Cork Schoolboys League squad ready to make a mark at Kennedy Cup in Limerick

The Cork Kennedy Cup team are in Limerick this week for the prestigious eagerly awaited tournament.

They began their campaign on Monday night with a game against Limerick County. On Tuesday, they play Interleague winners Kildare hoping to advance to the knockout stages of the competition.

Manager Paul Higgins has high hopes for the week as preparations have gone well for his squad.

“We as management have come to Limerick to compete in the latter stages of the competition. "We certainly believe we have the players to do this. I expect tough competition but based on interleague games and form, I would imagine ourselves, Kildare, DDSL and Kilkenny should all be in the mix." 

Against interleague champions Kildare, they're under no illusion though so it’s going to be a tough task to top the group.

"The squad size is 20 players and a management team of six. Eleven clubs around Cork are represented so there is a great mix and credit to the lads who really have built up a great relationship. 

"We recently had the group together for a round of Footgolfcork and I believe this was a chance for the lads to get to know one another which obviously helps and prepares them for heading away for a week together.

The talent is of very high calibre and some fantastic young footballers but that extends to the training panel all year and great credit must go to all the schoolboys' clubs for this." 

The CSL has three included for the upcoming home nations squad in Belfast in June with Dara O Connor (Castleview AFC), Sean Dollard (Wilton) and Sean Hogan (Lakewood) in line to wear the Irish jersey. They also have two boys on standby Rob Allen (Ringmahon) and Jamie O’Donovan (Leeds). 

"I believe there are plenty of boys with enough ability to play at a higher level in the future should they wish and a few of them turned down big clubs to participate in Kennedy Cup this year for the Cork Schoolboys League and I hope they are happy with their decision, especially come the end of this week. 

"We hope they have a fantastic week, playing good football but as important, building great friendships.” 

Having lost almost 30 players to League of Ireland clubs Cobh and Cork City last July, Higgins and his backroom staff of Danny Quinlan, Shane Sherlock, Barbara O’Connell, Alan Cooper and Caoilte Forrest had to rebuild, and the gruelling process began.

"We lost two very important and fantastic coaches as well, Colin Yelverton and Ian Ryan. We have a great management team with each individual coach bringing some great qualities to the squad. 

GREAT BLEND

"Danny, is someone you'll hear before you see him," laughs Higgins. "He is very passionate about Cork football and has put on great sessions throughout the year. Shane is our goalkeeping coach and his attention to detail is superb. 

"Barbara is someone everyone knows, her love and enthusiasm for the game is brilliant. Alan Cooper brings a real passion to the group and has a great relationship with the boys. 

"Caoilte is our set piece expert and a great coach to have. So I believe we have a great blend."

Their preparations started a long time ago with panel numbers were reduced along the way, which wasn’t always easy. 

"The amazing thing about this group right up to a few days back we had three boys training on standby and massive credit must go to Ryan O’Leary (Avondale), Ronan Dineen (Wilton) and Cian Duke (Kinsale), who played a huge part and took part in every session after the disappointment of missing out so we are very grateful to them boys. 

If we make it to the final I would hope to bring the three lads up and be part of the day.

“But for now it’s about getting a result today and see where the draw takes us then. Hopefully, it can be a great week for the lads they’ve really worked hard for this and I hope they can get their rewards.

“A special mention to Ivan Bevan who donated sponsorship money from Kieran Dunlea memorial game which will provide water and Lucozade for the squad for the week. Neodyne Ltd for their help towards physio and recovery sessions and big thanks to parents for their support all year without them none of this would be possible. 

"The final thanks must go to the CSL and Eddie Doyle and especially chairman Peter Connolly who has been at every training session from start to finish and his support and passion to the players and staff doesn't go unnoticed by us. That man bleeds the Cork jersey."