Newsround 21/04/13

Quick Recap from the weekend.

League

Division 1
Wins for Kilkerely and Sean O'Mahony's leave them with a 100% record, 
While Blues and Martins both got their first win of the year 
And 
Draw between Cooley and the Gaels and Mattock and Plunketts gives those three teams their first point of the year.
Senior finalists Clogherhead have yet to get off the mark.
(Wow, that was very Anne Doylish!)

Divison 2
Wins for Glyde again, Mary's again means their A Students.

Fechins and Hunterstown
Both broke their points and win virginity for the year.

Mals have still to get up out of bed


NEWS JUST IN
Gers and Joes were also victorious over the Weekend

Division 3
Togher won........that is all 

ALSO
Roche, Seans, Glen Emmetts, Dowdashill and Stabannon also won
 

1 team 1 club

Here's a little fun for your lunchtime......

Pick a current Louth Team with only one player per club.....Sounds easy!?


Try and attempt it yourself 
and 
don't look at mine before you do!!!









Neil Gallagher Cooley           1

Pop Rath Dreadnots              2
Gary O'Hare Naps                3
john O'Brien SOM                 4

Gerry Hoey Gers                  5
Derek Crilly Gaels                 6
Adrian Reid Mattock              7

Paddy Keenan Pats                8
Mick Fanning Naomh Martin   9

Ciaran Byrne St Mochta's       10
Ronan Carroll Ardee              11
Andy McDonnell Blues            12

Derek Maguire DYI               13
Shane Lennon Kilkerley       14
Kevin Rogers Mals                15






You see!! tough isn't it!

NewsRound

Quick Recap from the weekend.

Minors
 
Our Minors we're beaten 1-9 to 1-7 by Dublin, after Extra time on Saturday in Drogheda.


It is a game they may feel was there for them. Alas they won their first game last year and were out before the team they beat, (Westmeath).

They now have a month off to regroup and go into the back door and face either Wexford or Carlow on the first of May.

This team still has loads to offer.

League

The adult leagues got under way at the weekend also, it is the first round of a hectic three weekends in a row schedule.


Division 1
Wins for Pats, Cooley, Kilkerely, O'Connells, O'Raghailligh's and Sean O'Mahony's


Divison 2
Wins for Glyde, Gers, Joe's, Mary's and DYI
Clans and Brides Drew


Division 3
Wins for Kevins, Dunleer and Glen Emmets
2 Draws between Nicks and Mitchells, and Togher and Roche

SOC INS

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.

www.stephenoconnor.info/

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!

Scouting Report:Dublin Minors

A wee bit of info on the Dublin side and literally in the form of images, it's a new thing on the site hopefully it Might help the lads prepare as it lets them know what to expect physically and mentally before they do battle at 3pm in Drogheda tomorrow

DUBLIN Starting team  (MF v Louth): 

GOALKEEPER A+

1. Lorcan Molloy Captain
 
Only member of last years all Ireland winning side remaining, has also played U21 for Dublin this year.... right footer and can hit free kicks from distance als Cluxton, if needed. Prospect.


FULL BACK LINE B+


2. Jack Mullins
Number 3 in this image
http://www.adrianmeliaphoto.com/ronan-mulligan-kildare-b070

3. Garvan Gallagher
http://www.adrianmeliaphoto.com/garvan-gallagherjames-kellyciaran-davin-b007#photo
As seen in the above image, he looks like a powerful sized athlete and midfielder by trade.  
4. Eoin Murchan
http://www.adrianmeliaphoto.com/mchael-kellyeoin-murchan-b025 

Both Gallagher and Murchan can be seen in this image
http://www.adrianmeliaphoto.com/neil-flynn-eoin-murchangarvan-gallagher

Summary:
Quick ball into Cian Doyle and his trickery and agility could undo the big man at full back. 
Murchan looks to be the lighter and quicker of the two corner backs and will probly pick up Lafferty.
While Mullins (the dynasty continues perhaps) will probly pick up Daniel McKeown who will have more than enough strength for his still eligble for U17 marker.



HALF BACK LINE B-


5. Conor Kavanagh
This Ballymun lad is 16, and a 'real prospect' according to Dublin fans
http://www.cquinnphotography.com/?Action=VF&id=919645010&ppwd=37793dms
number five in the pic
6. Thomas Hanafin
Ballyboden St Enda's won the feile and Hanafin is one of 3 players from that team with that pedigree in this side.
http://www.adrianmeliaphoto.com/thomas-hanaginpaschal-connell-b043#photo
http://www.adrianmeliaphoto.com/paschal-connellthomas-hanafin-b020h

7. Eoghan O’'Donnell
http://www.adrianmeliaphoto.com/eoghan-o-donnellcian-mcconnell-b094
Won an All-ireland minor Hurling title last year. 

Summary:
Alot of unknown talent in this line, a hurler, a sixteen year old and a steady Centre back.
Our established half forward line is the opposite, They are well used to linking up with each other at this stage and should pose them problems. Conor Carthy will have to put the unavoidably nervous sixteen year old under pressure straightaway.
Also Josh Arrowsmith can come in off the bench also. 



MIDFIELD C+

8. Sam Molony
Ballyboden St Enda's again
http://www.adrianmeliaphoto.com/jamie-connolly-kildare-b065#photo  

9.Eoghan McHugh
https://twitter.com/colinfbehan/status/303862079020994560/photo/1
number 8 above

Summary:
Tipped as weak part of the Dublin side, Neither are exceptionally big and both are attack minded.
Absolutely no reason why Campbell and Hanna can't provide a platform for us as a result.



HALF FORWARD LINE C-

10. A Foley
http://www.adrianmeliaphoto.com/sean-dempseyandrew-foley-b026#photo
Another under 17, and a midfielder for his age-group

11. Aaron Byrne

Thats him in the right, in Na Fianna colours.
He has impressed alot for the young dubs at wingback so far this year getting forward and taking a score. Starts with his back to the goal saturday. Also eligible next year.

12. Cillian Sheanon
An unknown identity and keen hurler from the Cuala Club

Summary: Is it just me or are you starting to believe we can do it? Young and inexperienced our halfback is talented enough to get on them and and boss this area and breaking ball.

FULL FORWARD LINE A-

13 Dara Mullen 
From the Kilmacud Crokes stable lucky to get in ahead of talented Conn O'Callaghan...who will possibly feature at some stage.

14. Michael Deegan, 
 
Son of Former Dublin great, and namesake Mick.  He's going to be a threat on the edge of the Square.

http://www.adrianmeliaphoto.com/mark-sherrymichael-deegan-b027#photo

Powerfully built...but his mobility maybe an issue.
15. Colm Basquel  
Ballyboden St Enda's again and very talented player. 
Quick and lethal off both feet. 
He is there greatest scoring threat.


Summary: Their full forward line, like ours, is where majority of the scores are expected to come from.

Also, as like many Dublin minor teams they tend to have a talented inside line starve them of possesion and we may have a chance.


Scout Report

I'll throw in some cliche's that will be crucial for tomorrow and then explain why.

1. Stop Dublin getting a goal and we have a great chance of victory...
and
2. Getting a good start is half the battle...

The reason why I say this, is confidence. 

They strive on it, and we find it harder to come by, especially at this level and especially against the Dubs. 

This Dublin side is more than beatable and Our lads are more than capable of doing it. 

hope this helps

Best of Luck Lads.

Minor Matters: Leinster Championship

Our best footballers of what we can offer from under 18  play Dublin's best on saturday 3pm in Drogheda 




Here's the Starting team plus subs

1. Niall McArdle (Roche Emmets)

2. Ryan Trainor (Gers) 3. Ross Murphy (St Pats) 4. Conor Lenehan (Naomh Finbarra)

5. Sean McConnell (St Fechins) 6. Eoghan Lafferty (St Pats) 7. Dylan Lynch (St Pats)

8. Joe Hanna (St Brides) 9. Wayne Campbell (Naomh Martin)

10. Dara Hamill (Gers) 11. Robbie Curran (Clans) 12. Conor Carthy (Roche Emmets)

13. Daniel McKeown (Kilkerley) 14. Cian Doyle (O'Connells) 15. Darragh Lafferty (St Pats)

Subs
Gavin Douglas (Marys) Dean Maguire (DYI) Stephen Bellew (DYI) Conor Reilly (John Mitchels) Josh Arrowsmith (Gers) Emmet Duffy (Sean McDermotts) Aaron Rogers (Cuchulainn Gaels) Ciaran O’Connor (St Fechins) Derek Williams (Sean O’Mahonys)

Comment
Of the starting team, three players have experience at this level. Cian Doyle, Wayne Campbell and Eoghan Lafferty.

Cian Doyle is the most recognisable player in the side to most Louth fans and the most talented, he leads the line at full forward for the team. 

A large number of the Dundalk colleges side are involved, although not as successful as recent seasons. Hopefully that level of experience will give the side the preparation needed to compete at this level. 

Can someone tell me where is majority of that successful Ardee CS team is?
Surely Niall Carrie, Ryan Burns and Ryan Rooney deserve to be in the squad as useful experience for next season alone!?
Thomas McNamee also has been in the helm a number of seasons now, he is possibly the most experienced minor manager we've ever had. At this stage he should know what to expect and know how to deal with what there is in Leinster. 

To compete and win at any level, we should be at least organised lets hope this is evident come Saturday.

As we all know, the Dubs in recent seasons at this level can be quite daunting but, the exposure will do our lads good in the long term. Also, there is a back door at this level.

So whatever happens Saturday afternoon, all will not be lost. 


#Louthminorfacts

-Robbie Curran is a son of Gerry's the former Louth and Clans stalwart.

-Josh Arrowsmith has the coolest name in the country. 

-Corner forward Darragh Rafferty, is eligible for the next 3 seasons.

-St Pats have the largest contingent, are they favourites for minor success this season?




  

League ScoreBoard

Scores brought to you by Louth this league were...........

(1)   Shane Lennon     3-24  2pens 6f
(2)   Brian White         0-22 13f 345's
(3)   Adrian Reid         2-06
(4)   Kevin Rogers       1-07 4f
(5)   Andy McDonnell  1-03
(6)   Paddy Keenan      0-04    
(-)    Ciaran Byrne       0-04
(-)    Derek Crilly         0-04
(-)    Conor Rafferty     1-01
(10)  Colm Judge          1-00
(-)    Derek Maguire      0-03
(12)  Jim McEneaney     0-02  1f
(-)    Brian Donnelly      0-02    
(14)  Ronan Carroll        0-01
(-)     Darren Clarke        0-01
(-)     David Reid             0-01
(-)     Mark Brennan         0-01
(-)     Pepe Smith            0-01

Total:                 9-87 

From Play:          7-60
Placed scores:     2-27




Change Style of Play 



The leaderboard, aswell as an obvious measuring sthick, also tells alot about the way we play and the difference a year and new management makes for certain players. 
see 2012 right here


And what I like to think is Progress......Progress people, progress!!!


Not 1 defender was in the top 8 last season, This year we have 2!

Adrian Reid has consistently attacked from the back and sits third in the Leaderboard. Furthermore, Derek Crilly has helped himself to 4 points also. 

Management sought from the start of their reign to give the Half back line a more attacking threat. By placing last years wingers there, the positional switch has given us the perfect platform.

They either start off the attack, assist a score or finish themselves. 



We tripled our goal scoring rate a goal in every second game to over a goal a game
from 3 out of 7 to 9. 

These all highlight our improved running game, our greater fitness levels and higher skill level from last year.

We are creating and finishing numerous goal chances everygame. 

Quick hands, Direct crisp footpassing allowed us to do so.



Tale of Last years topper's



This year, like last season, we had 18 separate scorers but, the biggest shock of all is....the scoring form of last years chart toppers, Darren Clarke and Ronan Carroll.
First and 3rd last season both ended up bottom this season.

Shows the frustrating league both has had.

Clarkie has suffered from a combination of things injuries,emergence of new players and managements new style of play.

While Ronan Carroll has been effected by a lack of faith in management (subbed and dropped) and a higher workrate the management team expect from each player this season. 




Depency a good thing or a bad thing?

A whopping 7-60 from play shows exactly how potent our attack was this year.

Yes, There is a heavy reliance on Top scorer Shane Lennon and chief freetaker Brian White who account for 47% of our total scores.

I would argue that if it is by design then who cares. It should actually be applauded rather than scrutinised.

Facts are.....Shane Lennon is our best marksman and target mancombined. 
Brian White is our best freetaker.

Aidan O'Rourke has simply played to these strengths by launching attacks from defence and getting the ball into the danger area as quickly as possible.  

Also, as a result of this, by directing play to Shane, there is not that heaped pressure on the half forward line to create or score. 

The fact that these two are on top is no coincidence, it is not erratic, but consistent by design. 
 

Scoring Average.Attack

We Averaged 13 scores a game, 

When we went below this....we lost.

Ironically in both those game's we scored our lowest total 2-9. Opening day versus Westmeath and the horrific home loss against Wexford. 

Any time we went over the average, we picked up points 3 wins and a Draw!

Our highest tally was 17 points against Galway in a home win.


Scoring Average.Defence
We conceded on average 13 scores a game also.


In all the games we won, we managed to keep the opposition below the average.
Armagh and Galway 11 and Longford 9.

Our most miserly game was against Longford 9

and 

Our loosest game was the Draw against Laois where we conceded 18 scores but showed character to still get a point in that game!

League By the numbers

Division: 2

Position: 4th

Points: 7

Wins: 3
Draws: 1
Loss: 3

Scored
Goals:9
Points:87
Total (114)


Conceded
Goals:6
Points:87
Total (105)

 
Players Used: 28
Report Cards Tomorrow 

Players Lost: 3 

Comebacks: 18

Leads given up: at least 19!

Frustrating Losses: 2

Red Cards: 1  

Miles travelled: 189

McGurn Half time lung busting warm ups: 8

White Specials: 13

Debuts: 3



Number of Cooley men on Louth Team at one time: 5

Facts may not be 100% accurate nor do they aspire to be...
 
 

Survival Week: Longford lookout

Longford will be no pushovers whatsoever, Here is a couple of reason's why......

The white boot Brigade

Halfback come midfielder Michael Quinn is a serious player the way he drives up the field and starts moves.

However, he wears White boots but do not let this put you off, he is a baller.

Shaun McCormack is another of this private club, Known for his quirky free taking technique and his accuracy. Top scorer in Division 2 no less, with 3-27 (36). 

That math makes you respect him regardless of his pale feet disorder.

Finally Shane Mulligan, defenders and white boots don't really suit do they? unless you are a maurading wing back like Mulligan. 
Fit and Strong he covers the ground quite well. he's been around for years and so have his white boot wearing ways.

Notable mention: Peter Foy


U21 Factor

Although beaten during the week they done excellently to defeat Dublin and Laois along the way.
 
Robbie Smith and Padraig McCormack Captain are the only two players in the senior squad from the under 21's and both have featured in the forwards this season during the league.
Lively inside forward Smith and brother of Sean McCormack, Padraig usually plays on the wing.


The buzz in the county on Wednesday night will not have gone away but will now look on to Sunday. The player under no pressure will look towards a win in a hope that they will lift their deflated Longford fans spirits.


Also, Glen Ryan is a proud man and manager, he won't want to end the campaign without a win. Plus they beat Wexford in the League final and championship last year. 

We know how hard that is to do.

Survival Week: Team Discussion LIVE BLOG

Lets go through the team and see what to expect

Louth Team vs Longford 

GK
1. Gally 

Discussion: Our Number One for the whole League and a cert for the Championship, really grown and improved under the new regime.

Furthermore, with number 1 back up Sean Connor, rumoured to have the left the panel also it consolidates Gally's position even further.

Kicks off the Cooley contingent also, as he is Number 1, of 5 Cooley men on this Louth Senior team. 



Full Backline
2. Pops 3. Dessie 4. JOB 

Discussion: Our Strongest line available.
Gary O'Hare might come in, in time, but, for now these 3 will also start come what May. 

Dessie has surprised me the most. he's had quite a solid league campaign held his own and had a few lapses  but never looked out of place. 

If ever a player epitomised a team and their Campaign!!



HalfBack line
5. McGuinness 6. Crilly 7. Reido

Discussion: Crilly and Reido resume their positions as expected.

No place for Gerry Hoey and in comes another player who has excelled under the new regime this year, Conor McGuinness. 

Cooley man number 2 hasn't let his manager down either but, this will be his first start in a while.

The reason why, he may have been drafted in for this game maybe, is his physicality and height (well, over Gerry anyway) The Longford half forward line brings a huge physical and Aerial threat both wing forwards are regular Midfielders.

Louth management will be aware of this and McGuinness's inclusion indicates that.

MidField
8. Ronan Carroll 9. Brian Donnelly 

Discussion: PK still not fit.....so is this is the logical Midfield line up

But, is this a final audition to be Paddy's partner come the summer?
If so, Big performance from both needed.

It will be tough as they will have to work with each other to overcome Longford in the middle.

I might also add that Michael Quinn is lining out in Midfield for longford these days instead of halfback...what he lacks in height around the middle, he makes up with pace and mobility so don't be surprised if Rafferty starts in the middle and on Quinn.
Meaning Ronan moves to the forty where he has played already this season against Laois.
Watch this space.

Half Forwad line 
10. Andy 11. Rafferty 12. White 

Discussion: Basically, Conor Rafferty comes in for suspended and now departed Mark Brennan, whether he stays there and leads the forward line I'm not so sure. (as mentioned above)

Rafferty seems to be a victim of his versatility as he can cover and come in and out of alot of positions without being given a solid run anywhere.

Speaking of which, Andy McDonnell has played well for Louth this season but he had his best game ironically against Longford and on the forty that day. 

So, with Brennan now gone indefinitely, Lennon injured and Jim not fit?
why not Andy on the forty?

Brian White is the fifth and last Cooley man named on this Louth Team, could this be their year?



Full Forwad Line 
13. Maguire 14. Byrne 15. Rogers
Discussion:  Lennon misses out, but all season these named teams never fully materialise. So, I fully expect him to start.

However a change of approach would be nice and this combination would be a welcome change and a possible look to the future! 

It's fresh, full of pace and enthusiasm. 

However if Lennon does not play, that inside line lacks experience and leadership required to get the win.

It could struggle to win the ball and get the scores needed,especially to get us out of a relegation scrap and it wouldn't be fair to rely on two Rookies to do so.

So eh..... I really do hope that AOR has named a dummy team again! !

Survival Week: Winners and Losers

First, the Permutations....

Beat or Draw with Longford 
Lose and Armagh Lose
we Stay up

Lose and Armagh win 
we go down 

Now, Lets just take into account what is exactly at stake in Sunday's Match.

If we Stay up...

Winners are

Louth Football,

Enthusiasm for Championship, 

Morgan Fuels,

Kevin Rogers,


Shane Lennon

Adrian 'The halfback Version' Reid

Interest in Louth Football,

Louth Fans,

and

Aidan O'Rourke and his backroom team.


Losers will be

Longford, obviously.

Armagh, they are the most likely team to be relegated unless Laois destroy Wexford by over 20 points.

Louth begrudger's  

and


New Management Doubters


If we go down... 

you just flip the winners and losers above....

such is the fine line and importance of a win Sunday.

Minor Matters

First rounds of the minor league took place on Monday night....

Couple of things.....
-All away wins in Division 1!
-Gers kicked a mouthwatering 21 scores! 
-Mellifont kicked a lowly 2 scores 
-not one draw 

Here is the full scores list 

U18 Division 1 League
SEAN O'MAHONYS 0-3 V 2-9 ST PATRICKS/CUCHULAINN GAELS

O'CONNELLS/STABANNON PARNELLS/LANNLEIRE 1-3 V 5-16 GERALDINES

OILIBHÉAR PLUINCÉAD 1-7 V 3-10 ARDEE ST. MARY'S G.F.C.

BAILE TALÚN 1-8 V 6-8 NEWTOWN BLUES

DUNDALK YOUNG IRELANDS 3-6 V 2-10 ST FECHINS




U18 Division 2 League
CLAN NA NGAEL 4-10 V 2-6 JOHN MITCHELS

ST BRIDES 3-12 V 0-2 Mellifont Rovers

KILKERLEY EMMETS/NAOMH MALACHI Beat the Roche Emmets


U18 Division 3 League
ST MOCHTAS 1-16 V 1-4 GLEN EMMETS

ST JOSEPHS 1-9 V 3-1 NA PIARSAIGH

WOLFE TONES 5-9 V 1-5 O`RAGHALLAIGHS

ST KEVINS & N FIONNBARRA 3-8 V 2-6 ST NICHOLAS GFC

Louth Physio Clinic

Are you a Player, Manger, Selector, Committee Member........

Looking For a Physio? 

To keep you injury free, your players healthy and the coffers low for the Season?

Then Look no Further than the

We are the Physiotherapists chosen for the Louth GAA Senior Football and Hurling teams 2012 and 2013. To show our support and Loyalty to our county, I would like to take this opportunity to discuss our business and physiotherapy skills that we can provide for your club.

At Louth Physio Clinic, we provide the highest of Standards

-Four Full time Chartered Physiotherapists, both male and Female.
-Experts in injury diagnosis, rehabilitation and return to play time frames.
-Game pre-match, on-field and post match physiotherapy services.
-Pre season player screenings.
-Immediate access to MRI and specialist orthopaedic consultants.
-Open late evenings and weekends.
-Free phone advice.
-Full time reception Staff.
-Flat rate of €35 per physiotherapy session.

We offer a fair price due to the current economic climate to make it easy and affordable for your players recovery at the highest of Standards.

If you would like to discuss this further or set up a meeting  

contact Robbie at 042 9394040
or www.louthphysio.ie  
and @louthPhysio 

located at 
45 Barrack St, Dundalk & Upper Mell, Drogheda