The Referee
Clarifying from the start, that I’m not blaming a referee for a win, loss or draw,
it's a lazy excuse, and switches our focus away from ourselves and management for reason and cause of the teams outcome good or bad!!
On the record, he was bad for both sides.
Midfield
From the initial Eye test you could see Physically, Derry were more imposing. PJ McCloskey and Patsy Bradley are robost in their general play anyway without even trying to be overly physical.
but, it was not a
simple 2 on 2 problem...or a missing PK problem
We couldn't get
on the breaking ball.
As we had to kick the ball out in the first half against the wind they broke the ball back into our half over and over again winning breaks and if they didn't win it they got a free, it just put us under pressure over and over again.
Even if Paddy was there I don't think he could have stemmed the tide but obviously, his general synergy about the field and leadership was missed.
I missed the Armagh game and one change I noticed from the Wexford game is, Gally was trying to work the kickouts abit better, it resulted in Ronan Carroll breaking to the wing collecting first hand possession. So, that is an improvement going forward but why did we stop doing it?
The Sending off
Although I didn't see the alleged incident, I seen the start of the tangle, no need for it and Mark knows better. Hopefully he'll come back stronger.
I actually followed the play on further where, Ciaran Byrne kicked a beauty in the right corner, shame majority of the crowd didn't get to see it.
Mental lapse, Again
In this division we will look back and say our downfall was our mental frailty.
Silly free's that give the opposition easy scores are never going to go away but as a unit and bunch, our mental toughness has cost us points.
Either we go ahead and do not possess the capacity to keep the foot on the throttle and finish the opposition off.....(Westmeath Laois)
We leave ourselves too much to do too frequently
(Wexford, Derry and Armagh but we got the win)
We got the perfect start yesterday and then switched off and let Derry go up the field and get a penalty.
Another aspect of our lack of this lack of mental toughness is as soon as we seem to get to the summit we just stop, that might have a lot to do with leaving ourselves with too much to do......like yesterday, we scored 7 points in a row to level the game then we just couldn't mentally get that bit more to win. The same with the Wexford game.
Sure, we showed great character for getting back into the game and the Wexford game.
but we shouldn't be getting praise for letting teams get so far ahead in the first place.
Survival
It all comes down to the 7th of April against Longford at home.
Which, we would have snapped your hand off if we were offered it before the league began.
It will test our mental toughness yet again....
we will be favourites to stay up,
we might go ahead,
we might leave ourselves with alot to do...
Maybe the past mistakes were there to test us and prepare us for this game and hopefully championship.
Two weeks time will tell whether we have learned from them or not because, we're going down if we haven't.
Monday 25 March 2013
Wednesday 20 March 2013
ChampionSHIP Draws Tonight!!!!
Its the moment all the Club footballers and Hurlers have been waiting for...........
Tonight in Lordship, the Clubroom of current Senior Champions St Patrick's the 2013 Championship draws will take place.
Excitement
Each Championship has plenty of narratives to whet the appetite....Pats looking to do 3 in a row......the Nixon contingent could be help the Sean O'Mahony's need.....will the division 1 Plunketts botch their junior attempt again....and will Knockbridge come back even stronger in the Hurling.
Add in shocks, do or die battles, neutral venues, Group of deaths, Relegation play off's on top of that and it makes the championship even more exciting!!
Roll on the Summer of '13 and lets hope tonight's draw are kind to your team!!!!
Current Champions
Senior: St Patricks
Intermediate: O'Connells
Junior: Glen Emmetts
Hurling: Pearse Og
Tonight in Lordship, the Clubroom of current Senior Champions St Patrick's the 2013 Championship draws will take place.
Excitement
Each Championship has plenty of narratives to whet the appetite....Pats looking to do 3 in a row......the Nixon contingent could be help the Sean O'Mahony's need.....will the division 1 Plunketts botch their junior attempt again....and will Knockbridge come back even stronger in the Hurling.
Add in shocks, do or die battles, neutral venues, Group of deaths, Relegation play off's on top of that and it makes the championship even more exciting!!
Roll on the Summer of '13 and lets hope tonight's draw are kind to your team!!!!
Current Champions
Senior: St Patricks
Intermediate: O'Connells
Junior: Glen Emmetts
Hurling: Pearse Og
Monday 18 March 2013
Mystic Louth Proud Scenario's
As I am out of the country doesn't mean I can't comment or make a comment into the future mystic meg style!!
If Louth Won go to 3
If Armagh won go to 2
If it was a Draw go to 1
1. We now have 4 points........we'll take another away point.
Unlike previous weeks, it was us who came back from behind and to get the draw!
If we Drew, here's Main reason why: How good was the Mark Brennan and Darren Clarke build up play!?! really made an impact when introduced.
2. Going to Armagh was too much of an ask for us.
Maybe our 4th game in so many weeks caught up with us....we looked fatigued but more worryingly, out of idea's.
Relegation is staring us directly in the face....we need to beat Derry next at home to keep the thing in our own hands coming into the final game against Longford.
If we Lost, here's Main reason why: Discipline again, Andy and Ciaran McKeever clashing and getting sent off lost our momentum completely!!
3. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great result to get in Armagh we showed spirit and heart. We now leapfrog Armagh on the table with 5 points!
Great work rate and intensity from the team on the pitch and intelligence by the management team off it.
If we Won, here's Main reason why: Our inside intelligence really honed in on their weaknesses and we exposed them greatly.
1. Brian Donnelly's cousin James, the Armagh full back couldn't handle Derek Maguire's pace all night!
2. They knew how to stop the Dromintee men in the Armagh team, Kevin Dyas on the wing and We picked off Philip McEvoy's kickouts all night long!
If Louth Won go to 3
If Armagh won go to 2
If it was a Draw go to 1
1. We now have 4 points........we'll take another away point.
Unlike previous weeks, it was us who came back from behind and to get the draw!
If we Drew, here's Main reason why: How good was the Mark Brennan and Darren Clarke build up play!?! really made an impact when introduced.
2. Going to Armagh was too much of an ask for us.
Maybe our 4th game in so many weeks caught up with us....we looked fatigued but more worryingly, out of idea's.
Relegation is staring us directly in the face....we need to beat Derry next at home to keep the thing in our own hands coming into the final game against Longford.
If we Lost, here's Main reason why: Discipline again, Andy and Ciaran McKeever clashing and getting sent off lost our momentum completely!!
3. YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Great result to get in Armagh we showed spirit and heart. We now leapfrog Armagh on the table with 5 points!
Great work rate and intensity from the team on the pitch and intelligence by the management team off it.
If we Won, here's Main reason why: Our inside intelligence really honed in on their weaknesses and we exposed them greatly.
1. Brian Donnelly's cousin James, the Armagh full back couldn't handle Derek Maguire's pace all night!
2. They knew how to stop the Dromintee men in the Armagh team, Kevin Dyas on the wing and We picked off Philip McEvoy's kickouts all night long!
Saturday 16 March 2013
Happy St Patrick Keenan Day
Ahead of tomorrow and the day that's in it, and as Louth Fans, I think we should celebrate one of our best footballer's ever... by adding Keenan anytime you see. hear. St Patricks day!!!!
St Patrick Keenan
From
St Patrick’s Lordship
for Club, County, Province and Country.
Legend.
St Patrick Keenan
From
St Patrick’s Lordship
for Club, County, Province and Country.
Legend.
Friday 15 March 2013
Welcome to Louth Proud
So you've found your way to Louthandproud.blogspot.com !
Introduction
The twitter account you have just followed is a link to blog.
I am Passion louth fan firstly and started the blog in January 2012 and is just over a year old!
The blog itself is fun and banter with a healthy off the wall insight to the goings on within Louth GAA.
with plenty of interaction and promotion of the Louth GAA inbetween!
Why not have a scroll and look through my past years work for yourself! ->
Contact
As you have just followed https://twitter.com/LouthProud
I also have a facebook page
click the link below and then like my page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Louthandproud/452304634819234
Plenty of prizes and competitions on offer also
and finally
E-mail me on LouthandProud@gmail.com with any queries whatsoever.
Advertisement
The Blog is also a great way to advertise your company locally and to the county as a whole......I offer competitive pricing also.
I have a large and growing readership.
And like AOR I also have great plans going forward.
if you would like to get your company seen by the whole of Louth contact me here
on LouthandProud@gmail.com
Thursday 14 March 2013
Important message
I won't be in the country for the next week or here for the big game Saturday unfortunately
but, it doesn't mean the blog won't be still functioning!!
I have loads of scheduled posts loaded and ready to go!!!!
So stay Tuned!!
#LouthandProud
but, it doesn't mean the blog won't be still functioning!!
I have loads of scheduled posts loaded and ready to go!!!!
So stay Tuned!!
#LouthandProud
Tuesday 12 March 2013
Cheltenham Fever?????
Lately the team might not be a stayer.....AOR might bring out the blinkers versus Armagh Saturday night!!!
We know Shane Lennon loves the soft ground, but Individually though, I think these selections are odds on.
Sprinter
Derek Maguire - Over short distance, his Speed Kills.
Top class Hurdler
Andy McDonnell - Lungs of Steel, easily Louth's fittest player.
Steeplechaser
Paddy keenan - Mr endurance, can run and jump with the best of them too.
Colt
Ciaran Byrne - Young Mochta's man is Louth number 1 Rookie.
Disagree any more?? let me know?? https://twitter.com/LouthProud
If you have Cheltenham fever why not
Help out and Support the Lads this year by sponsoring or by just being there
We know Shane Lennon loves the soft ground, but Individually though, I think these selections are odds on.
Sprinter
Derek Maguire - Over short distance, his Speed Kills.
Top class Hurdler
Andy McDonnell - Lungs of Steel, easily Louth's fittest player.
Steeplechaser
Paddy keenan - Mr endurance, can run and jump with the best of them too.
Colt
Ciaran Byrne - Young Mochta's man is Louth number 1 Rookie.
Disagree any more?? let me know?? https://twitter.com/LouthProud
If you have Cheltenham fever why not
Help out and Support the Lads this year by sponsoring or by just being there
Contact your local Louth Panelist or Gerry Reynolds at 086 2607440 for more information
Monday 11 March 2013
A game of Two halves
Yesterday we lost but, not everything is lost either.
1/2
The wind was a massive factor.
In fact it ended up being a conditioned game a such, but, they were able to play them better.
They figured out the problem quicker than us and it told.
Why?
because they are better all round footballers than us.
As much as we like to think we are better than Wexford and their traditional hurling county ways, we're not.
In the past number of seasons they have reached leinster finals/semi finals consistantly to our misery one in 60 years! and throw in a All-ireland semi final also.
2/2
It was similar to a good golfer playing horribly on a links course.....It doesn't make him a bad golfer overnight nor does yesterday make us a bad team overnight too.
We made mistakes, missed free's, took the ball into the tackle on numerous occasions and were punished by soft goals and ultimately a loss.
We'll learn from it, improve and move on...no matter how long it takes.
On the bright side, Armagh in fact might be the opposite to the Wexford living off their reputation but when you look through their team, there is nothing to fear.
1/2
The wind was a massive factor.
In fact it ended up being a conditioned game a such, but, they were able to play them better.
They figured out the problem quicker than us and it told.
Why?
because they are better all round footballers than us.
As much as we like to think we are better than Wexford and their traditional hurling county ways, we're not.
In the past number of seasons they have reached leinster finals/semi finals consistantly to our misery one in 60 years! and throw in a All-ireland semi final also.
2/2
It was similar to a good golfer playing horribly on a links course.....It doesn't make him a bad golfer overnight nor does yesterday make us a bad team overnight too.
We made mistakes, missed free's, took the ball into the tackle on numerous occasions and were punished by soft goals and ultimately a loss.
We'll learn from it, improve and move on...no matter how long it takes.
On the bright side, Armagh in fact might be the opposite to the Wexford living off their reputation but when you look through their team, there is nothing to fear.
Friday 8 March 2013
tale of 2 corners
The story of two corners has Louth fans talking a plenty about
Pepe starts again
Pepe Smith has been coming in for alot of flak in his past two starts, lets get one thing straight, Pepe is a quality forward and all rounder footballer.
Sure, he hasn't been getting on the scoreboard but his higher workrate over Darren Clarke may be the reason for his inclusion.
So instead of berating him, take a moment to see how hard he works for the team and that might indicate the reason for his inclusion.
and
Gary O'Hare finally gets a chance to start
The well talked about sigerson cup winner O'Hare finally gets his shot and it won't be easy as he will be picking up either PJ Banville or Shane Roche. (I reckon Banville)
It will go down as the most hotly anticipated corner back debut there has ever been!
Home game in Drogheda as well, means it will be the first time alot of louth fans get to pass judgement on the Na Piarsaigh man.
I, for one, is looking forward to see how he copes.
Pepe starts again
Pepe Smith has been coming in for alot of flak in his past two starts, lets get one thing straight, Pepe is a quality forward and all rounder footballer.
Sure, he hasn't been getting on the scoreboard but his higher workrate over Darren Clarke may be the reason for his inclusion.
So instead of berating him, take a moment to see how hard he works for the team and that might indicate the reason for his inclusion.
and
Gary O'Hare finally gets a chance to start
The well talked about sigerson cup winner O'Hare finally gets his shot and it won't be easy as he will be picking up either PJ Banville or Shane Roche. (I reckon Banville)
It will go down as the most hotly anticipated corner back debut there has ever been!
Home game in Drogheda as well, means it will be the first time alot of louth fans get to pass judgement on the Na Piarsaigh man.
I, for one, is looking forward to see how he copes.
Stephen O'Connor & Co
Stephen O'Connor & Co needs no introduction to Louth GAA fans.
They
are already our Cardinal O'Donnell Division 1 League Sponsors.
Established in 2004, O'Connor Architectural Design (OCAD) is a national company of professional claim consultants that acts exclusively on behalf of domestic and commercial policyholders.
They offer a complete claim management service for your insurance claim providing valuable support, professional help and advice to you at the time of crisis.
Acting on your behalf, OCAD provides straightforward, honest guidance through the small print of your policy conditions to ensure your claim is settled fairly and as quickly & efficiently as possible.
Yep, you read that right a Pats, Mattock and even a Cooley Kickhams man working in harmony together!
Just shows the beauty of the GAA!
Thursday 7 March 2013
Louth team to Play Wexford
Louth Team
Neil Gallagher
Gary O'Hare, Dessie Finnegan, Gerard Hoey,
John O'Brien, Derek Crilly, Adrian Reid,
Paddy Keenan, Brian Donnelly,
Andy McDonnell, Ronan Carroll, Brian White
Kevin Rogers, Derek Maguire, Pepe Smith
under the Yellow Belly is a hard core
So here we are....
Fourth game into the League......
and looking at the yellow bellies in Drogheda....
The first game of the year we are going into as favourites.
Lets get one thing straight, this will not be easy, it is by no means a gimme.
So as fans just like the players we cannot get complacent, they possess a number of players that could hurt us.
Especially up front.
Ben Brosnan operates things from the forty, while Redmond Barry at full forward, is possibly the most intelligent footballer there is.
Add in PJ Banville to that mix along with the powerful Shane Roche in either corner and our defenders are in for a testing afternoon.
They showed their scoring potential by going ahead by as much as 11 points against Armagh in Armagh before letting it slip and they created goals they needed to come back and win against Longford.
What makes it even more impressive is that, they are doing this without Ciaran Lyng possibly their best forward of all!
At the back
Bumping up my Wexford case for concern even further,
They had 4 starting Leinster players to our 1!
and 3 of those, were in defence.
Add in further that we might not have Shane Lennon (who limped off against Laois) raises the difficulty level even more.
Finally, they will also be boosted by their Under 21's who beat Westmeath to go into the Leinster semi finals this week also, Lee Chin was apart of that team and is a senior regular at half back.
So, In this ultra competitive division,
Mark my words, they are no walkovers....
And I dare you to take these yellow bellies for granted!!!
Also, Check Out
http://www.yellowbelly.ie/
Pretty cool GAA illustrations there
Fourth game into the League......
and looking at the yellow bellies in Drogheda....
The first game of the year we are going into as favourites.
Lets get one thing straight, this will not be easy, it is by no means a gimme.
So as fans just like the players we cannot get complacent, they possess a number of players that could hurt us.
Especially up front.
Ben Brosnan operates things from the forty, while Redmond Barry at full forward, is possibly the most intelligent footballer there is.
Add in PJ Banville to that mix along with the powerful Shane Roche in either corner and our defenders are in for a testing afternoon.
They showed their scoring potential by going ahead by as much as 11 points against Armagh in Armagh before letting it slip and they created goals they needed to come back and win against Longford.
What makes it even more impressive is that, they are doing this without Ciaran Lyng possibly their best forward of all!
At the back
Bumping up my Wexford case for concern even further,
They had 4 starting Leinster players to our 1!
and 3 of those, were in defence.
Add in further that we might not have Shane Lennon (who limped off against Laois) raises the difficulty level even more.
Finally, they will also be boosted by their Under 21's who beat Westmeath to go into the Leinster semi finals this week also, Lee Chin was apart of that team and is a senior regular at half back.
So, In this ultra competitive division,
Mark my words, they are no walkovers....
And I dare you to take these yellow bellies for granted!!!
Also, Check Out
http://www.yellowbelly.ie/
Pretty cool GAA illustrations there
Tuesday 5 March 2013
Here's the Pic I was on about
Kevin Rogers, Stood up on Sunday in only his 3rd Start.
Proving that people need to be more patient with our players.
You can see the satisfaction and relief all over his face, the moment after he scored his goal on Saturday night.
Monday 4 March 2013
Laois Recap
well.....
wow....
It has taken me two full days to get over and digest saturday nights game, god only knows how the players are feeling.....
it was intense, it was all action, it was punishing.
Sure, we tired.
Sure, gave up a lead (again)
Sure, the manager and players are pissed about it (rather them be pissed now than May)
We have the exact same amount of points as we had at this stage last year.
But and its a big but
The performance was outstanding....
Effort levels by each and every player was right up there and it had to be, because Laois as expected, were physical and very powerful.
In truth, that couple of years extra strength and conditioning they had on us, eventually told.
We faded in the later end of each half, as they ran at us directly over and over again.
Come championship time, we will take all they can throw at us with out fading.
wow....
It has taken me two full days to get over and digest saturday nights game, god only knows how the players are feeling.....
it was intense, it was all action, it was punishing.
Sure, we tired.
Sure, gave up a lead (again)
Sure, the manager and players are pissed about it (rather them be pissed now than May)
We have the exact same amount of points as we had at this stage last year.
But and its a big but
The performance was outstanding....
Effort levels by each and every player was right up there and it had to be, because Laois as expected, were physical and very powerful.
In truth, that couple of years extra strength and conditioning they had on us, eventually told.
We faded in the later end of each half, as they ran at us directly over and over again.
Come championship time, we will take all they can throw at us with out fading.
Saturday 2 March 2013
Louth and Laois Preview: Acid test
Shadow boxing is all about preparation without the consequences.
So today, tactics may well be hidden till championship and players positions may change before then also.
Come championship, Both sides might add one or two players or injuries may force some players out.....but, I don't think either of the line ups will be too far off what starts come championship.
Not drastically anyway.....
Sure, Cahir Healy, will start for Laois come championship and Donie Kingston aswell. While Mark Brennan and Darren Clarke will more than likely end up starting for Louth in May.
So we will still get a chance to see who and how we cope with a number of acid test's ahead of the championship with league points as a small consequence.
Acid test number 1. how we cope with their strength
They are in year three of Conditioning, we are in year 1. That, we know. but physically how far off we are will only be seen tonight.
How we counteract that will also become more apparent after the game, we could be forced to play our pacier, smaller players to up our skill levels come championship.
Acid test number 2. How they Defend
They get the men behind the ball, they like to crowd you out. They are ultra physical in doing so.
We get to see first hand, how our forwards match up.
They will get to see just how patient they will have to be in attack and getting a shot away and delivering the ball into the forwards under serve pressure.
Maybe expose some match-ups for the next day
Acid test number 3. Their forward play
As mentioned before are they are physically imposing set of forwards but lack, natural flair.
Colm Coss, Colm Begley and Clancy at full forward are mainly midfielders
Gary Walsh and Billy Sheehan are half forwards named in the corner.
Their main scoring threat is Ross Munnelly, John O'Brien gets a great opportunity to see what he is up against come the summer time.
Learning Munnelly's quirks up close and personal look at his left foot will be invaluable. (don't be surprised if a number of our defenders pick him up throughout)
The way they play is the most interesting, they have persisted with Clancy inside all last season and this year. Dessie will relish the challenge.
They are direct and can launch majority of attacks from their powerful half back line too. Darren Strong is usually good for a score also.
Newcomers to our Half back line, Adrian Reid and Derek Crilly will face their toughest test so far this season too, how they cope could see the experiement continued or a possibly timely rethink also.
So there is lots to keep an eye on, the performance is key, the points on offer, although important they are not the be all and end all tonight.
Tonight the greatest winner will be the team who learns the most about the opposition.
and that, I feel will be us.
So today, tactics may well be hidden till championship and players positions may change before then also.
Come championship, Both sides might add one or two players or injuries may force some players out.....but, I don't think either of the line ups will be too far off what starts come championship.
Not drastically anyway.....
Sure, Cahir Healy, will start for Laois come championship and Donie Kingston aswell. While Mark Brennan and Darren Clarke will more than likely end up starting for Louth in May.
So we will still get a chance to see who and how we cope with a number of acid test's ahead of the championship with league points as a small consequence.
Acid test number 1. how we cope with their strength
They are in year three of Conditioning, we are in year 1. That, we know. but physically how far off we are will only be seen tonight.
How we counteract that will also become more apparent after the game, we could be forced to play our pacier, smaller players to up our skill levels come championship.
Acid test number 2. How they Defend
They get the men behind the ball, they like to crowd you out. They are ultra physical in doing so.
We get to see first hand, how our forwards match up.
They will get to see just how patient they will have to be in attack and getting a shot away and delivering the ball into the forwards under serve pressure.
Maybe expose some match-ups for the next day
Acid test number 3. Their forward play
As mentioned before are they are physically imposing set of forwards but lack, natural flair.
Colm Coss, Colm Begley and Clancy at full forward are mainly midfielders
Gary Walsh and Billy Sheehan are half forwards named in the corner.
Their main scoring threat is Ross Munnelly, John O'Brien gets a great opportunity to see what he is up against come the summer time.
Learning Munnelly's quirks up close and personal look at his left foot will be invaluable. (don't be surprised if a number of our defenders pick him up throughout)
The way they play is the most interesting, they have persisted with Clancy inside all last season and this year. Dessie will relish the challenge.
They are direct and can launch majority of attacks from their powerful half back line too. Darren Strong is usually good for a score also.
Newcomers to our Half back line, Adrian Reid and Derek Crilly will face their toughest test so far this season too, how they cope could see the experiement continued or a possibly timely rethink also.
So there is lots to keep an eye on, the performance is key, the points on offer, although important they are not the be all and end all tonight.
Tonight the greatest winner will be the team who learns the most about the opposition.
and that, I feel will be us.
Still time to check out the Maldron before and After tonihgt's game
Louth and Laois play in Portlaoise 7pm Saturday night as you all know!
but, what you don't know is......
That, The Maldron hotel Portlaoise is the best place to Stay or eat before the Match.
-Just off the M7
-3 minute walk to O Moore Park
-Stir Restaurant @ Maldron Hotel Portlaoise Food Served all day
Special for the Match Early Bird menu 5-7 pm
-Free Car parking
-Special accommodation rates for Louth Supporters
Mention 'Louth and Proud' when booking, to avail of €5 off their accommodation rates on Saturday 2nd March plus Late checkout and 10 % discount on their Sunday Carvery
Visit www.maldronhotelportlaoise.com or call (057) 8695900 for more information
Also on FaceBook, I am running a Competition
Just LIKE the LouthandProud Facebook page and SHARE the post for a chance to WIN Dinner for 2 in their Stir Restaurant!
Friday 1 March 2013
shadow Boxing Part 2......
So the first part of the shadowing Boxing has begun
the 2 old Armagh teammates have named their respective sides to do battle tomorrow night
but,
How much of a battle will really take place?
Last meeting
We haven't played them competively since championship 2009 Eamon McEnaney's last Leinster championship match in charge.
Both sets of players remain largely the same.....(weirdly, Our panel is closer now in personnel to McEnaney's squad than fitzer's)
as well as that, it has been a long time since we beat them too. 2000 in a league semi? 13 years!! (we drew with them and lost to them in 2007)
So Both sides haven't played each other in quite a while and we haven't beaten them in quite a while also
So aswell as management, the players will be taking notes also.
Scouting
It is, in effect, the ultimate scouting mission.
A test to see where we are at, against a team who's level we need to be at come championship time
A perfect rehearsal before we clash in May
I know it is the same for them but we are not the favourites, we are in our early learning stage, they are in year 3 of their system and the way they want to play. Majority of their players have also established their roles in the side.
So we will definitely have a lot more to learn.
It is actually a great position to be in, we can go as hard as we like at them and if it fails or something doesn't quite work out tomorrow we have enough time to prepare and work on our tactics come the sunny championship day in May.
the 2 old Armagh teammates have named their respective sides to do battle tomorrow night
but,
How much of a battle will really take place?
Last meeting
We haven't played them competively since championship 2009 Eamon McEnaney's last Leinster championship match in charge.
Both sets of players remain largely the same.....(weirdly, Our panel is closer now in personnel to McEnaney's squad than fitzer's)
as well as that, it has been a long time since we beat them too. 2000 in a league semi? 13 years!! (we drew with them and lost to them in 2007)
So Both sides haven't played each other in quite a while and we haven't beaten them in quite a while also
So aswell as management, the players will be taking notes also.
Scouting
It is, in effect, the ultimate scouting mission.
A test to see where we are at, against a team who's level we need to be at come championship time
A perfect rehearsal before we clash in May
I know it is the same for them but we are not the favourites, we are in our early learning stage, they are in year 3 of their system and the way they want to play. Majority of their players have also established their roles in the side.
So we will definitely have a lot more to learn.
It is actually a great position to be in, we can go as hard as we like at them and if it fails or something doesn't quite work out tomorrow we have enough time to prepare and work on our tactics come the sunny championship day in May.
Shadow Boxing...Part 1
Here, as predicted well, not predicted a such, but you get what I mean, the Louth team named for tomorrow night's clash.....
Neil Gallagher
Conor McGuinness, Derek Crilly, Adrian Reid,
Paddy Keenan, Mick Fanning,
Andy McDonnell Brian Donnelly, Brian White
Kevin Rogers, Shane Lennon, Pepe Smith
One change and its the most surprising omission of all from last weekend's side bar PK being left out, Mark Brennan makes way for Brian Donnelly.
The actual placement of Donnelly on the forty makes it even more puzzling.
Although he has played on forty this season with DCU, and despite all this flirting, Donnelly is an out and out midfielder. His direct opponent on Saturday will be the very influential Laois captain and man mountain John O'Loughlin at number 6, his mobility alone is enough to cause the Cooley man problems.
Could PK be actually moved there?
It could be a better balance midfield, as he would be able to cope with the mobility of O'Loughlin and Donnelly in the Middle would suit him better, while MIck Fanning will pick up Brendan Quigley and aim to curb his influence on the game.
More to come throughout the day
Okay the Laois team has now been named,
What I said above still applies, as O'Loughlin is still centre half back.
Kevin Meaney moved out to Midfield and Colm Begley is pushed out on to the wing.
Looking through that side...you can see they are further down the line than us. Certainly strength and conditioning wise.
They are massive around the middle and a very physically imposing set of forwards except for Ross Munnelly (sorry Ross).
More to come throughout the day
Louth Team
Neil Gallagher
John O'Brien, Dessie Finnegan, Gerard Hoey,
Conor McGuinness, Derek Crilly, Adrian Reid,
Paddy Keenan, Mick Fanning,
Andy McDonnell Brian Donnelly, Brian White
Kevin Rogers, Shane Lennon, Pepe Smith
One change and its the most surprising omission of all from last weekend's side bar PK being left out, Mark Brennan makes way for Brian Donnelly.
The actual placement of Donnelly on the forty makes it even more puzzling.
Although he has played on forty this season with DCU, and despite all this flirting, Donnelly is an out and out midfielder. His direct opponent on Saturday will be the very influential Laois captain and man mountain John O'Loughlin at number 6, his mobility alone is enough to cause the Cooley man problems.
Could PK be actually moved there?
It could be a better balance midfield, as he would be able to cope with the mobility of O'Loughlin and Donnelly in the Middle would suit him better, while MIck Fanning will pick up Brendan Quigley and aim to curb his influence on the game.
More to come throughout the day
Okay the Laois team has now been named,
Laois TEAM
Eoin Culliton;
Denis Booth, Mark Timmons, Peter O'Leary;
Darren Strong, John O'Loughlin, Conor Boyle;
Brendan Quigley, Kevin Meaney;
Ross Munnelly, Colm Coss, Colm Begley;
Billy Sheehan, Padraig Clancy, Gary Walsh.
Eoin Culliton;
Denis Booth, Mark Timmons, Peter O'Leary;
Darren Strong, John O'Loughlin, Conor Boyle;
Brendan Quigley, Kevin Meaney;
Ross Munnelly, Colm Coss, Colm Begley;
Billy Sheehan, Padraig Clancy, Gary Walsh.
What I said above still applies, as O'Loughlin is still centre half back.
Kevin Meaney moved out to Midfield and Colm Begley is pushed out on to the wing.
Looking through that side...you can see they are further down the line than us. Certainly strength and conditioning wise.
They are massive around the middle and a very physically imposing set of forwards except for Ross Munnelly (sorry Ross).
More to come throughout the day
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