Califf answers SOS call as Louth evolve the sweeper keeper

Mickey Harte handed the gloves to James Califf for the last 10 games of the season, the clear high point of which was securing promotion and winning the Division 3 title.

NEW SURROUNDINGS: Cork's Brian Hurley scores the opening goal past Louth goalkeper James Califf during the All Ireland SFC quailifier at Pairc Ui Chaoimh last year. Pic: Eddie O'Hare

The story goes that it was coach Gavin Devlin that hit on the plan to solve Louth's goalkeeping dilemma by converting an outfield player.

That was in the early months of 2022, following Craig Lynch's retirement, and after trawling through hours of club footage, Devlin figured that James Califf would fit the bill.