Fifty years on from their last All-Ireland success, Louth grabbed the nation's attention with a series of outstanding performances in the 2007 SFC qualifiers. A young man by the name of Colm Judge stole his share of the accolades. The tricky corner forward already had something of a reputation within the Wee County (and in Dublin.), but the diminutive Newtown Blues clubman demonstrated his attacking prowess to a national audience for the first time as the Reds battled their way through the back door. Ultimately, Louth's 2007 Leinster championship campaign cannot be looked upon as anything more than an abject disappointment. The Wee County went into the provincial knockout hoping to cause a surprise or two. There were murmurs that Eamonn McEneaney's men could ruffle some feathers, upset the big boys. They were the dark horses and a Leinster final appearance seemed possible (though, of course, it was never going to be easy). The first-round clash with Wicklow provided no end of thrills and spills and Louth eventually progressed at the third attempt. It was exciting granted, but hardly impressive. The Garden County should have been downed the first day. Wexford were next up and the Wee County had the benefit of three difficult games under their belt. Still, they failed to raise a gallop and the Model County sent them packing out of provincial contention with barely a whimper. What was wrong with Louth? Why had they performed to their capabilities only once in four games in Leinster? Why weren't they fulfilling their potential? Nobody had the answers. Then came the ironic twist: seven players were removed from the county squad in the wake of the shocking 0-16 to 2-8 defeat to Wexford at Croker on Sunday June 17 and - amazingly - the team that competed in the qualifiers played with more verve and vim than that which had started the season. From a hopeless position, Louth somehow transformed their summer in the face of obscene adversity. New faces came in and supplemented the team's hardcore campaigners. Together they gave a magnificent account of themselves as Louth recorded tremendous victories in both Limerick and Newbridge before losing narrowly to Cork at O'Moore Park. They almost beat the Rebels but ran out of steam with a quarter-final place (against Sligo, as it turned out.) tantalisingly within reach. From the famous Newtown Blues club in Drogheda, Colm Judge was one of the players who was propelled into the limelight. A member of one of the Wee County's best-known GAA families, there was never any doubting Judgie's ability - but could he handle the pressure and perform on the big stage? He did. Emphatically. Without warning, Louth's year ignited at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick when they beat the hosts by 0-14 to 0-13 in the first round of the qualifiers on July 7. A week later, they were on the road again, this time scoring a superb 1-16 to 1-10 victory over Kildare at Newbridge. In Portlaoise, on July 21, after a truly stunning effort, Louth were eliminated by just two points: 0-16 to 0-14. They gave Munster giants Cork a real fright in that match and looked set for victory for the best part of an hour. At corner forward, Colm Judge caused the Rebel rearguard all manner of problems throughout, just as he had done against the Lilywhites and the Treaty County. A live TV audience witnessed his dizzying skills and extraordinary heart, ensuring that Louth's best-kept secret was well and truly out. "I think the events after the Wexford game galvanised the team," says Colm, reflecting on the exodus of the so-called Louth Seven. "We just got on a good run and the belief levels were very good. We were unlucky against Cork. We pushed them all the way and they were there for the taking." Did Louth run out of steam? The last ten minutes or so looked like a bit of a slog and the Leesiders appeared much fresher in comparison. "Playing three matches in two weeks didn't help, but we can't offer that as an excuse either as that's how the qualifiers work. We could have done with a week off, but it didn't happen and we just have to move on. A good few of the lads said they felt their legs getting heavy in the last ten to 15 minutes, but we can't put the defeat down to that alone. It was still a match that we could have won. We missed a few chances when we were on top and you can't afford to do that against a county like Cork." Were the qualifiers more relaxed than Leinster? With the pressure off, was it easier to relax and play football? "I suppose a lot of people probably thought we'd go down to Limerick and get beat in the first round of the qualifiers but there was definitely a more relaxed atmosphere in the squad. There was no pressure because nothing was expected, especially after we lost some men. "We had done well enough in the league, even though we got relegated, and there was talk about us giving Leinster a good shot. I'm not sure if that got to the team or not. But there's no reason why Louth can't win Leinster because it's wide open, if you look at it. Dublin are probably a bit ahead of the rest but they might be disheartened after missing out on the All-Ireland again; and I'm not sure if Meath are as good as they looked on the day against Tyrone. Realistically, Louth can challenge. There are five or six teams in with a chance and those are all teams that we can beat." The match in Limerick marked Colm's championship debut. He had previously made substitute appearances in the NFL and O'Byrne Cup but this was his first taste of senior knockout fare. "It wasn't bad," he comments. "I had been training with the lads since 2006 and, even though I hadn't been playing, I still knew what to expect. I had also played with Shane [Lennon] in the full forward line at UCD, so that was a big help." That UCD team, with two Louth men on board, actually won the 2006 Dublin SFC and went on to reach the semi-final stage in Leinster - quite an achievement! "It was good to get it but I'd prefer a Louth medal, to be honest," Colm admits. "I don't think there's much of a gap in standards between club football in Louth and Dublin. In fact, there's a better atmosphere in Louth because everybody knows each other better." Returning to the Louth county team, what's a realistic target for 2008? Can the Wee County make a breakthrough in Leinster? Is a provincial final appearance within reach? "I think we'll be looking to get to a Leinster final, definitely. There is absolutely no reason why Louth shouldn't be there. It's all fine and well running the likes of Tyrone and Cork close in the qualifiers, but there's a time when you have to start beating the top teams. That's what we have to look at now. Narrow defeats are no good unless you can transform them into victories. "One big win could make all the difference. There's a mental block there that we have to get over. Once you start winning big games, everything changes. We ran Cork close and they got to an All-Ireland final. Even though a lot of people wrote us off beforehand, we were extremely confident going down to Kildare and Limerick, which proves that confidence is vital." Like most intercounty players, Colm keeps a close eye on every championship game. From what he saw in 2007, where would he rate Louth? "We'll be in Division Three and I suppose the tables don't lie but I certainly wouldn't rate us that low. We are definitely a good Division Two side, maybe just outside the top eight. Realistically, I'd have to admit that we deserve to be placed no higher than 13th or 14th, but we know we can move into the top eight and push for an All-Ireland quarter-final place. "That's our aim and it can be done. We have a good enough squad to do it and 2008 will tell its own story." Tweet

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