Louth footballers eye safety as Cork struggle to stay afloat
Ruairi Deane of Cork in action against Conor Grimes of Louth during the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship preliminary quarter-final match between Louth and Cork at Grattan Park in Inniskeen, Monaghan. Picture: Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Sunday is a huge test for a Cork team with their backs to the wall. They have to come out swinging.
Of the relegation candidates, the Rebels have the worst scoring difference at -17. Down have -12 while Louth have -11.
The only thing that keeps Cork above the drop zone is Down’s one win from five games, but given they’re playing Westmeath – the league table could look very different Sunday evening.
From a Louth perspective, this one is crucial in successfully avoiding relegation for another season. Win here and they’re much more likely to remain in Division 2 for 2026.
Ger Brennan’s side got their campaign off to a strong start with an impressive 1-17 to 0-18 victory away to Westmeath, but since then it’s been a mixed bag, like with Cork.
A 1-15 to 1-17 defeat to Roscommon at home followed, before the Wee County were beaten once again, away to Cavan on a scoreline of 3-15 to 0-18.
They were able to make it two wins from four with a slender 2-17 to 0-22 victory over Down, which was crucial to Ger Brennan, as he outlined when speaking to the after the game. “It’s great to get the two points. That is what we needed to get today to re-invigorate our league campaign.
“Well, I think [effort and character] that is something that I have said after each game so far this year that the spirit and the effort of the players has never been in doubt.
“It is just tightening up on some of the handling errors, shot selection, defensively – particularly with the ‘keeper coming up.” Defeat to Monaghan last time out proved to be another setback for the 2024 Leinster Senior Football Championship finalists. But given their issues when defending against a 12 v 11 scenario, the rule tweaks may have come at the perfect time for Louth.
With Cleary’s use of the 12 v 11 and Patrick Doyle being brought forward this season, it’s easy to see why he feels aggrieved by the sudden change. Regardless, the situation has been tweaked and Cork need to adapt, or they’ll find themselves playing Division 3 football next year.
2024 All-Star recipient Craig Lennon has been out since Louth’s defeat to Roscommon with a quad problem, though is nearing a return and should be back for the final day of league action against Meath.
Paul Matthews played 40 minutes against Monaghan and marked it with an impressive 0-4 (one two-pointer), and will likely start this weekend. Andy McDonnell and Bevan Duffy could be returning to action for the visitors this weekend.
McDonnell missed the clashes with Cavan and Monaghan due to a shoulder injury suffered against Down, while Duffy is in line for his first league minutes of the season.
This one has arrived too soon for Ciaran Downey and Ciaran Keenan. Disappointing for Louth, but Cleary’s charges are going to need every helping hand they can get.
Even with the injury challenges, Louth have remained the competitive force they’ve blossomed into over the last number of years.
Surviving, not thriving – but Brennan’s squad have some serious quality.
Captain Sam Mulroy has continued to impress, scoring an impressive 1-41 in five games. His outrageous haul of 1-12 against Monaghan showed what he’s capable of from placed balls.
Donal McKenny has been a mainstay in defence and impressed this year. He also bagged the crucial goal last year as Louth beat Cork in the championship.
Ryan Bruns has impressed in front of the posts this year, particularly from outside the arc. Louth have been vulnerable at times and needless errors have proven costly, but they still present a tough task, even at home for Cork.
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