Bevan Duffy backs his former Louth team-mates to get the job done
Bevan Duffy of Louth, pictured for AIB ahead of the 2026 GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Semi-Finals. This year marks a significant milestone as AIB celebrates its 11th year supporting the GAA All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. This season, AIB are celebrating the profound impact of managers, mentors, and backroom teams. Behind every county, are those who lift us all
By John Harrington
Bevan Duffy believes his former Louth team-mates will view Saturday’s All-Ireland semi-final against Mayo as a match they must win rather than bonus territory.
Duffy won a Leinster championship in his 13th and final season with Louth last year, and knows better than most how ambitious this group of Wee County players are.
“A lot of supporters would be of the opinion that it's bonus point territory and it's great to be there, but, I tell you one thing, that group is focused on one thing and that's winning that match,” says Duff.
“They've worked hard, that group's been to some very dark places and come out of it and come out for the better and they'll know the opportunity in front of them, they'll be fully aware of it and they will be fully focused on winning that match.”
What does Duffy think will be the key battle-grounds on Saturday?
“I think the two keepers, it’ll be interesting to see their impact,” he says. “Two lads who are in the running for All-Stars I'd imagine.
“Two great shot-stoppers. Livingstone, I've only seen a little bit of, but I obviously know Niall McDonnell, he's a club-mate of mine, and I've known him a long time.
“He's an outstanding shot-stopper and his kick-outs have been brilliant. He's got all the kicks and has great options out in the midfield. You can't just look at kick-outs as the responsibility of the goalkeeper, it's a team thing. That's going to be a key battle, the midfield battle is going to be huge.
“You've got the bench impact which Louth have been really strong on. Casey (Ciaran Byrne) coming off the bench, has been brilliant. He's an outstanding athlete and he loves the occasion. The bigger occasion, he revels in it.
“Tadhg McDonnell was brilliant off the bench the other day as well. That's going to be a big thing for Louth.
“And then on the Mayo side, I think you're probably looking at the inside line. You're looking at Darragh Beirne, Ryan O'Donoghue, and Kobe.
“Obviously you need to get some control of them as best you can or restrict them as best you can, but I think the midfield battle and the bench impact is going to be huge.”
Bevan Duffy of Louth with his daughter Lydia, age 5, after the Leinster GAA Football Senior Championship final match between Louth and Meath at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile.
What would it mean to Louth people if they could win the Sam Maguire Cup for the first time since 1957?
“It would be unbelievable, it would be some stuff of dreams,” says Duffy. “It would mean so much to that group.
“They’ve been breaking through ceilings every season for the last number of years and ticking boxes and moving forward.
“The group themselves won't be getting bogged down, they'll be focused on performing.
“I'm confident in the group, I think we match up quite well against Mayo. If they perform, they can win, but I think it's going to be a draw after normal time and then we’re going to do it in extra-time.”
