“Sold out! Absolutely no tickets will be available on the day!!”
So declared the Leinster Council early yesterday afternoon, and it’s not often you hear that for a quarter-final involving two relative outsiders for the provincial title, nor the hottest of football rivals.
It is easily explained by Louth’s home advantage at the Gaelic Grounds in Drogheda – a rare championship treat for the venue with a capacity of just 3,500, and the bonus prize for Louth’s surprisingly comfortably win over Laois two weeks ago, in Portlaoise, by a very healthy 1-16 to 1-6.
Not everyone in Louth is happy about the choice of venue, not surprisingly that includes the ones left without a ticket. Some Louth supporters will argue too that the county has a poor record in Drogheda, and lost out to Wexford here during the league.
Swung firmly
Since then form has swung firmly in Louth's favour. Manager Aidan O'Rourke inherited a team in transition, yet he quickly restored some consistency – finishing fourth in Division Two, before orchestrating that shock big win over Laois, All-Ireland quarter-finalists last season.
Better still for Louth was their range of scoring, seven players chipping in, including eight of the sweetest from Brian White. Shane Lennon marked his return to championship action after a year out with 1-3, and there was a smarter, more productive style to Louth’s game than anyone had really expected.
All of the unknowns, therefore, rest with Wexford who went on to be relegated from Division Two, giving their new manager Aidan O’Brien plenty to work on. They did enjoy a productive three-day training spell in Fota Island recently, and certainly won’t fear Louth. Forward Ben Brosnan certainly talked up Wexford’s prospects, recalling how they made the Leinster final in 2008, also coming off relegation from Division Two.
Redmond Barry captains the side from full forward, and with Ciarán Lyng back to full fitness alongside, Wexford certainly have the quality of forwards to match Louth.
Lee Chin’s selection is interesting, given he’s also down to play with the Wexford hurlers this evening: he’s up to the task although it’s defensively that Wexford need to tighten up if they’re to win this, especially after leaking so many scores in the league.
