SFC Final 2013 Recap

So the blues were victorious and Crowned Louth Senior Champions 2013!

but,

How did they do it?

 First of all relentless is the word I would use to describe the way they did it......

Misses
The game itself started off nervously and the Blues were clearly suffering the most as
McGinn missed free's he'd scored all year, very unMcGinn like. Rob Carr missed and missed again. Their forwards were getting lots of possession but due to nerves they were forcing the issue or just taking the wrong option.

Matchups
They lost their big match ups if you were to tell me Hugh McGinn had a bad day and the Blues won 
Well, it came to pass Conor McGuinness got the upperhand on McGinn turning him over everytime he went into the tackle.
Brian White was industrious early on and his mobility caused Eoghan Judge alot of problems.

Sweeper
For majority of the first half Aoghan McGuinness was playing very deep and it was working. He stunted the Blues running game and started off Cooley attacks from deep. The Blues forwards were struggling badly threading balls in, either they were being intercepted or badly directed 60/40 balls.

All of this showed, as Cooley went 5-1 up 20 minutes into the half.











However despite all this they

they never stopped, they found a way.....

here's how...... 

They changed and adapted.....

Switches
Blues captain Stephen Moonan was switched on to Brian White 
and 
Eoghan Judge went on Darren Marks 

Perfect fit for the Blues....tightened up their Defence and took away Cooley's threat on the half forward line.

Barry Sharkey was taken off for Jamie Carr and Andy McDonnell went in at full forward.

Because of this Colm Judge also roamed out the field and got his hands on some valuable breaking ball and possession.

changing the attack
Andy playing inside allowed the Blues to cut out the extra pass and the tailback the extra runner, usually Jimmy Murray from half back was causing. Andy placed full forward meant the Blues could kick it in directly.
Put simply, you have Andy McDonnell on the Square you'd risk a long ball in direct and Fast and, that is exactly what they did.

Keith Lynch caught the Kickout and sent it in long, Andy got on the end of it and finished it superbly.

Andy then added another point and got Brian Donnelly booked in that period not a bad switch at all.



Relentless?
You could say to me that the game just changed on a ball over the top.....no big deal...how are they relentless?

Well, they never panicked for one. but Conor Barton's kickouts were superb, they played a massive part in the Blues performance....they were quick, accurate and 
consistent.
They gave the Blues a perfect platform to attack constantly all day....Because of this, Cooley weren't allowed to switch off and when they did they were punished.

Conor Rafferty was clearly not right all day and wasn't able to cope with the wave of the Blue attack so he would come off at Half time. Cooley and Donnelly would badly miss his industry around the field. 

This relentless pressure inspired the Blues to tag on a couple of scores before the end of the Half and went in with not only a 3 point lead but a massive dose of belief.


Not only a seven point turnaround but Cooley Failed to score for 16 minutes. Over a quarter of the game!
The 3rd minute of the second half to be exact!

second half
During the early part of the second half The Blues took a breather and allowed Cooley to level the game and I think like the all-Ireland final Cooley, very similar to Mayo thought, 
Right, this is it now...we're going to win it.....except, they didn't do anything!!!!

The Blues on the otherhand kicked two scores and brought on Conor Brannagan for Rob Carr (Click the link for my prediction on Brannagan last week)    


With the game more open now and Cooley having to go for broke, They took away their sweeper it allowed The Blues running game to literally run them over.....

Murray ran forward and set up Brannagan for the Goal. 
45mins and the game was effectively over.

Keith Lynch ran forward and added a point, Brannagan got some more for himself, Murray came off and Brian Kermode came on and he ran some more. Andy got another...8 point win. 2-15 to 13.



Relentless.


Newtown Blues Louth Senior Champions 2013

Well done to all involved

That 2004 Minor team I was on about

8 off that team were in the Blues Squad Sunday...
6 started.....
3 others that have emigrated would have been involved too all have Joe Ward medals from 2008

 

Sunday final 'Final' preview

Sunday 29th September
Senior Football Championship Final 2014
Newtown Blues Vs Cooley Kickhams

 3.30pm Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda

 
Okay let me tell you where I am....

Coming into this week I really fancied Cooley...i thought their power, hard work ethic and Brian White's free taking would push them over the line.

Then midway through the week, I have convinced myself it is the blues to lose!!
I went through their team looked at the match ups and couldn't see Cooley stopping them especially their forward line.

Zigging and Zagging in between my thought process was appeals, Paddy Sheelan is now certain to play and Colm Judge has had to appeal and re-appeal again.

The effect and uncertainy of Judge will have to have a negative effect on the Blues camp. Coming into a senior final or any final for that matter....you want to have as minimum fuss or distraction as possible, this has obviously not happened!

So now the prediction meter has swung and settled right in the middle!

little gains

When a game like this is so tight to call...you look at the little factors.....personnel, panels at each managements disposal....ehh they are both even steven.

Hunger/Hurt? both sides have lost senior finals in recent memory so there's nothing in it there either?The venue maybe? The Blues love Drogheda, the openness suits their style of play and will have a lot of confidence after their big quarter final win there.....but, it's not like Cooley haven't played there before....they lost a senior final there in 2010 would have trained there during the week, heck they have 5 Louth players on the team that played there umpteen times this season alone so nope, still nothing in it.

Weather conditions meah,

Referee, Dunne, from Dunleer has reffed the blues in Drogheda this season in the championship already but that's irrelevant. isn't it?

Will Cooley be fresher? will the blues have tired limbs afterall, they only won their semi
lasy Friday week! yep, also irrelevant.

So, still nothing between the sides.


deciding the decider


There's the law of averages argument floating about, just like the recent All-Ireland final between Mayo/Dublin where Cooley like Mayo players expected to turn up and win it, as they felt they deserved it after all their losses in recent past and they end up not stepping up and actually winning the game!?

If any team is like the Dubs it's the Blues, and it's not because of their sky blue jersey's they play with swagger only they can.

Then again, someone pull a rabbit out of the hat....bring someone in from the cold? pull off a master tactical stroke in the game....hell, even a mistake could turn the game. I just don't know how it's going to go.

One thing I do know is, the game will be fascinating....

The blues individual talent up front against Cooley's defensive team synergy....focus on both appealers and their outcome on the game, the titanic midfield battle for possession,  supreme free takers going at it, under the utmost pressure.

Fascinating.

but, even though it is so tight to call I don't think it will be a draw.

So I'm going to go with my trusted line when deciding a match.....whoever has the best forwards will win and for me that's the Blues.

thanks for reading all week,
now Enjoy!!

'Minor Matters' Minor Final

Louth Minor Football Champonship Final
Geraldines Vs St Marys 
Sunday 1:45pm Gaelic Grounds, Drogheda

Preview Thankfully, this years minors get to experience the big day atmosphere before the senior final.

What an exciting match we have in prospect and it could be the beginning of a regular occurance as they two sides look to dominate the minor grade for the next few seasons at least.

It is well documented that both sides are made up of strong under 16/17 players. Mary's are waiting to play this years Under 16 championship final against the blues, while the Geraldines won that same Championship last year.

This creates the perfect balance and blend of strength for both teams which is essential to be successful at this level.

How the game will go will depend alot on how well the young lads deal with the nerves 

The Marys beat them in the league already this season by a point, and riding on the crest of momentum of current Mary's terrific underage success at all levels but, I feel the Gers will have too much for them. They'll be that bit more developed physically and that will swing it for them on the day.

Both teams are in great position for next season but lob in 3 current Louth minors in the mix and it makes the Haggardstown men ripe enough for success now. 

Verdict: Geraldines

One to Watch: Two Keenan brothers and a cousin is not your worst nightmare but, solid players in the Mary's defence.
Pencil Ryan Rooney down for the future. Great Ardee name, Great Ardee player eligible for 2 more minor seasons also.
 One to Watch: Midfielder Matthew Corcoran is baller but it has to be my man, Agent Josh Arrowsmith clever forward with pace. 
 
Number of Louth Minors on show:4 Marys 2, Cian Moran, Gavin Douglas  Gers 3, Josh Arrowsmith, Dara Hamill, Ryan Trainor

2004 Back to the Future

How can the 19th of September 2004 be a significant day for both teams involved this Sunday, 9 years later!

Here's how.....

Newtown Blues famously ended a long barren spell at U18 level when beating Baile Talun by 1-13 to 3-5 in the Louth MFC final 

The Blues team that day

Anthony Reilly;
Kevin Monaghan, Rory Milne, Craig Owen;
Niall Costello (capt), Cormac Reynolds, Aidan O’Brien;
Hugh McGinn (0-2), Steven Moonan (0-6);
James Murray (0-1), Emmet Judge, Sean Kilroy (0-2);
Darragh Traynor (0-2), John Kermode (1-0), Colm Judge.
Sub: David Piper. 

Recognise any names? 

Of course you do.....

7 are involved this Sunday If you include Colm Judge!!

Further more 10 of that team went on to win Joe ward medals in 2008!

Incredible feat from a vintage minor team! t
he best ever?

Right, it gets better

Later on that day their was a unmemorable Senior final

A 0-7 to 0-6 win for the Pats

Senior finalist that day? 

Cooley Kickhams...

But Incredibly, 7 will also be involved from that day, this Sunday!

Neil Gallagher was midfield
Alan Page Conor McGuinness made up the half back line
Sean O'Neill in the middle
Sean mcDonald and a young Brian White started in both corners.

oh and Rob Kearney was also playing on the wing that day for Cooley....his last in Cooley Colours!

Little did those men know in 2004 they'd be facing each other in 2013 for a SFC medal!

 

SFC Players Preview Friday

You know the Drill

I ask the players

They give the most insightful answers

Enjoy!

Darren O'Hanlon St Patricks

Key battle or individual on show?
The key battle for me is between Brian White and Jamie Carr. If Carr can eliminate the threat from play of White then the blues will be half way to winning the game.


What is both sides main Strengths?
Both sides are similar in the way they set up. They both put a huge emphasis on crowding the middle third and stopping runners from deep. Both sides are also very well organised in defense and hard to break down.


Who will win and why?
I think the Blues will win. They have the greater scoring potential in their forwards and the advantage of playing the game in Drogheda cannot be underestimated.

Robbie Leavy St Mary's Ardee

Key Battle or Individual on show?
I think the midfield is where the game may be won and lost, both teams have plenty of scoring forwards, the battle for primary possession will decide on which forward line gets the better supply.I think Cooley may have the upper hand with Rafferty/Donnelly, but the Blues centre pairing of Lynch/Kermode have plenty of experience and will be well able for the Cooley boys. As for the key individuals, I think White and McGinn are the key players and will have a massive say in where Joe Ward ends up.

What is both sides main Strengths?

The Blues strength is there footballing ability, they have some top footballers in McGinn,Judgie, Jimmy Murray, Moonan and Andy McDonnell and if they click on Sunday they could play Cooley off the park. Cooleys strength is there physicality, they have some very strong athletic players in Brian and Keith White, Donnelly, Richie Brennan and Rafferty. They are capable of physically dominating the game and controlling the tempo.

Who will win and why?

Its going to be a very tight game, but I think Cooley will finally end there quest for Joe Ward. The two games against the Pats may have taken its toll on the Blues and it will be difficult for them to go again. I also think the fact that it will be the Blues and not the Pats that Cooley will be facing will have given them massive psychological boost, I reckon Cooley were probably quietly happy that the Pats where bet in the semis as I dont think they could face the thoughts of another final defeat to their neighbours!!

Darren Clarke Ardee St Mary's

Key battle or individual on show?

The main battle for me will be Cooley's ability to curb the threats from Blues attack with Hugh McGinn in great form and Colm and Andy back from the states and moving well it will be a big ask for Cooley to stop them doing damage scoring, if they manage to do this they will be in with a great shout. At the other end it will be important for the Blues not to concede needless fouls as Brian White will punish from placed balls. All this said hopefully we will see an open game, free flowing with plenty of scores!

What is both sides main Strengths?

Both sides have contrasting styles of play, blues would be seen in many ways as the natural footballing side where Cooley would bring a more physical approach, this year there style has changed slightly and they are well conditioned and playing good football under Colin O'Hares guidance and this is a main reason why they are in the final with such relative ease.

Who will win and why?

It has the makings of an intriguing encounter, both sides have been on the end of defeats in last few finals they have played in, we should see a fierce battle as neither side will want to loose another. I expect Blues to go into the match as slight favourites after beating St Pats with the return of blues trio Andy, Jamie and Judgie and coming through two tough games again the county champions this could prove to be the difference I wouldn't rule out the draw, but think blues to shade it by 1-2 points. Good luck to both sides!

Best wishes to Ken Rooney and the St Mary's minor team on Sunday in the Minor Championship Final...bring the cup home lads! 

Shane Lennon Kilkerley Emmet's

Key battle or individual on show

Key battle will be the middle 3rd of the field and who can get their hands on primary possession. Brian Donnelly and Conor Rafferty (if fit) have been dominating this area in recent games. Alot will depend on Keith lynch and Brian and John kermode if they can frustrate them.
Individuals to watch for Blues wing backs deserve lot of credit Moonan and Murray for their energy and ability to cover ground. And for Cooley 'Gooch' Brennan and Darren Marks have been playing similar roles for the Cooley men.

What is both sides main Strengths?
Free kicks could have a huge bearing on the game with 4 of the best in county on show on Sunday-White, Sheelan and Judgie and Mc Ginn.  

Who will win and why?

Very hard to call but Cooleys hunger could get them a marginal victory. Don't rule out a draw!!!

Carl Courtney Naomh Martin

Key battle or individual on show

The key match up for me will be between Jamie Carr and Brian White. Whoever comes out on top of this dual will have a big say in the outcome.
It's a bit of a cliche but the midfield battle will be crucial. Brian Kermode did very well against Paddy Keenan in the two semi final matches and he will need to contain Conor Rafferty the same way if the Blues are to be successful. Keith Lynch will be as clever as always and him and Brian Donnelly will have a good tussle also.
Cooley will be out to stop Andy McDonnell's and Hugh McGinn's running so whoever they put on them will need to have big games.


What is both sides main Strengths
Cooley's main strengths are their defence. They work really hard on the tackling and are a very experienced unit. Having not conceded a goal in this years championship confirms that.
Brian Whites frees are a massive addition to Cooley and the Blues will know that any fouls inside 50 or 60 yards will be punished!!

In the semi finals the Blues forward line were very impressive against the Pats and also against an experienced Mattock side. They seem to be working for each other this year and everyone of them are very capable of scoring heavily on their day.


Who will win and why?

Having seen both semi finals it's hard to call. The Blues have the tradition and won't fear Cooley on Sunday. Cooley will remember the feeling of losing numerous recent finals however this could also spur them on. As a neutral I'm hoping for an open game and I'm going to tip the Blues but only just!!!


Sean McCann Dundalk Gaels     
 
Key battle or individual on show

The key battle will obviously be in the middle third of the pitch, Cooley are strong in the middle with likes of Donnelly Rafferty and white so It will be up to the Kermode's and Keith lynch to try and at least break even in there. If blues can do that then likes of Hugh McGinn and Colm judge will be very hard to stop, McGinn has been player of the championship so far in my opinion he's flying. 

What is both sides main Strengths

Cooley are very physical and have had a number of lads on the county panel this year, they convert almost all of their free kicks so blues will have to be very disciplined in their tackling. Blues are a very fast attacking unit but they also get numbers behind the ball and attack from deep with likes of jimmy Murray and Stephen Moonan providing a great attacking threat from wing back. Both teams have a strong bench and the right changes and the right time could swing this in favour of either team.
 
Who will win and why?
I fancied the blues to beat the pats in the semi final and think if they can get enough possession around the middle with the forward line and pace they have coming from deep they will be very hard bet. Blues for me. 


Adrian Reid Mattock Rangers

Key battle or individual on show

I think the Blues half back line and Cooley's half forward line will be a key battle. The Blues half back line start their attacks and have been key to them reaching the final.  

The flip side is that they can leave their defense vulnerable at times and with Whiteser on the 40, they will be punished for any turnover ball.

What is both sides main Strengths

Both teams have great depth in their squad.

Who will win and why?

A lot of people saying that it's Cooley's year and who could begrudge them a Joe Ward at this stage! The same was said for Mayo however and we saw just how cruel sport can be.

Judgie and Andy have been massive since returning from the US. McGinn and 'Degzer' Kierans have been showing great form too. Their fire power might just be enough to see them over the line - Blues by a point.


Andrew Sharkey O'Connell's

Key battle or individual on show
Hugh McGinn

What is both sides main Strengths
Cooleys main strength is their all round power and strength all round the field.
Blues Strength is their forward line, with all forwards capable of scoring from anywhere I feel all of their 6 forwards are top quality!

Who will win and why?

Blues to win because more stronger all over the field!
Cooleys weak point is their defence...I just can't see them stopping the blues forwards!

Pepe Smith Dreadnots

Key battle or individual on show
Hugh McGinn v Conor McGuinness
McGinn has been key for the blues this year and seems to be in top form. McGuiness had a good season for Louth and it is very important for him to limit McGinns influence if Cooley are to win.

What is both sides main Strengths
Cooley
Brian White and Brian Donnelly seem to be in good form. Brian White is very accurate from play and from frees while Donnelly is good at driving forward from midfield.
Blues:
Two very attacking wing half backs and a forward line with Andy Mc, Judge and McGinn is very threatening.

Who will win and why?

I think the blues will shade it due to there better spread of scorers but I'd give Cooley chance if they can a grip at midfield from early on and don't concede any goals.


Ciaráin Sheridan Glyde Rangers
Key battle or individual on show
A player everyone will want to keep an eye on is the Blues' Hugh McGinn. He is the top scorer in this years championship with 3-21 and is a player who can make a real difference if given the opportunity.


What is both sides main strengths

Cooley's main strength in my opinion is their resolute defence. They haven't conceded a goal throughout the championship while getting a lot of scores in the process. Brian White's accuracy from frees will also be a massive advantage to Cooley and is something the Blues may not be able to counter.
The Blues main strength in my opinion is the attacking options they have. Hugh McGinn, Colm Judge and Andy McDonnell are all great players and if they play to their ability they can tear any defence apart.


Who will win and why?
I anticipate a good game and I think it will go down to the wire with the Blues just coming out on top. They have experience on their side from their '08 Championship win. They also have the confidence and momentum after their win in the semi's against the Pats. The Blues' quality should shine through and help them win by a couple of points.
  
Pop Rath Dreadnots 

Key battle or individual on show

Curtailing the influence of McGinn and White will be huge for both teams. While Moonan and McDonnell will have a big say for the blues getting on ball and starting attacks from the middle.
Donnelly and Rafferty will have to try to make sure they win primary possession to stop Blues building from there. 

With everyone focusing on the obvious threats, there is a chance for someone less obvious to make themselves a hero!


What is both sides main Strengths

Blues move the ball very quick and get good quality ball to their forwards,they will be looking to use their pace to their advantage. 

Cooley have yet to concede a goal in the championship and that will give them confidence that they can shut out the blues forward threat. I have not seen Cooley play in the championship to date so don't know how they will set out but, they have some good ball winners who can also launch attacks and have threats from deep themselves like Richard Brennan scoring in the semi final.
Both half back lines start their teams attacks and putting these on the back foot will be huge, it could be pretty even so whoever is more economical up front will win. with McGinn and White both very accurate from dead balls cutting down on conceding frees will be vital. 

Who will win and why?

Its going to be very close,too close to call. Blues have played very well since the quarter finals and beaten the pats so that will give them the belief that this will be their year to go on and win it. Cooley having not won it in so long and will also see it as a massive opportunity they need to take and it all points to a very exciting game.

I'm sitting on the fence!

 

Blues 8 Cooley 2 Draw 1

The players have spoken. 

O'Raghaillagh's were contacted but failed to reply if they would still like to, e-mail louthandProud@gmail.com

SFC Preview: Top Scorers

Both teams boast the highest scorers in the county.
White will have to score 8 more than McGinn on Sunday if he is to be crowned top scorer!

Newtown Blues Top scorers 


Hugh McGinn       3-21
Derek Kierans       1-9
Andy McDonnell    1-6
Barry Sharkey       2-1
Stephen Moonan   0-6
Colm Judge           0-4
Robert Carr           0-3

Jimmy Murray       0-3
Brian Kermode      0-2
John Kermode       0-2
Keith Lynch           0-1

Total 7-58
6 games
11 Scorers

Cooley Kickhams Top Scorers


Brian White              0-22
Conor Rafferty          3-2
Patrick Sheelan         1-6
Ciaran Sheelan          1-3
Richard Brennan       1-2
Jason Long                1-2
Aoghan McGuinness   0-3
Brian Donnelly           0-2
Darren Marks             0-1
Patrick McGrath         0-1
Conor McGuinness      0-1
Shane Marks               0-1
Michael Rafferty         0-1

Total 7-47  
4 games
13 scorers
 

Comment:
Surprisingly, when looking at the figures it is Cooley that come out more impressive.

They have a greater spread of scorers to the blues 13 to 11players...
They have the same amount of goals as the Blues, in fewer games. 
In fact, they have only 11points less than Blues in total having played 2 games less than them!


Furthermore, 6 of the goals the blues scored were in one game against Mattock and the other goal was a penalty against the Pats. Indicating the Blues forward line might like good on paper but in reality they are not as potent.

A couple of things to take into consideration Andy McDonnell and Colm Judge didn't play in the earlier games. 

So once again there is along of question marks on what way this game is going to go! 

SFC Preview Possible Teams

Team Match ups

Blues Defence             Cooley Forwards

Niall Costello                                 Ciaran Sheelan
Thomas Costello/Jamie Carr            Sean Donnelly
Andrew Tinley                                Paddy Sheelan


Stephen Moonan                             Darren Marks
Eoghan Judge                                 Brian White
Jimmy Murray                                 Michael Rafferty 

Summary
Seven into six positions won't go for the blues, someone is going to lose out. 
but who?
Eoghan Judge has steadied the ship at the centre of the blues defence but will he be given the role of picking up Cooley's ace attacker Brian White on the forty?
I reckon one of the Costello's may lose out and Jamie will eventually end up picking up Brian White but Eoghan will possibly start out on him for solidarity purposes.

Cooley's achilles heel has been lack of scoring forwards and this year has been no different. The difference is, they know this now too.

White's free taking keeps them ticking over and right in every game they play. That means their is no pressure on the other forwards to score in fact its a bonus if they do!

The availability of Paddy Sheelan (semi final red card rescinded) is a major boost as he is a real match winner for them and adds quality to their inside line.

Ironically, The hard working Cooley forward line could stall the Blues most attacking platform right at the source the blues half back line! 
but, do they have the quality to punish the Blues defence if it does become exposed from open play and from turnovers?

That is the major Question mark and the answer will go along way to deciding the winner on Sunday.  


 

Pics Collette Sheelan

Midfield 
Keith lynch John Kermode Blues
Brian Donnelly Conor Rafferty Cooley

Summary
Crucial, Crucial sector for the Sunday afternoon showpiece.

Cooley have evolved away from the Strong and Physical duo of O'Neill and Hughes to the more mobile and athletic duo of Brian Donnelly and Conor Rafferty and it has brought them great dividends.

They are not only able to secure primary possession but get forward and score while helping out their defenders also.

However, there is question marks surrounding Conor Rafferty, he got injured in the semi and could miss out.
It should be fascinating battle as Donnelly has the best hands in the county but without Rafferty beside him their partnership and cooley's midfield will suffer. However I fully expect Rafferty to play.

Lynch and Kermode partnership has grown and been tested since the quarter final stage and they've really come into form.
The are not given the full responsibility to gain clean possession as Brian Kermode and Andy McDonnell help them out alot coming off both wings for kickouts.

Cooley's fully fit Midfield partnership is superior but, The blues midfield has an advantage in that they can concentrating solely on spoiling Cooley's by sitting and on marking them exclusively.

They did it successfully against the Pats, no reason why they can't do it again....but again, so tight to call and will be fascinating viewing.

Cooley Defence           Blues Forwards
Richard Brennan                              Derek Kierans
Keith White                                    Colm Judge
Alan Page                                        Robert Carr
Patrick McGrath                               Andy McDonnell
Conor McGuinness                            Hugh McGinn
Shane Marks                                     Brian Kermode

Summary
The opposite is the case for the Blues in their forward department...they have an abundance of scoring forwards. Judge, McGinn, Kierans McDonnell, Carr

but, is that a bad thing?
They all want the ball. They all want to score and will all want the glory!!
So, it could be a case of be careful of what you wish for....this is very unlikely however as they will create enough chances and whoever gets the ball in the best position will be capable of finishing.

Who will be assigned the tasks of picking up McGinn and Judge in the wide open spaces of the Gaelic Grounds?

McGuinness on McGinn and Possibly Richard Brennan on Colm Judge or vice versa will more than likely be the match ups.

Cooleys wing backs are very attack minded,and like to put Cooley on the front foot and they are quite good at doing so but, I alluded to earlier that blues wing forwards are kickout options. There is a massive height advantage between them and Marks and McGrath. Keith White could be shifted out there. 

The Match ups Cooley management start with are crucial because there is so much talent and scoring potential in that Blues forward line.

GK
Neil Gallagher and Conor Barton

Summary
Chalk and Cheese in terms of experience here.

Gally is the County's number one Goalkeeper and played in numerous County finals
whereas Barton is a newcomer and in his debut senior season.

Both Keepers Kickouts look to give their midfield/half forwards the best possible advantage to gain possession. (Cluxton effect!)

A goalkeeping mistake occurred in last years final hopefully it won't happen this year.



Subs
all featured in this year championship

Blues
Paul Moore
Aidan O’Brien    
Barry Sharkey
Cormac McQuillan
Conor Brannigan 
John McEneaney
Plus, the defender that misses out


Cooley 
PJ McGivern 
Jason Long  
Gerry Malone 
MJ Hanlon 
Sean O'Neill 
David Hughes 
Sean McDonald
Aoghan McGuinness


Summary
Nothing in it here really.....

Paul Moore Aidan O'Brien and Aoghan McGuinness are injured and will possibly play no part.

Otherwise there is alot of cover in all area's for both teams.

Conor Brannigan for the Blues Could be a match winner,
while Sean O'Neill will make an impact if needed.

SFC Route to the Final

Always a valuable exercise to analyise the route to the final. 

Seeing where the team has come from or through can give an indicator of the teams characteristic and what to expect on the big day.

Cooley Kickhams
Group Runners Up
2-15  Kilkerley 0-7

0-8   Pats 0-11

Quarter Final
3-15 Naomh Martin 0-12

Semi Final
2-9   O'Connells 0-9

Comment
They have professionally taken care of business against the lower standard teams.....just as you'd expect from Cooley.
They will bully you if you allow them to.....They only team they didn't bully was the Pats and they failed that test and lost to them.

Clinically smashing goals is a great sign and the fact the Kickhams haven't conceded a goal so far in the Championship is an indicator of how stern their defence has been all season.




Newtown Blues
Group Winners
0-11 Gaels 0-7

0-13 Dreadnots 0-13

Quarter Final
6-15 Mattock 2-9

Semi final
0-9 Pats 0-9
Replay
1-10 Pats 1-8 

Comment
3 wins and 2 draws en route to the final shows the Blues have a serious resolve and can withstand the pressure of the last few minutes.

They are air tight at the back too.....conceding on average 10 scores a game....so they have more than eye suspects at the back.

The freak result against Mattock sticks out like a sore thumb....but is it that freaky?
It was played in Drogheda, the blues revelled in the openness of the Gaelic grounds their forwards especially enjoyed the space. Worrying for Cooley.


This Game might not be such an open affair the public suspects without the pats involved.

Blues beat the Pats the Pats beat Cooley.....will it be that simple of a prediction to make?

Senior Final Build up Trivia

Lets kick off our build up to the Senior final with a bit of trivia!!


How many players have captained successful Minor and Senior Football championship winning sides??

 and

Can you name them and the years!  

You can answer by leaving a comment below

or Reply to @LouthProud

and Facebook also


Or mail me on louthandproud@gmail.com

Best of Luck!!!!


Correct Answers So FAr......
Paddy keenan Valley Rangers 2002 and Pats 2007
David Reilly Sean Treasaigh 1982 1985 and Stabannon 1994 
Kevin O'Hanlon Clans 1983 & 1992

Keep 'em coming!

Dublin All-Ireland Champions

Louth played Dublin way back when, 21st of January this year to be exact









We lost 4-15 to 0-10 that day but Look at the players in Bold who featured today in the All- Ireland final


S Cluxton (0-1);

D Daly, T Brady, D Nelson;

C Guckian, G Brennan, J McCaffrey (0-2);

D O'Mahony, D Bastick;

E O Conghaile (1-1), D Connolly (0-1), P Quinn (0-1);

P Hudson (1-0), P Andrews (0-1), B Brogan (2-7).


Subs: S Carthy for O'Mahony, P Mannion or Andrews, P Burke for Quinn, C Costello (0-1) for Connolly, D Byrne for Brennan, K McManamon for Hudson.




8 started and 10 in total......so maybe that day and result wasn't as harsh as we were to believe as we only had 7 who played Championship this season that featured. 3 as subs.




Louth - S Connor;

J Carr, B Mulligan, J Bingham;

A Reid, L Shevlin, D Byrne;

C Rafferty (0-1), R Carroll;

R Moore, J McEneaney (0-5), S McCann (0-1);

D Reid (0-2), E O'Connor, D O'Connor (0-1).

Subs: J O'Brien for Moore, G Hoey for Mulligan, D Crilly for Byrne, P Sheelan for McCann, C McGuinness for Rafferty




So, have faith Louth fans, have faith!!!