PUMP IT!

Brennan is learning about cost of success as Louth try to navigate the choppy waters of All-Ireland series alongside some big fish

- BY MICHAEL SCULLY

GER BRENNAN admits that the air went out of Louth’s balloon after their historic Leinster SFC final triumph.

But the Wee County supremo feels his players have re-inflated in time for their highly difficult knock-out Championship showdown with Ulster champions Donegal.

That Croke Park victory over Meath ended a 68-year wait for a provincial title and it was only natural that there would be a hangover following the celebrations and as the players were lauded across the county for their breakthrough success.

But after All-Ireland group stage defeats to Monaghan and Down, Brennan's charges beat Clare in their final game to make the All-Ireland preliminary quarter-finals.

Yesterday morning’s draw has handed them arguably the toughest mission possible — a trip to Ballybofey next Sunday.