Ardee News & Sport – Louth Name Unchanged Starting XV for Meath Showdown as County Prepares for Double Leinster Final Week
By ArdeePost Reporter
Louth senior football manager Ger Brennan has named an unchanged starting 15 for Sunday’s hotly anticipated Leinster Senior Football Championship final clash against Meath at Croke Park (throw-in 4.15pm).
The same side that secured victory over Kildare in the semi-final at Tullamore two weeks ago will line out once again, with Brennan opting for continuity as the Wee County aim for their first provincial title since 1957.
There are notable additions on the bench, including the return of Ciaran Byrne, a key figure in the opening-round win over Laois, and Ciaran Keenan, who is back in contention for the first time since limping off against Down in February. Their presence boosts a squad that has already shown impressive depth during this year’s campaign.
Louth Starting XV:
- Niall McDonnell (St Fechins);
- Daire Nally (Newtown Blues), 3. Dermot Campbell (Dreadnots), 4. Donal McKenny (Ardee St Mary’s);
- Conall McKeever (Clan na Gael), 6. Peter Lynch (Roche Emmets), 7. Craig Lennon (St Mochtas);
- Tommy Durnin (Ardee St Mary’s), 9. Andy McDonnell (Newtown Blues);
- Paul Mathews (St Fechins), 11. Ciaran Downey (Newtown Blues), 12. Conor Grimes (Glen Emmets);
- Kieran McArdle (St Brides), 14. Sam Mulroy (Naomh Mairtin), 15. Ryan Burns (Hunterstown Rovers).
Louth Substitutes:
Tiarnan Markey, Liam Jackson, Anthony Williams, Emmets Carolan, Ciaran Byrne, Dara McDonnell, Dan Corcoran, Conor Brannigan, Ciaran Keenan, Dylan McKeown, Bevan Duffy.
This weekend’s senior decider is just one part of what could be a historic week for Louth GAA, with the county’s minor side also set for silverware glory.
The Leinster Minor Football Championship Final between Louth and Offaly has been confirmed for Monday, May 19 at the recently redeveloped St Conleth’s Park in Newbridge, with throw-in at 7.30pm.
Louth have reached all three provincial finals this year – senior, U20, and minor – underlining the strength of their football development. Their minors previously defeated Offaly in the group stages, but the Faithful County have bounced back impressively, including a dramatic 4-9 to 1-16 semi-final comeback win over Kildare.
A crowd of over 5,000 is expected for Monday’s final, which will be a major occasion for both sets of supporters. With serious momentum building in the county, Louth fans will be hoping to cap a landmark week with double provincial success.
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