Louth boss laments loss of Blues’ McDonnell
LOUTH boss Wayne Kierans was generally pleased with his side’s opening-round win in the O’Byrne Cup over old rivals Meath.
There were plenty of positives provided on the wintry Sunday, yet one resounding negative has clouded the forthcoming season, with the news surrounding Andy McDonnell’s availability breaking in the aftermath.
‘Unfortunately we’ve lost Andy,’ Kierans lamented in the postmatch huddle under the archaic Pairc Tailteann stand.
‘One of the mainstays of the team over the last nine or 10 years. it’s obviously a blow.
‘I’ve had some very good conversations with Andy over the last few weeks and he’s not saying it’s over for ever. He’s under a lot of pressure work-wise, so at the moment he won’t be involved with us, but who knows, after Christmas and into the championship run we’ll see how it is.
‘He’s an absolute pleasure to work with. He has a fantastic attitude, and fantastic ability.
‘The conversations were very positive and amicable, so we’ll see what happens in the future. For the likes of Andy, the door will always be open.’
With McDonnell absent for the foreseeable future, opportunity now knocks for Kierans’ extended training panel. Regardless of the result, Kierans was happy to focus on the players who are there and their endeavour.
‘We’re happy with the performance,’ Kierans commented.
‘A collective performance is really what we were after; that was the objective. We were looking for a workmanlike, intense performance. That was the basis and we got that, and the win was a bonus.
‘I thought our composure during the second half, where Meath were always going to come on strong, was quite good.
‘There is lots we have to work on, in terms of trying to finish the game stronger and getting more attacks in against the wind, but I’m really happy with the performance of the boys.
‘To keep them to 10 scores, keep a clean sheet and get a goal at the other end is very positive. It’s all positive from today’s performance.’
Kierans singled out Westerns’ Tommy Durnin for special praise.
‘Tommy Durnin, he got through an unbelievable amount of work all over the pitch. Tommy was the captain today, he’s one of the leaders in our team, so you’d always expect it from him, but fair play to him, he pretty much always delivers in a red shirt.’
Delving deeper into his options, Kierans has no problems bringing the same bunch out in Drogheda this coming Saturday against Westmeath. Getting exposure at this time of year and seeing the progression of some of Kierans’ minor darlings is also satisfying and something to be built on.
‘It’ll be a similar squad for next week,’ Kierans insisted.
‘Bar a couple of changes here or there, that’s pretty much certain. For January 4th, the last game, there may be a couple of more changes when we get lads back fit.
‘The panel is only going to get stronger and that’s another positive. For a lot of lads to get 70 minutes under their belt is a massive bonus.
‘The debutants today, I’m very, very proud to see some lads coming through from the minor teams I was involved with a couple of years ago and put in quality performances today against a Division 1 side. It’s very positive for the future.’
Kierans touched briefly on the new rules that will come into effect in this year’s National League and is happy overall with the scheduling of the pre-season competition before the festive period.
‘I’m not entirely sure about the mark,’ he declared. ‘It probably leads to a more direct style.
‘I think the kickouts are a no brainer, getting the ball up the pitch further.
‘I’d be happy enough with the scheduling of the competition. I think two games before Christmas is good because we train, train and train, but we need to play games. Two competitive games before Christmas, albeit in a pre-season competition, is fine.
‘I didn’t like the way there were games between Christmas and new year [last season], I didn’t think that was fair.
‘We’ve a game on January 4th, immediately after Christmas, and if you do quality the semi-final is on January 10th/11th, which leads you into the league nicely.’
He’s not saying it’s over for ever. He’s under a lot of pressure workwise, so at the moment he won’t be involved.