Louth SFC Preview 2024: The Race for Joe Ward Begins
As the dust settles on last weekend’s Intermediate Football Championship, the focus in Louth now shifts to the highly anticipated 2024 Anchor Tours Louth Senior Football Championship. The race for the coveted Joe Ward Cup kicks off this weekend, promising a thrilling journey as top clubs vie for county supremacy.
Naomh Martin vs. Cooley Kickhams: Sunday, 2pm, Dowdallshill
Sunday’s action begins with a mouthwatering clash between last year’s beaten finalists, Naomh Martin, and the ever-dangerous Cooley Kickhams. The Martins, who narrowly missed out on glory in 2023, are determined to go one better this year. With key players like John Clutterbuck, Conor Morgan, and Eoghan Callaghan returning from travels, Declan McCoy’s side looks primed for another deep run as they seek to reclaim the Joe Ward Cup for the first time since 2021.
However, standing in their way is Cooley Kickhams, a team that always seems capable of springing a surprise. Managed by Brian Rafferty and bolstered by the expertise of former Down players Mark Poland and Ambrose Rogers, Cooley are no pushovers. Their forward line, featuring Michael Rafferty, Cian Connor, and Enda O’Neill, backed by stalwarts like Gerry Malone and Peter Thornton, makes them a formidable opponent. Having reached the top six in Division 1 this year, Kickhams are well-prepared to cause an upset.
The winner of this encounter will face St Mochtas, who have enjoyed another successful season under Down native Stephen Poacher. With a wealth of talent, including the Byrne brothers, Craig Lennon, and a blend of youth and experience, the Mochtas are fancied to progress from this group alongside Naomh Martin.
St Josephs vs. Roche Emmets: Sunday, 4:30pm, Haggardstown
Later on Sunday, Group 4 gets underway as St Josephs take on Roche Emmets in what could be dubbed the group of death. St Josephs, despite recent league setbacks, have a young, hungry team eager to make a mark. With rising stars like Adam Cassidy, Cormac McKeown, and Pearse Grimes-Murphy, the Joes are expected to bring a potent attacking threat.
Roche Emmets, last year’s Intermediate champions, have been on a roll, securing promotion to Division 1 and eyeing a successful first senior campaign since 2006. Jamie O’Hare’s side, led by Glen Stewart and featuring key players like Barry O’Hare and the Byrne brothers, is determined to continue their upward trajectory. Despite a modest league scoring record, Roche’s mix of youth and experience could see them advance from this highly competitive group.
The winner here will face St Fechins, a team bolstered by the return of key county players and a strong defensive lineup. Under Mattie Rice, St Fechins are another team difficult to judge based on league form alone but have the potential to cause problems for anyone.
Dreadnots vs. St Brides: Sunday, 6:30pm, Castlebellingham
Sunday evening sees the Dreadnots go up against St Brides in Group 3. The Dreadnots, led by Wayne McKeever, narrowly missed out on last year’s senior final and are eager for another deep championship run. With a squad featuring the prolific Jay Hughes, the experience of Paraic Smith, and a solid defensive spine anchored by county stars Dermot Campbell and Anthony Williams, the Clogherhead side are the favorites in this group.
St Brides, meanwhile, find themselves in a tough position as the lowest-ranked team remaining. Despite losing key players to travel, they’ll rely on experienced heads like Kieran McArdle and Andrew Smyth, with younger talents like Evan Wynne offering a glimmer of hope. The Knockbridge side will need to dig deep if they are to avoid relegation.
St Patricks round out this group, with a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young players. Despite losing several key players to travel, they remain tricky opponents, particularly with the leadership of Kevin Toner and the emerging talent of Conor McGuinness.
Ardee St Marys vs. Geraldines: Monday, 8pm, Stabannon
The opening weekend concludes with defending champions Ardee St Marys beginning their quest for a third consecutive title against the Geraldines. Cathal Murray’s side, fresh off another league title, boasts an embarrassment of riches, with returning stars like Tadgh McDonnell and a host of young talent ready to step up. The Deesiders are heavy favorites to progress from their group, with a third Joe Ward title firmly in their sights.
The Geraldines, under Micéal Magill, face a daunting task. Led by talisman Jim McEneaney and supported by key players like Jack Traynor and Dan Corcoran, they’ll need to be at their very best to challenge the reigning champions.
Waiting for the winner of this clash is Newtown Blues, a side eager to bounce back after a disappointing group-stage exit last year. With key players like Ciaran Downey potentially returning from injury, the Blues are expected to provide strong competition in what is shaping up to be another exciting championship campaign.
As the 2024 Louth Senior Football Championship gets underway, fans can look forward to a weekend of thrilling encounters, with every team determined to make their mark in the race for the Joe Ward Cup.