rOOkie RepOrt

In case you didn't notice,

but Louth's preparations for 2013 got under way in the Fitzsimons cup in Kells on Saturday.

They went down 4-12 to 1-15 to an Offaly side with majority of their best players on show. One of them being Star forward Niall McNamee who scored 2-6 of their total.

not very interesting really.....

What might interest you, in what was Aidan O'Rourke's first game in charge was the level of experimentation.

Louth's side featured 9 new players in total.

Although I wasn't at the game, Allow me to introduce them to you and their possible chances of featuring in 2013.
 

Louth starting XV:

1. Kevin Brennan
Sean O'Mahony's: This young goalie has been consistent for SOM over the past few seasons. Has the Good Kick out and presence required. Also, Looks like a goalkeeper and carries himself like one too.
 
2. Gary Connolly
St Mochta's: Teak tough, corner back, and like all corner backs should be, he's ultra competitive and doesn't give an inch.
In the Gerry Hoey mould, except nastier.
 
3. Bernard Mulligan
St Joesph's: Young man from the Joe's has all the physical attributes and could be a long term full back project as he plays there for DKIT also. Marking McNamee might have been too soon in his development.
 
4. Jamie Faulkner
Dundalk Gaels: Faulkner is one of the strongest players in the county, his conditioning is at a inter county level. Games like these are all about bringing players like Jamie on and their speed of thought.
 
5. JJ Quigley
Clan na Gael: JJ has been flirting about the squad since the Val Andrews days was back in 2004! Honest player with tremendous speed and stamina.
 
6. David O'Brien
Dreadnots: 'Butch' has he is better known, Has superb athleticism and come on greatly as a player under Paddy Clarke in Clogher. He could feature, but more suited to the full back line.
 
7. Conor Rafferty
8. Ronan Carroll (0-1)
9. Brian White
10. Andy McDonnell (0-1)
11. Jim McEneaney (0-4)

12. Paddy Sheelan (0-2)
Cooley Kickham: Consistently one of the peninsula men's best players every season. Cultured left foot and a free taking option. Has the talent and skills to offer management something different at half forward.

13. Rory Moore (0-2)

14. Kevin Rogers (1-2)
Naomh Malach: Another sweet left footer and usually his clubs main man. His accuracy makes up for his lack of pace. Deserves his chance as he possesses the scoring potential and Size. 

15. Ciaran Byrne (0-3)
St Mochta's: Underage starlet, The more experience at senior level he gains,the better for his, and our future.

Players in bold featured in 2012 at some stage and as far as I know there was no Subs used.


WOW, Largest Rookie Report yet, Sign of new management. 

This Sunday again in the Shield final against Cavan at 12 should provide even more new faces.