Andy McDonnell

Aug 6, 2024 | independent.ie | Andy McDonnell

Andy McDonnell’s review of Louth senior footballers’ seasonNiall McDonnell made a great impression during his first season as Louth's senior team goalkeeper. It must be when referee Noel Mooney blew the final whistle at a packed Grattan Park, which resulted in Louth supporters storming the field to congratulate their heroes. A one-point victory over Cork ensured that for the first time in our history, we would be in the draw for the last eight of the All-Ireland series.

Jul 30, 2024 | independent.ie | Andy McDonnell

Sam Maguire heads north to Armagh for the second time in their history, ending a wait of 22 years. While the spectacle failed to reach the heights of the previous week’s hurling All-Ireland final, it was certainly a cagey affair with only a point separating the sides on the day. Both teams went into the encounter believing that they could bring the biggest prize in Gaelic football back to their respective counties and Armagh just about did enough to come out on the right side of the result.

Jul 22, 2024 | independent.ie | Andy McDonnell

Andy McDonnell: Why can’t Louth GAA club championship finals not be fixed for earlier? A few weeks ago, I highlighted my views on the current Louth club league format. In the column, I outlined how I felt there were too many games being played and at times there were too many games played within a short space of time. I spoke to players from junior, intermediate and senior grades in the aftermath of the piece and all shared similar views.

Jul 22, 2024 | independent.ie | Andy McDonnell

Andy McDonnell: Why can’t Louth GAA club championship finals be fixed for earlier? Newtown Blues' Andy McDonnell blocks Liam Jackson's shot for Ardee St Mary's during the 2022 SFC final at Clan na Gael Park, which ended in a draw. Picture: Aidan Dullaghan/NewspicsA few weeks ago, I highlighted my views on the current Louth club league format. In the column, I outlined how I felt there were too many games being played and at times there were too many games played within a short space of time.

Jul 16, 2024 | independent.ie | Andy McDonnell

Who would have thought back in May that this year’s All-Ireland finalists would be Armagh and Galway. Both teams are fully deserving of their place in the decider with Galway dethroning Dublin before seeing off Donegal, while the Orchard county also did it the hard way, overcoming Kerry after trailing by four points at half-time. Kieran McGeeney’s men travelled to Croke Park as underdogs, taking on the men from the Kingdom. I believed that Kerry would do enough to grind out a win.