WICKLOW SCHOOLS DRIVE THROUGH TO LEINSTER SEMI-FINAL AFTER POWERFUL DISPLAY

Wicklow Schools set up showdown with Pats

WICKLOW SCHOOLS issued a statement of intent with an impressive quarter-final victory over Offaly Schools in the Leinster Colleges ‘A’ football championship.

But no sooner had they enjoyed that victory, they were looking forward to a semi-final meeting with colleges’ aristocrats, St. Patrick’s (Navan), who have enjoyed such a remarkable record in this competition.

John Paul Davis, manager of Wicklow Schools team, was delighted and impressed with their quarter-final victory over Offaly Schools.

‘This is the second time in three years we have competed at the quarter-final stage. Each year we have something to aim for but it’s usually a difficult route. This was our first game having received a walk-over in the initial round, but we managed to control things in the first half, defend strongly in the second half and hit the opposition on the counter attack.

‘It takes time to adjust to this level of competition. Look- ing ahead to St. Patrick’s they would be described as the heavyweights in this competition coming from a renowned footballing stronghold.

‘We will be going in as huge underdogs for St. Patrick’s will be warm favourites.’

Despite the reputation of their opponents, John Paul is still looking forward to the semi-final.

‘There are some exceptional teams at this level. One has to realise the standard, the pace and quality of teams one has to face when you reach this stage of competition. They are at such a level, playing under-19, many are becoming men even at this stage given the standard, which is so high. We are trying to promote the game with the players and parents.

‘We are a Combined Schools team, so we are trying to promote the game through their local communities and trying to get the support behind the team. St. Patrick’s are the aristocrats of colleges football, but we still look forward to playing them.

‘We, in Wicklow, are progressing along the way and always trying to promote the games in the school. There is a little reform going on, the players are buying into it, while we also look after the players in so many different ways,’ he added.

As daunting as is the opposition, John Paul feels that games such as this puts them in the national arena.

‘Games such as this puts the players in the national arena, especially for University and third level. Scouts will be attending games at this stage and looking at these players. We have, already, had some wonderful success with Universities.

‘Our ambition is for this to be a stepping stone while also inspiring the players going forward,’ he said.

‘We are a little bit of a crest of a wave at the moment, but it’s a balancing act with education and the academies, with their careers coming first.’