CK has named his team
Here’s my Reaction
Wow, Loads of talking points there….where do I Begin?
Mid-dleofthe-field
A number of things stick out here, a new partnership, a debutant, our problem area, league campaign scapegoat and finally a gamble.
Tommy Durnin gets the start, fair play to the Westerns man; he’s there on merit and has made an impact in his first season involved. Starting him, to me, is a massive gamble, not because of his ability but because he didn’t start there in the league and we now have another midfield partnership. Bevan is the constant and he’ll pick up and nullify Westmeath captain Ger Egan (if he stays there)
It also begs the question: why bring James ‘Peach’ Califf in if you don’t start him with his freetaking and experience he’s a better candidate and if doesn’t have 70 inter county minutes in him bring Durnin in then like he did so well in the league.
Kelly is obviously going for broke as saw midfield as a massive problem during the league lets home his luck comes in.
No Place
Other midfield candidates and major non selection talking points are the notable absentees: Eoin O’Connor and Derek Crilly.
Both have played with their clubs recently so they are not injured and with their versatility I’m very surprised they don’t have place on the first 15.
However super impact players to have on stand-by.
Our 2 half flanks
Stewart played wingback during the league
Reido played Wing forward during the league
Decky played wing forward during the league.
Very surprising to see all three named to play alternative positions.
But, here’s the thing.
The league was the league and we got relegated. So maybe Kelly is right to change these lads around.
Reido was a success there under AOR and he could end up picking Sharry or K Martin and you think, that actually suits us.
Decky can come onto the ball a lot better at 5 and drive forward too, He will pick up John Stapleton, a midfielder by trade so match up wise it’s also a plus.
James Stewart has the engine to play modern day wing forward, he’ll track Paddy Holloway and get through a site of work at 10 and have an influence on the game. Arguably more than he ever would at wing back.
And finally, Derek Maguire will use his pace to track James Dolan and put him on the back foot also so those match ups and selections although surprising, couldn’t be better!
So a lot of confidence to be gained.
pep in the step
A good news story; A top player back in the fold because he wants to play for Louth! With so many lads going the other way it’s refreshing to see the Clogherhead man back on the Louth team sheet. Pepe missed the league but has the experience and sheer footballing ability to slot back in. Does that mean we are now going with 3 inside? Yes, but not necessarily Pepe can come out and give Judge a help on the forty if needs be. Pepe was excellent in a roaming role against Laois a few seasons back. An intelligent footballer and gives us some flexibility up front no doubt about it.
what is your reaction???
add in the comments below!
{ 17 comments… read them below or add one }
Who’s captaining the side this year?
Best of luck to both the minor and senior teams this weekend!!! Interesting selection by Kelly. After the way the league ended he hasnt much to loose by making so many changes.
Not surprised Eoin O Connor left out He only managed to finish one league game Either being taken off or sent off in the rest Durin deserves his chance
Just seen Louth have the worst defense in all 4 leagues? Westmeath at evens! Lump on, Iarmhí Abú
I for one cannot understand how their is not even one Sean O’Mahony’s player on the squad never mind not starting. They went the whole way in Leinster last year and as they say “grand old team to play for”
UP THE SOM!
Kelly has normally started the team he selects maybe not in same positions or forced by injury
Methinks Micko (the cute kerry h. r )had something to do with that line up.
Suspended.
Nothing against Tommy i’ve wanted him on the panel for years…just think its a big ask for chap on his debut. Go with experience and then bring him in…he’s played that role off the bench really well for us already this year.
Eoin O’Connor deserves a place for me…midfield or in full forward line. Certainly not overrated he can do it for Pats he will be do it for Louth, needs time.
great point and totally agree with you…its my only real worry, the shape and organisation come the white heat of championship!
Match-ups ‘look and sound’ good, my only concern would be the timing of these widespread changes/positional changes, they’re all good, young talented players who are more than capable on the big day, I’m just hoping they’ve had enough time over the past few weeks to gel in that team shape.
Best of luck to the lads tho, An Lu ABU
Think you might be a bit critical of tommy in the middle..alright crilly is an obvious absentee but peach Califf has never performed for louth useless in the middle in the middle of the field for louth juniors last year and does Eoin o Connor honestly warrant a place think he is very overrated??
Would be very suprised if that team took the field. Declan Byrne out of position and no Dessie Finnegan.
What about Kevin toner cb, had a decent league and I’m bit confused as to y he’s not starting
No way will that be the starting 15!
Great for him and an inspiration to all players in Louth whatever the grade. best of luck to him!
personally as a former Westerns player i’m delighted for tommy durnin
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