Keenan backs Lilywhites
July 30, 2010Keenan is well qualified to assess both teams, having played against them in the Leinster championship. Louth recorded a shock six-point victory over the Lilywhites before being brought crashing back down to earth with a bang following their controversial defeat to Meath in the final.
But, in spite of this, the St. Patrick's clubman is backing Kildare on the basis that they have the greater momentum behind them after their wins over Antrim (after a replay), Antrim, Leitrim, Derry and Monaghan in the qualifiers.
"They're a completely different team now. Apart from a short spell here and there, they didn't get going against us at all that day. Maybe they underestimated us. In fairness, we played well, but Kildare were very disappointed. They have improved with every game since then and will now be full of confidence after running up so many wins," Keenan said in the Irish Independent.
Meath could have no complaints had they lost the Leinster final, having been outplayed by Louth in the second half. But their blushes were spared by Joe Sheridan's illegal last-gasp winning goal.
"No point going back on that goal now," said Keenan.
"Meath got a lot of flak over what happened that day, which was unfair on the players. I'm sure they'll be using it as a motivation against Kildare.
"Apart from that goal, it was a strange performance by Meath. They won a lot of breaking ball in the first half and were strong in the tackle, but once we put things together in the second half, the scene changed.
"It's hard to see how it can be anything but a close game on Sunday, but I feel that Kildare may just have the edge." Tweet
