4W Louth/Dublin U21 Final

WHO: Dublin
WHAT: Cadbury’s Leinster Under 21 Final
WHERE: Pairc Tailteann, Navan
WHEN: 7:30pm Tonight

We don’t possess a great record against Dublin at underage level, actually the thoughts of facing Dublin underage has us shuttering at the sight of a kid in a Dublin jersey!

But tonight is different; tonight our lads stand up to these Dublin bullies and take their lunch money for a change! That being the Leinster cup.

Here’s why…

Underlying Motive

Let me cast you back to a minor match in Drogheda, April 2009 to be exact, between Dublin and Louth, first round of the Leinster Minor championship.


On that day, tonight’s group of Louth players were beaten 4-15 to 5 points but more importantly demoralised after the performance they gave. The Dublin players may have forgotten, but I reckon the Louth players haven’t!

The most disappointing thing about that particular game for Louth fans was the high expectations we had for that team.
Obviously the group has since lived up to that potential and now the lads get to prove it even further tonight, with a revenge victory.

Strength’s

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not naive enough to think just because they beat hammered us before we’ll have enough motivation from that game alone to win.
This Dublin team poses a daunting challenge and has gotten even stronger since that minor match, having wiped all before them so far.


But what I can tell you is, the expectancy level on our lads has been lowered and we have gotten significantly stronger since that day. Louth have 5 players from that starting minor team that will start tonight, that was due to, the then management preference for size.

Dublin might expect our lads to be the same standard and hopefully become complacent but the opposite is now the case, this Louth team is highly mobile and comfortable with the ball across the board.

This will allow us to cope with Dublin’s speed and pace all over the pitch and hopefully shock them.

That, as well as numerous other positive factors

We have three win’s under our belts, We’ve improved as we’ve gone on in the competition, We’ve belief from our management playing experience, We’ve got that bit of luck along the way (Offaly 20m free misses in the semi), and importantly We have played in Navan under lights and won already this year.

These factors are convincing me that we can pull off the shock.

Management

I mentioned management and both sets of teams have impressive backroom credentials. Jim Gavin has been at the helm a number of years now and has been quite successful with Dublin.

but

Louth, also have formed a formidable coaching package, Colin Kelly with his no nonsense approach and high standards sets the tone, Colm Nally is carving himself out to be one of the country’s yes country finest coaches and Christy Grimes brings his modern day playing experience as well as insatiable winning attitude.

However Finals are there to be won, as well as a revenge mission and numerous positive playing factors there is a simple game of football to be played.

Let’s, as Louth fans, dip into that eternal pit of hope once again…

Because…

We, like the lads tonight, have no fear, and nothing to lose…

Things to expect: A Shock…that is all