Louth hurling manager Pat Clancy is already planning for the 2013 season.

The Westmeath native's late appointment for his second spell as Louth boss for the 2012 season meant that preparations were limited and as such the Reds made a slow start to the year.

However, they gradually built up a head of steam and powered through to a second successive Nicky Rackard Cup final (losing to Armagh).

Determined that his team will hit the ground running in the new year, Clancy is currently scouring the county in search of talent that may have slipped under the radar.

With the county SHC in full swing and Naomh Moninne and Pearse Og set to collide at Clan na Gael Park on Saturday night (7pm), Clancy told hoganstand.com that he'll be taking in all the club action:

"We'll be scouring the county and attending as many club games as possible in the hope of unearthing two or three new players who could make a difference.

"I've been to the club championship games and I'm trying to see as many lads as I can. There may be a couple of dual players there who would make a difference if they played hurling but they will always put football first in Louth.

"We'll be looking at the national league first and foremost. We will have to make a better start this time. We weren't that far away from a final place this year despite making a slow start, so it's important we hit the ground running."

The full interview with Pat Clancy - looking back on 2012 and forward to 2013 - will appear in 'Wee County 2012'. Tweet

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