Hanlon Aims to Crown First Season with Louth Ladies with All-Ireland Glory
Louth Ladies with All-Ireland 2024
Paul Hanlon, in his debut season as manager of the Louth Ladies Senior team, are gearing up for a historic final at Croke Park this Sunday. The Cooley native, who stepped into the role after Kit Henry’s departure, is determined to cap a remarkable first year with an All-Ireland Junior Football Championship title.
Hanlon’s tenure began in the aftermath of Louth’s relegation from the Intermediate grade. Despite the challenging start, his leadership has rejuvenated the team, leading them to a commendable 6-match winning streak as they head into the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship final against Fermanagh.
The team’s impressive form has been marked by a potent combination of scoring prowess and defensive solidity. Hanlon attributes this success to a consistent scoring ability and a disciplined defense that has kept opponents at bay. Louth’s most recent victory came in a closely contested semi-final against Carlow. The match, which was in the balance until the dying minutes, saw Louth’s captain, Áine Breen, score a crucial goal, while Niamh Rice added five second-half points to seal the win. Hanlon expressed his relief and satisfaction with how his team managed to create a decisive lead late in the game.
Looking ahead to the final, Hanlon acknowledges the strength of their opponents. Fermanagh, having won 12 of their 14 matches this season and remaining unbeaten in six championship games, including an Ulster final triumph over Derry, present a formidable challenge. Hanlon has been meticulous in his preparations, analyzing video footage of Fermanagh’s games to devise a strategy to counter their effective running game. “We’ve explained their strengths and tactics to the team and have been working on counteracting their strategies. We know that bouncing back to the intermediate grade is a tough feat, and we’re focused on giving our best performance on Sunday,” Hanlon said.
In response, Fermanagh manager CJ McGourty, who led St Gall’s to an All-Ireland club title in 2009, has acknowledged Louth’s advantages but remains optimistic about his team’s prospects. “Louth are a strong team and will likely enter the match as slight favorites. However, we trust in our girls’ ability to rise to the occasion and believe we can pull off an upset,” McGourty remarked.
Louth captain Áine Breen is determined to join the ranks of illustrious players who have lifted the West County Hotel Cup at Croke Park. Breen, who has already secured two All-Ireland medals and previously triumphed over Fermanagh in the 2019 final, is focused on the task at hand. “We’ve reviewed footage of Fermanagh’s recent games and understand their threats. It’s crucial that every player works hard, adapts on the field, and reacts to the challenges posed by the size and noise of Croke Park,” Breen said.
Fermanagh’s skipper, Shannan McQuade, is relishing the opportunity to defy expectations. “Louth are a very good team, and the last time we faced them, they were strong. We’re entering the final as underdogs, but we’re excited about the challenge and are ready to prove ourselves,” McQuade noted.
While Louth will be missing Mia Duffy and Ellen Barry due to injury, the rest of the squad is reported to be in good health, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the final.
As both teams prepare for this high-stakes encounter, the outcome will not only determine the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship winner but also mark a significant moment in the careers of the players and managers involved. The final promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the season, with both Louth and Fermanagh eager to make their mark on the prestigious stage of Croke Park.
