Been there, done it.
Louth are on the up, Pete McGrath is as hungry as ever. This makes sense.
The All-Ireland-winning boss of 1991 and 1994 replaces Colin Kelly in the Wee County hotseat and a new era begins on the east coast and it starts with Division Two football.
Pete McGrath has being Ratified as new Louth Senior Football Team Manager on a two year term at tonight's County Board Meeting in Darver pic.twitter.com/65RMBlaNpS
— Louth GAA (@louthgaa) September 27, 2017
To lead them through that era is only one of the most decorated managers in the game, fresh from the Fermanagh job where, just back in 2015, he won plaudits there too for their sensational run to the All-Ireland quarter-final where they had a ding-dong battle with Dublin.
In a statement from Louth GAA, the excitement in the county can already be felt.
“Pete McGrath was tonight appointed our new Senior Football Team Manager on a two-year term, with the option of a 3rd,” the statement reads.
“A native of Down, Pete managed the Mourne-men to their All-Ireland title wins in 1991 and 1994 and also Managed the Down Minors to All Ireland glory in 1987. Pete also managed the International Rules Series in 2004.
“Pete is one of the most respected figures in Gaelic Football, and is also joined by Down man Declan Mussen. Two more Selectors will be appointed shortly.”
And it’s not like he comes without serious, serious precedent.
Pete McGrath’s managerial record:
- 2 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship (1991, 1994)
- 2 Ulster Senior Football Championship (1991, 1994)
- 1 National Football League Division 3 (1997)
- 4 Dr McKenna Cup (1989, 1992, 1996, 1998)
- 1 All-Ireland Minor Football Championship (1987)
- 2 Ulster Minor Football Championship (1986, 1987)
- 2 Ulster Under-21 Football Championship (2009, 2008)
Throw into that mix the fact that McGrath has won four Hogan Cup titles at schools level too along with six MacRory gongs and you get the picture, this man knows how to breed winners.
