senior and Junior the
top scorer's team wins the championship on their coat-tails
McGinn with the Blues and Ryan Burns with Hunterstown although he wasn't top scorer he was 2 points off William Woods and that's good enough for me.
Reilly is spared the scoring responsibility as he has Aaron Hoey to do that for him.
But, his creativity wherever he plays is a massive asset to him and the Brides.
Leadership
For being so young both Players are massive leaders....Jim 24 has always been seen a leader for any side he's played on.....be it underage, Louth underage or schools he is the totem pole of Standards the new wave of Ger generation is built around.
Reilly is exactly the same....they take on the role very well, both captaining minor winning sides and majority of sides they've been involved in.
you could say they were born to do it.
Future
Jim is an established squad member with Louth at this stage and Reilly will be in the squad shake up next year for certain.
Jim is not as mobile as Reilly but makes up for it in supreme footpassing accuracy while Reilly has the power and drive to make it maybe a potential centre back?.
The bottom line is these lads are the future of Louth football no matter how tomorrow goes.
Friday 4 October 2013
IFC Preview 2013 Minor 2011
Geraldines Vs St Brides
Sunday 6th October 4pm
Dowdallshill
The Gers and Brides have history and it stems back to the 2011 Minor Final read the report here.
http://louth.gaa.ie/index.php/commasub/minorbrd/minor-board-news/900-st-brides-claim-1st-ever-minor-football-title
Possible Players involved come Sunday in bold
St Brides
Darren Breen;
Andrew Smyth, Conor Deane, Paul Prendergast;
Greg Kehoe, Cillian Kirk, Niall Mackin;
David Dunne, Shane kerrigan;
Ross Keogh, Patrick Reilly (1-2), Ray Kelly;
Kevin Hearty (0-4), Aaron Hoey (0-4), Conaill Devin (0-1).
Subs: Joseph Hanna for C Devin, 37 mins; Kevin Kirk forR Keogh, 50 mins; David kettle for C Kirk, 56 mins; Padraig Marry for R Kelly, 60 mins.
Geraldines
Nathaniel Cooney;
Sean Watters, Nicky Mackin, Tiarnan Hand;
James Craven, Gerard Hoey, Kevin Pepper (0-1);
Michael Rogers (0-2), Stephen Reidy (0-2);
Sean Thornton, Jim McEneaney (1-3), Shaun Callan;
Josh Arrowsmith (0-1), Shane O’Hanlon (0-4), Glen Trainor (0-1).
Subs: Barry Hamilton (0-2) for S Thornton, HT.
8 for the Brides
and
Surprisingly 5 for the Gers
Thursday 3 October 2013
Championship draw Explained
The Format
Semi finalists last season
Dublin Kildare, Meath and Wexford
go straight into the quarter final stage.
Waiting for them is a group of 8 teams includging us.
Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Carlow and Wicklow.
The possible senario
We could get a bye straight into the Quarters
or
we could get a first round tie against any of those 7 teams above.
The Nightmare
Laois again and then Dublin. Gulp!
or
a first round bye and face the Dubs, the all Ireland champions first outing of the summer....could be the best time to get them....It could be a short leinster campaign and straight into the qualifiers.
not great for Louth football.
The Dream
Carlow, We have history, but you would expect us to take them and then a rematch with Wexford....The current set of players would love a crack at them to get into a Leinster semi
Or
a first round bye then a quarter final show down with Wexford, to avenge last years defeat.
The Grudge
Meath.
enough said
The Time
7pm RTE2 Tonight
Semi finalists last season
Dublin Kildare, Meath and Wexford
go straight into the quarter final stage.
Waiting for them is a group of 8 teams includging us.
Laois, Longford, Offaly, Westmeath, Carlow and Wicklow.
The possible senario
We could get a bye straight into the Quarters
or
we could get a first round tie against any of those 7 teams above.
The Nightmare
Laois again and then Dublin. Gulp!
or
a first round bye and face the Dubs, the all Ireland champions first outing of the summer....could be the best time to get them....It could be a short leinster campaign and straight into the qualifiers.
not great for Louth football.
The Dream
Carlow, We have history, but you would expect us to take them and then a rematch with Wexford....The current set of players would love a crack at them to get into a Leinster semi
Or
a first round bye then a quarter final show down with Wexford, to avenge last years defeat.
The Grudge
Meath.
enough said
The Time
7pm RTE2 Tonight
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