Kennedy Cup Squad return
The Kennedy Cup squad arrived back in Ballyowen Park to a hero’s welcome on Friday evening, after the best ever placing for the SDFL. Although they were beaten by the DDSL with a goal 7 minutes from time in the final, they were thoroughly magnificent throughout the tournament. The flags flew high and bunting decorated the HQ as a large crowd gathered to cheer the returning team as they stepped off the bus. You can read the match reports on the Emerging Talent page, and the Kennedy Cup diary below is an interesting view of the week from the players perspective.
 
House 6 take their turn to clean up, and right the lads celebrate after reaching the Kennedy Cup Final
 
Right Captain Fionn Geoghegan leads the huddle v Kildare, and left the sides line up before the Final
 
Right Goalkeeing Coach Mark Connors talks to Andrew & Conor, Left"Technical Team" Chris & Dermot prepare dinner
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Kennedy Cup Diary
Six different players were asked to keep a diary from this year’s Kennedy Cup. These are extracts from that diary.
Day 1. Finally, today was the day that had taken so long to come. I got up at 9 O Clock and was really excited. I went down stairs and had my breakfast and then started to feel nervous. Went to the League HQ in Ballyowen Pk and met all the other lads. My excitement and nerves were shared by all. We left on the bus and when we arrived at the university campus we went into our houses and relaxed for a while. We then had a light training session, but as it was a scorching hot day we were sweating a lot. Had a meal at the sports bar, hung out around the houses, watched some TV and were in bed at 10.30. The serious stuff starts tomorrow.
Day 2 Today I woke up, and ate a big breakfast to prepare for the match v Dundalk. At breakfast Alex Lynch told us that he had a dream, in his dream we drew the first game, won the 2nd match 4-1 and the third by 6 or 7 goals! Everyone laughed. There was a lot of tension in the camp about the starting team, who would be selected? No one knew apart from the Manager & Coach and they were not telling us, yet. When Shay announced the team many were delighted to be selected-myself included, but those who were not, showed a brilliant attitude. Can’t wait for kickoff, the start of a good Kennedy Cup for us. The game ended 0-0, we should have won. Back to the houses for something to eat, we relaxed, had a team meeting and went to bed.
Day 3
Two games today, our first meeting was at 9.30 and the team was announced. I was not selected, but I needed to stay focused in case I got the call. We started off well and a brace each from Mc Namara and Mc Keever gave us a 4-1 win. I came on in the 2nd half and thought I played well, will I start the 2nd game? We went back to our accommodation, had some food, slept for an hour, then got ready for the all important match at 5pm. When the team was selected again I was on the bench, I was a little upset but tried to stay positive, I knew I could do a job if needed. Our Coach JJ had told us that we needed to score goals and that is what we did. 3 up at half time. Our manager Shay told me to warm up and I felt a rush of excitement, I made a goal, scored from distance and we ended up winning 7-0 and topping group 3. What a day! We are all so happy and look forward to playing the Midlands tomorrow in the QF. We all tell Alex to get to bed early and have another dream!
Day 4
We were all very excited for our forthcoming match in the quarter finals, we were playing the Midlands League at 3 O Clock and the game could’nt come quick enough. Alex did not dream last night but he had a feeling we would win by one goal. Later we ask him for the lotto numbers! At 11 we went for a short walk to loosen the legs, then we did some stretching, back home for lunch and headed off to our rooms to relax. Later we got our jerseys, had our team talk and then started making our way over to pitch 4 to begin our warm up. The match got off to a bad start for us when they scored a penalty, but Vincent scored either side of half time to win the game for us. We are delighted to get to the Semi’s and make history for the SDFL.
Day 5
Today was the day of our big semi final v Wicklow. We ate a little breakfast at ten and at twelve we went for a walk and did some stretching. Back home for dinner and confined to bed for an hour after. Our match kicked off at 5 O Clock and we went one nil up with an early goal. Somehow we found ourselves 1-1, but Hogey grabbed a late winner. We now had a final to look forward to, and we are the first SDFL team to get to the Kennedy Cup final. In the evening we all go to the cinema to see Robin Hood, had supper when we returned and off to bed, exhausted!
Day 6
As I awoke this morning I felt a mixture of nerves & excitement, but I was a little relieved at breakfast to learn that everyone else felt the same. We had another walk and did some stretching and most of us were fairly stiff by now. Back home to prepare for the match, and when Shay announced the team I was thrilled to be picked, however I did feel a little for those on the bench but that is all part of the game. During the warm up I began to appreciate how big an occasion this was, and when the national anthem was played I was filled with pride. There was an unbelievable feeling when we scored, tempered with such disappointed when we conceded, and when the Trophy was presented I thought “It should be us”. Later we loaded up the bus and headed home, we were wrecked but we would do it all again next week!.
One last surprise for us, a heroes welcome back at Ballyowen Pk, the flag flying and a spread laid on for us. |
Manager says “Thanks”
The Committee, Management and Technical staff of the Kennedy Cup Squad, wanted to publicly send their thanks to all those who contributed to the 2nd place finish in Limerick this week. Speaking in Ballyowen Park after the Squads return South Dublin Football League C.E.O. Michael O Brien said “First and foremost the players have been the most important people and they deserve all the praise that has and will come their way. Already two of them have received immediate recognition by the FAI, but behind them there was another team working to make it all possible. Director of Coaching Tommy Carberry, Coaches Shay Cunningham and J.J. Glynn, Goalkeeping Coach Mark Connors have been superb to work with and the efforts of the committee could never be truly appreciated enough. From our CEO, Chairperson, Secretary etc, to Head of Delegation Brendan Finn, “Big” Phil, Dermot and Chris our cooks & slaves for the week. The Physio Cyril Garvey got more busy as the week progressed, and did a great job getting players ready for action. Thank you also to those who sent their best wishes of support, to Tina who kept us updated on them all, and to those who travelled down to give us great vocal support at every game.” This squad has been together 4 seasons now and 7 of the original trialist’s made it into the final 20. We also wanted to thank all of the other players and Coaches who at various times were part of the group, as they too contributed to the success enjoyed this week. Thanks should also go to all of the Managers & Coaches of the SDFL under 13 division for their help and cooperation over the years, and for producing the players in the first place, and once again to all the parents and family members for bringing them to Ballyowen Pk and Peamount week after week. Even managers of the under 14 sides within our League who provided opposition in challenge games which were very benificial to the development of the squad.
The second place finish this year shows what Talent exists with the SDFL on and off the pitch, and hopefully this is only the beginning of more good things to come. Rome wasn't build in a day, and the work going on since 2006 is beginning to be felt.
 
Right Manager Shay Cunningham with the original 7 squad members and left JJ Glynn warms the players up prior to the first game |
