The Town's

In case you haven't heard, Portlaoise won their 6th Laois title in a row Sunday, 29th in total, nearly double their nearest counterpart on the honours list. 

'Good for them' i hear you say.

'this is a Louth Blog' so whats your point?

My point is, that there is only one team in the whole of Portlaoise. 

1 team per town.

If the same set up existed in Louth how would it effect us as a county at inter county or club level.

Firstly, lets look at what a current day team from each town would look like.

Drogheda 

Made up of 5 teams Newtown Blues, O'Raghaillaighs, Oliver Plunketts, St Nicholas and Wolfe Tones.

Possible Team

1.Joe Flanagan

2.Graham Leech

3. Aidan O'Brien

4. Andrew Tinley

5. Stephen Moonan

6. Graham Murray

7. Jimmy Murray

8. Brian Kermode

9. Emmett Kelleher 

10. Ruairi Moore

11. Andy McDonnell
12. Cian Mathews

13. Paddy O'Boyle
14. Colm Judge

15. John Horan

Dundalk 

Made up of 6 teams, Dundalk Gaels, Clan na gael, Sean O'Mahony's, Na Piarsaigh and Dundalk Young Irelands and last but not least Dowdashill.

Possible Team

1. Kevin Brennan

2. Ciaran Murray

3. Jaime Faulkner

4. John O'Brien

5. David McComish

6. Eamon McAuley
7. Stephen Fitzpatrick

8. Derek Crilly

9. Donal Hegarty been informed he is now retired Conor Crawley takes his place

10. JJ Quigley
11. Billy Smith

12. Stephen Fisher

13. Drew Duffy

14. Derek Maguire

15. Mark Larkin

Plenty of food for thought there with Both sides selections but As would be expected, when merging the best of 5 teams you will produce a pretty formidable outfit. 

But would it be good or bad for football within the County?

Domination

Both sides would certain be joint favourites for the Senior title every year.

With such large playing numbers available they would dominate the club scene at all levels.

As we've seen in Laois, Antrim and Armagh Domination does not automatically mean inter county success.

In fact, such dominance from a club makes the inter county set up very dysfunctional with jealousy and an inability to merge into one team a constant factor. 

High Standard 

One positive of synergy is raising the Standard, be it for a players exposure or level of competition.

Dundalk Schools has been a success having won the Leinster on numerous occasions since it began in 2001 and giving our most talented players from that end of the county experience of a high standard of football.

I know for certain Paddy Keenan and Ciaran Byrne would not be the players they are if they weren't exposed to that level of competition. 

And the standard of minor in this county has risen due to strong amalgamation sides competing. this year for example the infamous o'connells/stabannon and Joes combination have risen the standard of the competition this year because, teams on their own like the Clans and Plunketts will have to be exceptional to beat them.

Playing Numbers

If there was only 1 team per town you would be losing a lot of players 

Basic maths, each team above has at least 25 players on their panel that is 125 players per town. 

If both town's had 1 senior team with a strong panel of 30 that's a loss of 95 players from each town.
(sure, there might be an intermediate panel but still losing 65 players from each town 130 players overall)

The haemorrhage of players would be due to elitism at adult level and a very serious lack of fun approach at under-age.

Surely the more kids and people playing the better for the county and for the health of county? as it is not all about winning is it!?

Clonclusion 

I think the situation in Laois is a farce and another team should be formed. 

Whereas in Louth, the opposite might be the case, we have too many teams saturating their overall quality and maybe the clubscene within the county.

If it is too easy for the team to dominate then it is not useful for the particular team or county team and too many teams cause a drain on the standard of competition.

However the fact that we have two large towns would raise the standard of club level and split the domination somewhat but what would be the point if the two towns couldn't put their difference's aside for inter county level?

The county has north versus south paranoia divide as it is without having two teams to represent that.

Kerry have the best of both worlds club and County championships 

where amalgamation sides take on senior sides for the county

and have their respective club championship to compete in also.

It raises the standard of players in the amalgamation but it has the size and playing numbers to do so. 

Unfortunately in Louth wee don't....but like i said food for thought.

Let me know you're thoughts

could it work? 

would you like it to work?

who would be on your team? did I miss somebody?

how would the country teams react?

Newtown Bues 125 Louth Dublin

So Sunday, the 21st of October 2012, 

 

The day the 2013 season has started as well as Aidan O'Rourke's reign with a loss to Dublin at the Newtown Blues 125 year celebrations.

The game was very much exhibition stuff, the intensity was like the weather conditions light, warm and breezy.

Louth started the game with a Blues man in every line of the pitch, except for the full forward line and it could have been the Newfoundwell flush if Colm Judge was fit to play, instead he was the bench not togged out but significantly for Louth's up coming season he seemed to be involved.

The game itself Dublin Started alot brighter mainly down to their conditioning, with many Louth Clubs redundant for a number of weeks, majority of the Dublin players are in the height of  or just finished their club seasons and it told.

The Half Time score was 2-8 to 1-3 Ciaran Byrne marking his debut with a goal.

It was the contrast in Substitutes that allowed Louth back into the game Brian White being one of them who really made an impact along with Ruairi Moore. Where as Dublin's shape and momentum waned with the exception of Gerry Seaver who scored the point of the game way out on the right.  

Louth battled on and through a well taken Jim McEnaney finish and Brian White penalty, made the final score a lot more healthier looking.

3-10 to 2-15

The only way  is up from here.

The Team 

1. Joe Flanagan

2. Gerry Hoey

3. Conor McGuinness

4. Jamie Carr

5. Stephen Moonan

6. Liam Shevlin

7. Conor Rafferty

8. John Kermode

9. Declan Byrne

10. Cathal Bellew

11. Jim McEneaney

12. James Murray

13. Ciaran Byrne

14. Shane Lennon

15. Pepe Smith

16. Neil Gallagher

17. Mick Fanning

18. Brian White

19. Jason Clarke

20. Ruairi Moore

21. David McComish

The Positive's 

Ciaran Byrne starting and not looking out of place, he has the size and attributes but he still went out and did it, scoring a goal and showing a sublime piece of skill to catch the ball with one hand.

Shane Lennon another forward on the other end of the spectrum to Byrne but his start was equally important, great to see Shane back in a Louth jersey good pre season for him now and it could be a special season for the kilkerly man.

There seems to be a bit of depth in the Squad too, even without the county champions contingent from the Pat's, O'Connell's and Glen Emmett's We were able to hold our own, Plus we were without 8 or 9 regulars from last season's team not even Squad. this bodes well for the competition for places not only on the team but to stay in the Squad.

Throw Judge and the Oz and American exile's returning back in the mix and it can be nothing but positive.

The Negative's

I mentioned the championship winners contingents missing but still there was Lack of Fresh faces on show. The championship runners up had only 2 players involved. Pepe and regular Liam Shevlin. 

Surely there was room for a lot more Young Clogher and Clans players to be blooded. Cian McEvoy, Anthony Williams and Billy Smith to name a few.

Also, 3 of last U21 squad's was also used was equally disappointing, get them involved and get them climatised the sooner the better to the inter county game.

anyway like i say only early days yet.....thanks for reading

and Congratulations to the Blues on their 125 years.

DUBLIN (Squad): Michael Savage, Jack Smith, Barry O’Hanlon, Michael Concarr, Declan Lally, Darren Daly, Nicky Devereux, Craig Dunleavy, Daithí Ó Murchú, Danny Byrne, Conor Walsh, Ciarán Reddin, Niall Collins, Robbie McCarthy, Harry Dawson, Vinny Whelan, Chris Carthy, Jonathan McDermott, Dean Styles, Luke Sweetman, Hugh Gill.

Intermediate Final 4W

Sneaking in the long grass, behind managerial news, future fixtures and Selector naming.


we have a major final to play! and What a final is going to be!





WHO: Clan na Gael and O'Connell's
WHAT: Cullen Auto Parts Louth intermediate final
WHERE: Haggardstown
WHEN: 3.30pm Sunday


These two sides typify how tough intermediate football is to get out of.

Sure, the Clans and O'Connell's have anbundance of skillful and super footballers but that is sometimes not enough.

The grade ultimately tests all your capabilities as a team in all aspects.

As it take supreme mental strength to get over the line and if you lack in this area you will learn the hardway. As the Clans found out in the final last year and the O'Connells in the semi final stage this past 3 seasons and famously NaPiarsaigh who, just could not get there.


Usually, the team with the greatest unity is victorious. (jez, sounds like Sparta or the hunger games!)

This Sunday will be no different.

Lets cast our minds back to last years intermediate semi between the two same teams. Where the Castlebellingham men imploded in the second half. That defeat was hard for the O'Connell's to take, but it has made them a better team this season and favorites for Sunday.

Army man Wayne McKeever has come in and they have got to the Sheelan cup final and lost out narrowly to the Blue's after extra time. Recently reached the Division 1 league final. Highlighting the rich vein of form they are in coming into the weekends final with.

The Clans on the otherhand made hard work of fellow Dundalk side O'Mahony's in the other semi, defeating them after a replay. However this has worked to their advantage as their expectations now have been lowered even further.

Come Sunday though, form will go out the window and it will be down to the players and both teams are packed with game changing forwards. Niall Conlon, Billy Smith, Mark Newell, Robert Quigley, Mark Stansfield, Mark McGeown, Drew Duffy and Cian Doyle to name a few and have been mentioned alot during the week so we all know there talents and what they have to offer.

Where the game will hinge and like most games, will be defense. Like Donegal and the Pats last week, defense is usually the deciding factor in who wins in modern day GAA more times than not.

And like the final's sneaky build up, I give the defensive advantage surprisingly to the Clans who have defenders who defend firstly where as the O'Connells seem to have an over spill of forwards playing back there.

So this piles even more pressure on the O'Connell's already heavy shoulders come Sunday, as it is not a for gone conclusion for them. 

Acting as the ultimate test for them, that it is not going to be easy and that they will need to be united to do it.

As it is only themselves that has ever really beaten them. But this year is different, mentally getting over the semi final proved that.

Things to Expect: New Manager Aidan O'Rourke and possible whole management team in the crowd. Two forgotten men but highly important players operating on the forty for both sides, Paul Gore and Paul McKeever (managers brother) to have a major impact on how well either forward line operate. Big German, Jens Lehmann in goals for the Clans,

and finally the Seamus Flood in Castlebellingham Sunday night.

P.S. Phew! got through that whole preview without mentioning the minor fiasco!

Players IFC Final Panel

I'll begin the build up for Sunday's battle for the Seamus Flood Cup with an intermediate players panel.

Such was the Success of the players panel for the Senior Final, I decided to go and do it again.

and like last week, these guys have the most interesting insights and know best about the most competitive grade in adult football in Louth.

So take note of their opinions and Enjoy!

Cormac Malone, Na Piarsaigh

who do think can get over the line and why? 

'It is a fairly even contest in my opinion with both teams having a good mixture of youth and experience, however I would think the O'Connell's should just shade it, based on playing at senior league standard over the past number of years, however they have froze in big games in the past, but I would think they have learned from that.'

'From a Clans point of view they have a strong forward 6 who can all take a score, and if they can put some early scores on the board it could effect the O'Connell's. The Clans will obviously have last year in the back of their minds and will not want a repeat result so I really do see this one going to the wire with only a point or two in it.'

 

any players in particular to look out for?

'Clans: The obvious choice is Drew Duffy who has been in great scoring form, from both open play and free taking. Mark McGeown is another man the O'C's will have to look out for, he is still relatively young but has been around for quiet a while. I seen JJ Quigley back in the Semi Final, he brings alot of pace and experience into it. Billy Smith is another exciting player who can cover alot of ground and pop up with important scores.'

 

'O'C's: Again Niall Conlon is the danger man for them. Jackie Agnew is another who is very strong going forward and very good defending also. Paul McKeever has been in good scoring form of late and seems to have taking over the free kicks from Stuart Reynolds.'

Jim McEneaney, Geraldine's

'I feel that Sunday will finally be the day the O'Connell's put a lot of demons to bed. We played the Clans in the group and we got a draw with a weakened team, they struggled across the line in a lot of their other games too up until the O Mahonys games as they were clearly the better football team on both nights. They may well be peaking for the final, but I feel the O'Connell's will get the win on Sunday,they have young players that have played senior league for a number of years now.'

'Also they have even younger lads that are showing great potential this year. One of which is Cian Doyle, he is the one to watch on Sunday, his speed on our big pitch in the Gers will suit him and there was excitement everytime he got the ball in the semi final, brilliant player with huge potential. Then there is also Jackie and Niall who both have unbelievable engines to bring the game to the Clans.'

'But, as much ability as the O'Connell's have, you can't help but refer to the fact that you really just don't know what O'Connell's team will turn up on Sunday and with the Clans being a genuinely good footballing team. They have every right to think they can win on Sunday.'

'It should be a great final in any case but you can't but not feel sorry for Ray McCabe missing Sunday, he worked tirelessly last winter up in Darver doing rehab work and he had to get an operation there a while back and misses out!'

'And Finally here's hoping the Geraldines U16's can get over the line in the curtain raiser!'

Daniel O'Connell, Roche Emmett's

'I would have to say that the O'Connell's look like hot favourites. They're in great form and have the players and depth in their squad to win comfortably. '

'The clans will need drew Duffy to be in top form if they are to stand a chance.'

Allan Matthews, Naomh Fionnbarra

'I think it will be O’Connell's turn finally, to get there hands on that elusive championship that has eluded them over the last number of years.'

'They have reached the finals of all the major competitions they have entered this season Sheelan Cup Divison 1 & Intermediate Championship for which they deserve great credit.'
'They started the championship as everyone's favourites to win it but got a reality check v St Brides they have improved with each game since and were very impressive in the semi final victory over St Josephs.'
'Their fitness levels seem to have improved as the season has gone on. The reason I think it will be an O’Connell's victory is because they seem to get the scores more easily and don’t over rely on one man to get the scores I think the Clans rely a lot on Drew Duffy.'
'I have only seen Clans once and it was in Semi Final v Sean O’Mahony's were they should have won the drawn game but a lack of ruthlessness cost them on the night as the Sean's pegged them back t. Also, the O’Connell's like to drop men back but will hit the Clans with a wave of attack/players when they do get forward and it’s a tactic which is very hard to stop.

Players to watch
O’Connells: Niall Conlon & Mark Stanfield(Stanfields doing a lot of the hard/unnoticed work to create the space/Scoring chances for Doyle & Quigley)
Clans: Drew Duffy & Billy Smith (need to play him closer to goals though)

Prediction O’Connells 1.12 Clans 0.10

MOM Niall Conlon

Finally, The Grades top Scorer 

Stephen Fisher, Sean O'Mahony's 

'Having played both teams this year and watched both play I think the IFC is heading for Castlebellingham this year.'

'The O'Connell's are very strong and fit this season and I think the winning of the game is in midfield. They are big and physical in there with Stuart Reynolds doing most of the catching, his quality of passing into the forward line is also brilliant.'

'I think the Clans weakness is at the back and that is were the O'Connell's can benefit. They are very good running with the ball if, it's not on to let it in first time. They are very lively in the corners and plenty of experience with Stansfield as full forward.'

'Niall Conlon and Jackie Agnew will be big big players in the final, both playing exceptionally enroute and they will have to be to win on Sunday.'

'On the other hand, the clans will be no push overs. They too, are also very good at running it with Billy Smith and JJ Quigley dangerous going forward. Also the O'Connell's will need to keep fouling to a minimum as Drew Duffy will kick frees over all night if giving a chance.'

'Also, I think if O'Connell's take Paul gore out of the game he picks up every breaking ball and rarely gives it away, he plays a big part going forward for the clans as a playmaker also if they keep McGeown quiet they will win easy.'

'It should be an entertaining final but there is a lot to ask for from a Clans point of view whereas the O'Connell's have less to worry about  and should win by 3.'

 

 

After a fairly hectic week for Louth Football, hopefully the spotlight can now be on the intermediate final.

With young teams who may have a big part to play in the future of football in the county.

Louth NFL Fixtures 2013

7 games 

Sun Feb 3rd Westmeath (A)

Sun Feb 10th Galway (H)

Sun Mar 2nd Laois (A)

Sun Mar 10th Wexford (H)

Sun Mar 16th Armagh (A)

Sun Mar 24th Derry (H)

Sun Apr 7th Longford (H)

3 Away 

Armagh and Laois under lights will be added difficulty to the tie's but with cross possibly still involved come st patricks day we could have a chance. We must take Westmeath on opening day .

4 Home

We got results against 2 of the home team's we face and the other 2 are the newly promoted sides

 

 

Brief Thoughts

 

lets not forget ourselves here we were extremely fortunate to stay up last season and that will be the aim again this season.

with the added factor of a new manager in his first season. our optimism should be low key.

targeting 3 wins (Westmeath, Longford and Ryan-less Wexford) and a draw (against Armagh) away that will keep us up anything else is bonus.

Aidan O'Rourke

It's Official! we've got a new manager and finally we can begin to look forward to 2013 now with some optimism at least.


If the Draw last week was the appetizer, the appointment was the mains so the proof in the pudding will come next through trials and challenge matches in the coming weeks.


So, What we do know about Him?

Currently Queens Sigerson Cup Manager

Previously Down assistant and Kildare Selector

Finished playing for Armagh as recently as 2009
 
What we Hope he will bring...


The same High Standards he was familiar with during his Armagh days.


Professional like preparation in all area's to improve players in all area's


Organisation be it on the field or off it, the set up is badly lacking some order to proceedings.


Tactic's yes, even a simple thing like tactic's we have been starved of in recent seasons, A game-plan or method of playing will go along way.


Up to date Methods, Modern Day experience, the game has evolved greatly in the past 2 seasons even. Aidan O'Rourke was the most current manager available bar Jason Ryan, He has seen it first hand last year with Down and Kildare how exactly and what way the game is going and hopefully how to get lads to play at that level.


Enthusiasm, in his first major role there should be no shortage of it


Belief, to the county and especially to the players he is working with. He obviously thinks he can win things with us as he seen as a progressive manager and wouldn't be keen on wasting his time.




What the possible Risks are...


First major Role and he might find inter county management a little overwhelming and out of his depth, after all, being a good assistant does not automatically make you a good manager. He might find the spotlight a little too much if the going gets tough.


Poor back-room team, the calibre of people around him will tell how far he will go and how persuasive he is for a start! The modern game depends greatly on who the physical trainer is, we've seen the impact and plaudits Cian O'Neill has gotten for his work with Mayo and Tipperary hurlers so, if he can recruit



His Lack of Knowledge of Louth football although not crucial could become detrimental to what his vision is, if there is a player out there he could use but doesn't know he even exists, then there could be an issue but I'm sure he has been educating himself and will leave no stone unturned.


 
Final thoughts


I, for one is very excited at the appointment I think it is a move in the right direction, We have a good panel of players crying out for a dynamic manager. 

They needed someone to demand their respect and someone they can commit to.


He is an all-Ireland winner, coming from outside the county so he already has gains initial respect for what he did and for the sacrifice he is doing.


How much respect he gains or loses from this point onwards will decide, how successful he will be.


But so far so good and that's all you can ask for.....


well done County Board & Best of Luck Aidan

LOuth Senior Final Talking Points

A retrospective look at yesterday's game, through the biggest talking points and essentially where the game was won and lost.


THE START



Massive talk all week was about the greater experience difference the Pats held over Clogherhead and my god did it tell in the opening exchanges.


The more the tension got to the young side the more the Pats seemed to lap it up.


In a final you need to get yourself into the game as quick as you can and if you don't you are constantly chasing and uncomposed as a result.


This was the case as the Dreadnots chased their first score, Pat Lynch had a great goal chance saved and the usually reliable Peach Califf missed numerous free's on the right hand side and the longer the game went the more desperate they became, trying from bad angles, over thinking with the final pass and forcing their shots.


The Pats on the other hand, knew for their game plan to work they needed to be ahead and ahead early, it was vital they got the start they got.


Clogher in their minds probably knew this also and only compounded their nervousness even more.



However Regardless of Clogherhead's floundering's, the Pat's got it and to be handed a five point to no score advantage was an added bonus.




THE GOAL


It is so unfortunate that a massive game like this is impacted hugely on a personal error or mistake.


After eventually getting into the game going in at half time three down would have given clogher a mini boost except the opposite happened.


They even defended manfully, keeping the margin down to three and were basically fighting before half time when a long Eamonn Carroll (i think) effort dropped short but the ball had so much height on it so to be far to Kenneth Shevlin it wasn't a tame short effort but it awkward enough ball under close to the crossbar.


Just enough difficulty to make the keeper second guess himself as to catch it cleanly or punch it away...he did neither. In fact he cushioned the ball so he would take it down at the second attempt but the impact of the ball pushed his momentum backwards and the ball to fall forward.


And like a flash,Aidan McCann was on hand to palm it in but it wasn't that easy as he had to backward scoop it into the net.


Much to the disbelief of both sides at what just happened the game was effectively over at that point.



THE REFEREE



I think Stephen Johnson deserves some credit, coming into his first senior final the game never phased him and was very sharp throughout.


He set the tone early on by booking a few players and picking up on some of the off the ball fouling, by doing so he erradicated a lot of the cynicalness this game could have become.

Also, he wasn't afraid to penalise some of Louth's better known players making him look even more objective all afternoon.


So instead of being a talking point for the wrong reasons The referee is being praised for once!



THE MISS



We knew coming into the game that the Dreadnots were short up front and they needed one of two things to happen or both.


1. Take every Single chance presented
2. New players needed to Step up with the workloads


And neither happened, but credit to Conor Campbell, he really stood out for the Dreadnots in attack (not just for his yellow boots!) He was busy throughout and had a good game having come in to start in the final.


But the missed chances were puncturing their belief balloon all day and the biggest pin to the balloon happened early in the second half.


Having started brightly with a point from Pepe and having alot of possession with the Pats retreating more and more.


They had their greatest chance.

Working a great move in a tight area of congest Lordship men, Pat Lynch timed his run brilliantly and found himself running through and although coming in at a narrow angle you expected him to score he drilled it low and just past the post.


You felt then, that if that had went in, the game would have well and truly been back on! as goals really swing momentum in finals and to get one against the measly Pats defense would have given them a serious boost of confidence.


However, it didn't.


The Pats really turned the screw then after, making it certain they wouldn't be breached and soaked up the pressure brilliantly and countering just as efficiently as they had the luxury of kicking the ball over the bar clinically when a goal could have been on.



THE FUTURE


Alot of people have this attitude that it would have been good for football if the Clogher men won and bad if the Pats won.


I beg to differ, as it was the Pats played with the more imagination and style throughout.


They have their defensive system but they had more idea's up front than the Dreadnots or any other team in Louth for that matter.


They can hurt you in a number of ways, be it by playing the big direct ball into Eoin O'Connor on the Square, Danny O'Connor beside him links up with him well off Eoin's breaks but both can win a low ball and turn and attack that way either taking their points or working a goal.


Or simply they can win it and lay it off as they are always available then with PK, Eamonn Carroll, Karl White coming off them and finishing.


Thats alot of ways already and I haven't even mentioned Ray Finnegan attacking from Deep, Paddy Keenan ghosting from the middle and Karl White's direct running.


So we can all bury our heads and say the Pats are defensive this and negative that.


When in fact the opposite is the case, Anyway I'm sure they don't really care what anyone thinks of them as it masks their variations and brilliant attacking play and makes each sip from the Joe Ward cup even sweeter.


Thanks for Reading and should have IFC build up later on in the Week. 

Senior Final Build Up: Players Predictions

When getting predictions who better to ask than the people in the Know.

I've asked a player from each of the 10 remaining Senior clubs to cast their views on the Big Game on Sunday. 

Senior Players and in fact Louth Senior, U21, make up the names  

some have played or currently play with the players that will feature heavily on sunday old college school mates 

What follows is some very interesting insights from Basically the people who know best.....

Enjoy



Robbie Leavy, Ardee St Mary's

Who do you think will win on Sunday and why?

The Pats are obviously favourites but have been caught by the underdogs before (Joes) I cant see that happening again though. I reckon it will be a close match but find it difficult to look past the Pats, The Dreadnots are a young fit team, but I think the Pats players experience in county finals will prove to be a major deciding factor.It wont be long before Joe Ward has a spell in Clogherhead but I think he'll be spending another year in Lordship.

who will be star of the Show?

There will be a lot of county players on show on both sides, all of whom could be the star of the show, for the Dreads they will be relying on the likes of Pops,Califf,Sheflin and Pepe to bring the game to the Pats.Pops had a great game against the Blues and id imagine he will put in another good display on Sunday as he doesnt put in a bad performance all to often. The Pats don't really as much on there county players but if the Dreads have a chance they have to stop Paddy and Ray Finnegan, probably the two best players in the county. I reckon Paddy will be the star of the show once again as he seldom disappoints on the big days both for club and county.

and anything else you'd like to add or you are looking forward to seeing?

I look forward to seeing the midfield battle, but I think the most interesting battle will be between Dessie Finnegan and Pepe Smith, if Dessie can keep him quite the Dreads will find it hard to get too many scores, on the other hand if Dessie cant get the better of Pepe the Dreads could cause an upset.

Adrian Reid, Mattock Rangers

There won't be a kick of the ball between the two teams but I think the Pats might have the experience in the final to edge out the Dreadnots. 

They seem to have the "hoodoo" over the Dreadnots in recent matches. Anything's possible with Paddy Clarke in charge though...

Who will be the star of the show?

I don't know! I think the duel of the game will be Danny O'Connor and Pop Rath though.

Craig McKenna, Dundalk Young Irelands

'In my opinion I can't see past the Pats, their experience in these big games is vital and ease's alot of pressure other teams would feel, Plus having All-Star Paddy Keenan, also helps. 

In saying that, As a goalie I know all too well how Pepe Smith can finish his chances, making me look silly a few times! I think it will be a good game with some quality football being played, hopefully the weather plays its part in that too, but if I was gonna have a bet? I'd be putting it on The Pats.'


Alan Kirk, Ardee St Mary's 

'I think the Pats will be too strong for the Dreadnots, as their experience will tell hugely.  Hope I'm wrong, as it would be great for Louth football if the Dreadnots won but, I just can't see it happening!'

'Also I think if Karl white plays well the pats play well. He's the link man on the forty for the Pats and makes them tick. Lets hope it's a close game.'

Derek Crilly, The Gaels

'Think the Pats might just shade it, Dreadnots are very talented side and will be a force over the next few years, but the Pats greater experience and physicality should just get them over the line on Sunday.'

'Expecting Paddy Keenan or Ray Finnegan to stand out for the Pats, while Pepe Smith and James Califf will be main men for Drednots. Cian McEvoy or Peter Kirwan could make a name for themselves on Sunday, both brilliant players.'

Ruairi Moore, O'Raghallaigh's 

'I reckon Pats will have too much for Clogher although it will be a lot closer that the group game earlier on in the championship. Clogher have some of their big players back from their travels and they will make a huge difference, Shev,Peach etc.'

'I just think Pats, with the experience of last year and previous wins, aswel as their players and a very effective system, will run out 1 or 2 point winners. I'd be expecting the usual suspects to perform, Paddy Keenan, Ray Finnegan and two O'Connors for Pats, Shev, Pepe Pop and Dermot Cambpell for Clogher. Looking forward to match ups of 2 O'Connors with Pop and Dermot.'

Pats to win, but sneaky 20 quid on Clogher!



Jamie Farrell, Cooley Kickhams

'I hope the Dreadnots but I'd say the pats will win and Ray Finnegan will be star of the show.'



James Murray, Newtown Blues

'I think Clogherhead are a very good team in their own right but the pats are seasoned campaigners and know what it takes to win.pats by 4 points but a lot tighter than people expect.'

'For pats they have arguably two fantastic players in ray Finnegan and paddy Keenan who rarely if ever seem to play a bad game, clogher have a strong middle of Califf and Shevlin and pop Rath who has been excellent all year.'

'Hopefully Johnson isn't too whistle happy and let's the game flow,pitch will be in good order and should be great atmosphere...'

Sean Hand, Kilkerley Emmett's
 

'Of course it's hard to look past the pats, as they have the experience of been in this situation over the last number of years. They also have an added bonus of having All-star Paddy Keenan pulling the strings in the middle along with Ray Finnegan backing him up. but, from my experience in football sometimes its the smaller dog that has the bigger fight and I certainly wouldn't rule out the underdog the Dreadnots, in this game.'

'For the pats I reckon Ray and Paddy will be flying the flag but the Dreadnots are a great up and coming team with the likes of Pops, Shevlin, Califf and Smith in the side. Personally I thought they would have been at this stage last season. So this has the makings of an interesting game.'

'Just hope the ref doesn't ruin the game being whistle happy!!'


Fiachra Sheridan, Glyde Rangers

 'I think it's hard to look past St. Pats for Sunday, but I feel the
Dreadnots have a decent chance and they have nothing to lose also they
are mostly a young team this may work to their advantage as they
could have a greater hunger for their first championship, whereas pats
have numerous titles already. I steel feel the pats should have enough
in their locker to win the game.'

'The star of the show will probably be either Paddy Keenan or Ray
Finnegan, they are 2 extremely influential players for the pats with
years of experience and I would expect both of theses players to stand
out on Sunday.'

'I'm looking forward to seeing the midfield battle on Sunday with
Keenan and Shevlin, both inter-county players going head to head.'
 


 
Most telling of all 

Nicky McDonnell, Naomh Martin


'Looking forward to a entertaining game on Sunday with two contrasting styles of play with the defence minded pats against the more attacking Clogher side. Having played  both teams in the group stages , they are formidable outfits & obviously very well drilled. The Pats have that bit  more experience , they have some serious leaders in their line up  that they could nearly manage themselves a distinct advantage over the Clogher men in my opinion but Clogher have the  more experienced coach in Paddy Clarke which should stand to their young side! '

'From  playing the Pats in the  league semi a  couple of weeks ago, its given  me a lot more hope for Clogher than I might have had previous to that game.  A deciding factor of Sunday’s match up will be the way Clogher set up , hopefully they will get at the Pats from the word go, long direct ball is the only way to beat their stubborn defensive set up. If Clogher sit back , play a defensive game to curtail Paddy Keenan’s influence, they’ll Lose. end of story, so it’s vital they have confidence in their own ability & as I said before , quick ball to the inside forward line could see the bonfires burning brightly in Clogherhead Sunday night !'

Key match ups -
Keenan & Mallon V Shevlin & Califf

MOM –
Peter Kirwan

My prediction is a  Clogher win   1-09  0-11
 




So there you have it .....Majority of the lads have selected the Pats to prevail but all bar one are aware of the threat the Dreadnots pose....should be a great final!



MOre to come tomorrow

Form book

I know, I know!!

Form goes out the window come final day but lets look back anyway




Pats Path to the Final

Group Stages: 2 win's 
3-19 Dreadnots 2-3
13 Naomh Martin 6

Quarter Final: Return of the King
2-13 Mattock Rangers 12

Semi Final: Goals win Games!
2-7 Cooley Kickhams 6

Misconception's: things learned that we didn't know before.......

That the pats are not just a stubborn and overly defensive team they've hit 7.52 in 4 games...even without Paddy Keenan for half of their games!

Best Performance: The demolition of the Clogher in the opening game.

Worst Performance: Making hard work of Cooley in the Semi final.

Form Guide:WWWW

Clogher's Climb

Group Stages: Dark dark horses
2-3 to St Patricks 3-19
2-14 to Naomh Martin 2-9

Quarter Final: Epic Battles
15 to Ardee St Mary's 1-12

1-14 to Ardee St Mary's (Replay) 12

Semi Final: Time to believe?

11 to Newtown Blues 10

Misconception's things learned that we didn't know before.......

They actually grind out the win's in all the pressure games they've got over the line maybe that harder will stand to them come Sunday. 

Best Performance:Beating the Blues in the Semi, massive for their Belief down the line.

     Worst Performance: The opening day rout against the team they face sunday, revenge maybe?

Form Guide: LWDWW

Form analysis

Clearly Pats are the form team, blowing everyone away in their path but The Dreadnots tougher journey having overcome adversity on numerous occassions will stand to them and could in fact prepare them better for Sunday's Final than their opening day opponents.






Thanks for reading more build up tomorrow!!!

Louth SFC Finalist Top Scorers

After yesterday's Picture Special, 
I'll ramp up the hype for Sunday further by listing the scorers for each team.
Boring I know, but it really highlights who has performed for each team en route to the final. 


Dreadnots

Especially in the Dreadnots case, as their reliance on their so called 3 main men is clearly evident as they top the Clogher men's scoring charts. 

So, as well as having majority of the team's workload, they also have the further responsibility of having their scoring boots on for them to succeed.

James Califf                 0-19

Pepe Smith                  1-13

Liam Shevlin               1-5

Pat Lynch                    2-1

Peter Kirwan               0-6

Cian McEvoy               0-5

Anthony Lynch            1-2

Cathal Lynch               0-3

Conor Campbell          0-1

Conor Murphy             0-1

Luke Judge                  0-1

                           5 Games =5-57

St Patricks 

Where as the Pats sneakily rely on Eamonn Carrolls accuracy more than you would think....and the importance of the twin tower attack of the O'Connor's (not related so I've been told) up front on the otherhand is quite obvious.

They make up 2 of the Pats top 3 scorers, largely due to the fact they accounted for 4 of the the Lorships mens 7 goals along the way to the final.

keeping them and the goals quiet on Sunday will go along way.

Eoin O’Connor           2-7
Eamon Carroll           0-12
Danny O’Connor        2-5
Paddy Keenan            0-10
Ray Finnegan             2-2
Aidan McCann           1-4
Karl White                  0-6
Owen Zamboglou       0-1
Paudie Mallon            0-1
Darren O’Hanlon       0-1

                        4 games =7-52

Hope not just the stat geeks enjoyed the lists.
Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more on L&P during the rest of Championship final week.

Joe Ward Rainbow

Will JOe Ward be at the bottom of Clogher's Rainbow

  

James 'Preach' Califf hitting a free Kick in the Quarter final versus the Mary's