By Cian O'Connell

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With momentum generated and confidence increasing, Louth provide an example of what can be achieved through sheer hard graft.

Colin Kelly’s sterling work with Louth ensures they now top Division Three of the Allianz Football League, but the current challenge is to earn a second successive promotion.

During the past 18 months several new players have been introduced to the inter-county arena supplying further hope that a bright future awaits.

Former Louth goalkeeper Colm Nally, who trains the team presently, is well placed to assess the strides that have been made. “We have footballers and good talent in Louth, but the most important thing was to get lads believing that they are good enough,” Nally, who guided Meath outfit St Colmcilles to the AIB All Ireland Intermediate Final, says.

“That is something we have worked hard at trying to do. What we have now, though, really is guys want to play for Louth. That is what they want to do and that helps. Maybe that wasn't always the case, but at the moment it is good.”

Nally highlights the importance and relevance that was put on underage development in Louth during the past few years. “I was with Colin when we got to the Leinster Under 21 Final in 2012 and we also reached a Leinster Minor League Final some time ago.

“That year we didn't do as well as we would have liked in the Championship, but from those crops we have a lot of guys involved at senior level now.

“A huge amount of work has gone in at underage level to try to improve Louth.”

With Colmcilles claiming Meath and Leinster Intermediate glory Nally had  a busy, but thoroughly enjoyable schedule for a few months.  

"It was never a chore, it was busy being out nearly every night of the week training, but it was great too," Nally admits. "It was a brilliant experience.”

Having operated as a goalkeeping coach under Kelly for the seniors, Nally is delighted to have assumed the role of trainer for the 2017 campaign.

“I played a bit of minor and under 21 for Dublin before playing with Louth seniors for five years. I worked as goalkeeping coach so I was involved in the set-up, but this year I'm the coach.

“We would plan out our sessions, it probably has helped take the pressure off Colin a bit. We are delighted with how the League is going, we were very focused on our first match against Laois, we got a win there and we have really pushed on from there.”

Four League victories on the spin have been delivered by Louth, who face Armagh in an attractive clash at the Gaelic Grounds in Drogheda on Sunday. Nally is adamant that Louth need to maintain the high standards that have been set.

“When we had a goal setting meeting our first aim was to avoid relegation from Division Three,” Nally states.

“I suppose now we will be trying to be in contention for promotion on the last day of the League. I think we are going to be, but whatever happens in the next three matches we have a shot at promotion so our goals have changed.

“It is vital that we don't lose sight of what we do every Tuesday and Thursday. If we do, then we will take our eye off the ball. It is all about hard work, it is about working on the training ground, putting into practice on a Sunday what we do on Tuesday and Thursdays. That is the way it will remain, hopefully it will be successful enough for us.”

The fact that Louth’s youngsters have acquired a winning habit is a significant boost according to Nally. “Colin has mentioned earlier on, a handful of these players haven't lost much with Louth. So they are getting a different experience playing with Louth, coming into a set-up where Louth haven't been beaten as much in the last few years.

“That is a positive and they have great belief. They have added a huge amount to the squad, their enthusiasm for training, for knowledge has driven other fellas, who are seeing these lads are good and thinking I better up my game.

“They are playing knowing that there is competition for places, something we always tried to get, but we always haven't had. It is brilliant to have competition for places, that is what is driving the whole thing on.”