5 days ago
Callum Daly revels in putting defence first as Tyrone look to retain U20 All-Ireland crown against Louth
Callum Daly's intuitive understanding and immaculate implementation of the sweeper role is one of many obstacles that Louth will have to contend with if they're to dethrone All-Ireland U20 champions Tyrone in Wednesday's decider.
The Omagh man's reading of the game has been a key factor in the Red Hands' progression to another decider and a shot at taking a third title in four years.
It was a defensive shut-out that sealed the semi-final victory over Kerry, the collective effort held together by the coolest, calmest man on the pitch.
'I've been playing this role for a few years now, and I suppose I've had a wee bit of success there, which is good. It's just really about protecting the house,' said Daly.
'We always say if we don't concede goals, then we'll win the match, so that's just the main aim.
'You're obviously playing against top players all across the country, and that really improves me as a player.' A defensive unit worked in perfect tandem at Portlaoise, where the holders closed down the Kingdom attack to carve out a 2-14 to 0-14 win.
'We did work on that, we've seen that from the start, from the analysis. And we had it sussed out, and to be fair to Ben Hughes, he did a real good job on Tomas Kennedey, who's obviously a very dangerous player.
'They play a very nice brand of football, but we just knew if we could match their workrate, then our quality would come through, because our forwards and our defenders have just been unbelievable all year.
'And we just knew if we could get that right, then we'd win the match.' Daly has displayed maturity beyond his years in perfecting the role he first took on a couple of years ago as captain of the Omagh CBS MacRory and Hogan Cup winning team.
His instinctive approach to the game may be a natural gift, but outside influences have played a part in his development, and it's no coincidence that this rising star's traits bear striking similarities to those of senior defender Rory Brennan.
'Rory would probably be one that I would look up to. I think his reading of the game is exceptional.
'So I just try and mimic stuff that he does, you know, and learn off him.'
U20 manager Paul Devlin and his coaching team have mentored many young Tyrone footballers over the past seven years, shaping their future in the game and providing a pathway to a senior career, a route that Daly and a clutch of his team-mats look set to follow.
'It's just testament to the coaching that I have had and the players that I play with, all unbelievable. We work hard at it, and it's just nice that it pays off.' Daly already owns one All-Ireland U20 medal, and he wants to go back-to-back with victory over Louth at the Box-It Athletic Grounds on Wednesday.
'You don't want to come all this way and come second place, you know. So we've got a big few days ahead to prepare for this final.'
