Louth's Declan Byrne enjoying transition into life as a goalkeeper

On Wednesday night the Louth Footballers got their year off to a great start with a narrow 1-8 to 0-9 win over Westmeath in their O’Byrne Cup opener.

The tie saw nine players making their competitive Senior debuts, but there another debutant of sorts as veteran attacker Declan Byrne made his first proper appearance in between the posts as Louth’s newest goalkeeper.

“This is all alien to me as I’m used to be being at the other end of the field” noted the St Mochtas playmaker. “I didn’t find it too bad (the transition). I suppose the keeper role has changed.

“It is more about playing the ball when you get the opportunity. I didn’t have to make any stops or anything like that tonight, it was sorting my kickouts and handling a bit of ball. It was alright, but bigger challenges lie ahead.”

When the prospect of returning to inter-county football materialised a few months ago, it was a call that Byrne relished, as it was a chance line out for the Wee County once again.

Yet he admits it was not decision he took lightly, with plenty of things to ponder before committing to the cause. However, the success of Dreadnots James Califf, who went from an outfield position being the new No1, did have an influence on him.

“I had to chat to my wife and see if she would let me out of the house.  But when Mickey Harte rings you and asks you to come in and do a role from the team, It is very hard to say no. I still think the body is well able to do it and hopefully I can contribute.

James was brilliant last year. I suppose I see myself in that mould, being able to go out and play a bit of ball, which possibly factored into my thinking. But there was a lot of factors and stuff to consider. I have made the decision now and I’m glad I made it, as I’m enjoying my time here.”

While the Louth Village native knows his role is to stop scores instead of bagging them, that doesn’t mean his eagerness to raise the odd white flag in a big game has burnt out. With the tie still up for grabs, Byrne came extremely close to bagging a point, only for his ranged effort to drift slightly wide.

"You have to be able to pick and choose when you go, I’m a bit disappointed as I should’ve kicked the ball over the bar” he exclaimed.

“I suppose if I had 15 on the back of my jersey it would have gone over. It’s all about having the energy and maybe saving yourselves for the kickouts instead.”