Preparations continue for Galway’s Kennedy Cup side

The Galway 2014 Kennedy Cup squad. Back row, from left: Harry Rogers, Cillian Doyle, Ronan Asgari, Alex Ariguzo, Cian Mulryan, Joe Keating (chairman GFA), Mark Greaney, Aiden Oholaran, Adam Rooney, Oisin McDonagh and Ronan Manning. Front: Josh Quinlivin, Conor Higgins, Wilson Warazu, Keelan Creaven, Byron Lydon, Joe Thompson, Mathew Tierney, Calym Crowe, Eoin Broderick and Aaron Connolly.

placeholder image — The Galway 2014 Kennedy Cup squad. Back row, from left: Harry Rogers, Cillian Doyle, Ronan Asgari, Alex Ariguzo, Cian Mulryan, Joe Keating (chairman GFA), Mark Greaney, Aiden Oholaran, Adam Rooney, Oisin McDonagh and Ronan Manning. Front: Josh Quinlivin, Conor Higgins, Wilson Warazu, Keelan Creaven, Byron Lydon, Joe Thompson, Mathew Tierney, Calym Crowe, Eoin Broderick and Aaron Connolly.

With the Kennedy Cup just less than a month away, the Galway and District League side continued their preparations over the weekend with two friendlies in Drom.

The U-14 competition kicks-off on Monday June 16 and sees teams from all 32 leagues in the country kicking off at University Limerick. Galway open their account at 6pm when facing South Tipperary and on Tuesday they play morning and afternoon when meeting Longford and Kerry. There is a full week of competition, which culminates in the finals on Friday.

Manager Tommy McClean and coach Marek Krynicki have being putting the squad through their paces for a number of months now and recently selected the 20-man squad that will head to Limerick.

Players from Mervue United and Salthill Devon constitute over half the selection, but 10 clubs are represented as Knocknacarra, Hibernians, Maree/Oranmore, Bearna Na Forbacha, West Coast United, Tuam Celtic, Oughterard and Kilshanvey United all have players selected.

Mervue United are providing seven players and having completed a local league and cup double, achieved Connacht Cup U-14 success and just lost out in the SFAI Goodson Cup final, it is no surprise that they dominate the squad.

The deadly duo of Ronan Manning and Aaron Connolly have contribute hugely in the scoring stakes for both club and county, while Eoin Broderick and Aaron Asgari provide huge support from midfield. Adam Rooney and Wilson Warazu form a solid central defensive partnership, while goalkeeper Cian Mulryan has enjoyed a very successful season for his club.

Salthill Devon provides four players, with goalkeeper Mark Greaney an outstanding prospect, with winger Josh Quinlivan, striker Harry Rogers and winger Aidan O’Halloran all adding to the strength of the squad. Joe Thompson and Calym Crowe play with Knocknacarra, while utility player Alex Ariguzo represents Hibernians.

Cillian Doyle (Maree/Oranmore), Oisin MacDonnacha (Bearna Na Forbacha), Matthew Tierney (Oughterard), Keelan Creaven (Kilshanvey), Byron Lydon (West Coast United) and Conor Higgins (Tuam Celtic) complete a selection that come from all parts of the county.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.