He moved from player to manager and Willie Kennedy and the Junior Footballers are now gunning for a league and championship double. Ahead of the championship final this Friday, 5th September, he spoke with club PRO Mick McGlynn.
Two years ago they were celebrating a double: AFL9 league success and a Sheridan Cup victory. Now our Junior A Footballers are looking at an even more prestigious double honour. They lie second in AFL8 two points behind league leaders Wild Geese but with two games in hand. They remain unbeaten, winning eight and drawing three.
But their focus at present is away from the league. This Friday they are seeking to accomplish what club teams aspire to at beginning of every season: a county championship. Willie Kennedy’s charges face a strong Raheny side at Parnell Park on Friday with throw-in at 7pm.
Four years ago Willie took the reins of the team that was previously fondly dubbed ‘The Hit Squad’. Previously a player on the side, he is in prime position to assess the progress of our Junior A’s in recent years. “As the competition has increased every year our football has developed,” he explains. “Four years ago we were dragging players out for some of the games but now we have 20 out training. For fellas who were previously assured of their places it is no longer the situation; we have immense competition and great talent on the line. It is hard for those fellas on the line but they are really part of the team ethos and pushing the 15 who take to the field. There’s been a core bunch of lads who’ve been with the team for a number of years; the likes of Breso [Simon Breslin], Ciarán Dunne, Mick Kelly, Anto Davis, Chalky [Micheál O’Brien]. Over the past year we’ve had an influx of players who have really pushed the team forward and brought great experience and talent to the side; the likes of Rasher [Ger Hickey], Stevie Homan, Rory Dunne, Minto [Alan Milton], Damo Murray, Jason Mockler have been brilliant for us and the introduction of Mark Healy and Mick Hallows on their return from Australia has given the team a great boost.”
It’s been a tough championship campaign that has tested the character of the team. Drawing with Clontarf at home in the opening round the Juniors travelled to Clontarf to win the replay. They beat Trinity Gaels and edged a very good Lucan Sarsfields side by two points in a very tight quarter final. The semi-final was another tight affair before Towers got the crucial break of a goal and never looked back.
So the final hurdle is a strong Raheny side that has beaten Castleknock and St Vincent’s in the quarter and semi-finals. Ahead of the final, all goes well in the Towers camp. “We couldn’t have prepared better,” Willie advises. “We’ve had a good run in the league, played a few challenges and had the good win two weeks ago against Finbarrs. There’s great enthusiasm in training and the lads are all prepped for the final. Our only setback is Gerry [Homan] is away and he will be a huge loss because he’s so committed to the cause. As I said at training last night [Tuesday] we would not be in the position of a final if it were not for Gerry. He’ll certainly be part of us on Friday evening and be our 16th man.”
We round up by discussing to the other ‘16th man’. “This is a massive occasion for the lads in their lives but also the club and Clondalkin. It is a tremendous honour to reach a championship final and they are enormously proud to represent the club and where they are from. It’s a great occasion for our club and Clondalkin and we want a great crowd there to support the lads. It would be great if people could make the journey to support the team. We’ll do our best to bring a championship back to the club!”
Round Tower GAA Club extends its best wishes to Willie and the team on Friday evening and encourages support for the lads.
