BY RYAN FERRY
THE Kennedy Cup is one of the most prestigious competitions in Irish football and Donegal Underage League manager Paddy McNulty is hoping his young charges really enjoy the action in Limerick.
A host of Irish internationals first came to prominence at the Kennedy Cup and went on to bigger and better things.
For others, the Under 14 competition is the highlight of their footballing careers as they rub shoulders with the best players from around the country.
Cappry man McNulty has brought this DUL side up through the ranks and it has been an enjoyable journey so far.
They will travel to Limerick with confidence although McNulty says they have been handed a tough group.
“We will head down on Sunday and our first game is on Monday at 4pm,” said McNulty.
“We have probably got one of the hardest groups in it to be honest.
“We have Mayo who are the most physical side we have played so far first up. That’s where our focus is because they are a very good team.
“We have Roscommon then on Tuesday at 10 o’clock and Kilkenny at 4pm.
“We have 19 players in the squad and that includes two goalkeepers and everyone will be needed.
“It’s three-and-a-half years since we took over and we have a great time with this squad.
“There’s no pressure on us. We’re going down to enjoy it and whatever happens, happens.
“They are a great bunch of lads who have worked extremely hard.”
Donegal have proven in recent years that they can compete with the best teams in the country.
Indeed they are the current SFAI Under 14 Inter-League champions after a goal from Levi Kelly of St Catherine’s saw them defeat South Belfast back in March.
That was a big win for the team and they have tried to keep busy since.
Tournament football can play out differently with games coming thick and fast and McNulty isn’t putting any pressure on his side.
“The main aim this year was to win the All-Ireland after being beat in the final last year by Cork.
“That was our massive push this year to see if we could get over the line and win the All-Ireland and we beat Belfast 1-0 in the final and there was big relief after that.
“We’re going to take a different approach for the Kennedy Cup.
“We’re going to go down and enjoy it. It’s going to be one of the best weeks the boys will ever have in their lives and we want to make sure they enjoy it number one.
“Some players go and play in the National Leagues with the Finn Harps and the Derrys and Sligo Rovers and whoever, a lot of players hold back to make sure they play in the Kennedy Cup.
“This is the highlight for a lot of the players.
“There’s 31 teams in it this year. There is one group of three and the rest have four.
“It’s a big week and it will take a lot out of the management, never mind the boys!”
McNulty’s players have been busy with their club and schools teams as well as the representative side.
Some of them have come to prominence at other sports as well so there has been a heavy workload but McNulty says good co-operation has helped all concerned.
“It has been a busy few months.
“About half of our squad are part of the Under 14 GAA county squad and they have worked with us on numerous weekends to make sure we were able to play games and prepare.
“It’s great when you have multiple sports working together.
“At the end of the day, it’s about the young boys and letting them play as many sports as they can.
“Let them decide then in a few years’ time when they aren’t able to both because there are more clashes.
“But no, people have been very supportive throughout the county.”
Donegal Underage League squad: Caolan Devine, Harry Lafferty, Peader Finegan, Aaron Mc Bride, Oliver Maguire, Charlie Carr, Darragh O’Sullivan, Eoghan O’Neill, Harry Mc Bride, Logan Morrow, Sam Tourish, Levi Kelly, Zac O’Carroll, Tiarnan Catterson, Ryan Mc Nulty, Daithi Mc Hugh, Dominic Cush, Martin Og Coll, Darragh Coyle.
Coaches – Patrick Mc Nulty, David O’Carroll, John Brennan, Patrick Carr, Caolan McConnell.