Louth must take ‘aggressive’ approach to semi-final clash
Leinster SFC: Kildare hold ‘no fear’ for Reds, says Wexford match-winner Downey
CIARÁN Downey wants Louth to take an “aggressive” approach to Sunday week’s Leinster semi-final clash with Kildare at Croke Park.
The Newtown Blues clubman struck two spectacular goals in last weekend’s victory over Wexford in Portlaoise, which followed the Lilies’ dramatic defeat of Wicklow at the same venue.
Louth pipped Kildare in Carlow last month to secure Division 2 status for next year and have now set their sights on a second successive provincial decider appearance.
“We want to be as aggressive as possible and punch holes in opposition defences,” Downey said.
“We’ve got a lot of boys who have pace and Croke Park should lend itself to using that. With modern football, some days develop differently and you could have a locked up shop some days.
“I don’t know how they’re going to approach the semi-final but you’d imagine Croke Park lends to how we want to play. We want to go for it.
“Kildare won’t fear us and we don’t fear them. They’re a big, physical team who are not as bad as their form may suggest. Wicklow had a serious win against Westmeath and came in with a free shot. We played Kildare in a similar game in the league where they had a free shot so it’s nice to have a bit of pressure on the line for both teams and see how we both react.
“While you’re in the middle of it (playing career), it’s hard to take a look at what’s really going on in terms of achievements but we really want to push as high as we can go. We’ve a great following and we really want to give people something to follow. The higher we can get, the bigger the following and the more kids and people who are mad for Louth – that’s the brand we want to sell.
“We’re a tight bunch and as a group, we’re trying to heal those scars that we’ve spoken about before and actively trying to change how people approach games – the supporters, ourselves as players and the management.
“There is a big emphasis on ‘no panic’ and Ger (Brennan) is very good at it. We stick to the plan and you can see with this group, we have probably experienced all the sort of games at this stage.”
Though Downey accepts that the Reds will have to produce a better performance the next day having stuttered at times in the win over Wexford.
“Probably not,” he added, when asked if he was happy with his team’s display.
“Wexford carved us open a few times and we were probably off in a few areas that we pride ourselves on. We’ll review and we’ll review heavily. We’ll need to have conversations and the group is aware of that. We have a good group for being aware and sitting down to tidy up what we need to.”