Killally looking forward to Kennedy Cup campaign 

The Kildare and District Underage League men’s U14 side are currently ramping up preparations ahead of their Kennedy Cup campaign next week at the University of Limerick, according to team manager, Ciaran Killally.

The KDUL come into next week’s tournament as the current SFAI Interleague champions at U14 level, after the side claimed the title earlier this season and Killally believes his side are in a good place heading into the competition.

“We’ve had some good challenge matches in the last few days against League of Ireland Academy teams, which have been good for us. We faced CK United, and Bray Wanderers welcomed us to the Carlisle Grounds. It’s brilliant for the lads to get to play at a venue like that, ahead of the Kennedy Cup. The lads are really looking forward to the week in Limerick. Obviously after our success earlier this season, we hope that will give the lads confidence, because like any competition, one of your aims is to win it.” The Kennedy Cup comprises of teams from 30 affiliated Irish football leagues at U14 level, who compete over an entire week with additional competitions for those teams which do not progress to the latter stages of the Kennedy Cup itself. The tournament will be played on eight adjoining pitches and according to the experienced coach, games at the Kennedy Cup can take on a life of their own.

“We’ve been telling the lads all along that this is tournament football, anything can happen. We were beating some teams by two or three earlier this year, but in the Kennedy Cup the odd goal wins games. It’s brilliant for the players. They will obviously stay in accommodation in Limerick for the week. It’s almost like a World Cup camp if you like. It’s a bit of an insight into what being a professional footballer is, with recovery being so important. It’s all about the kids, and we’ve said that all along.” Kildare have 10 different clubs represented in their squad for this year’s competition and have been drawn in Group four with Cork and Limerick County.

“We’ve got a tough group. With three teams in the group, you really have no margin for error. It’s a strong group, but we are focusing on ourselves. We have seen some footage of each side on Veo and that but for us, it’s all about getting ourselves right."

KDUL Kennedy Cup Squad: Ben Fayne (Allenwood Celtic), Danny O’Dea (Clane United), Patrick Harrington (Clane United), Riley Doran (Clane United), David Morgan (Kilcock Celtic), Cathal McAuliffe (Kilcock Celtic), Zaki Abdollah (Kilcock Celtic), Jesse Farrell (Kilcock Celtic), Dylan Lawler (Kilcullen), Jamie Jacob (Kilcullen), Alfie Aspell (Kilcullen), Dean Doyle (Kilcullen), Liam Gould (Monastervin), Max Power (Naas), Kian Lawler (Naas), Tuan Lee (Prosperous United), Denas Bendikas (Sallins Celtic), Jacob Browne Larkin (Straffan), Riley Middleton (Suncroft).