A Ken-do attitude
STEPHEN’S SONS STARTING TO LIVE OUT THEIR DREAMS
FORMER Ireland manager Stephen Kenny’s two sons have hit the big stage.
Singer/songwriter Fionn made his musical debut in Dublin’s iconic Whelan’s two weeks ago while Kenny’s younger son, Eoin, came off the bench to get his League of Ireland debut on Monday night for Dundalk at Dalymount Park against Bohs (inset).
Eoin, 18, is studying for his Leaving Cert at St Mary’s College, and has come through the club’s youth system, having previously played local schoolboy side, Rock Celtic.
And Dundalk’s head of football operations, Brian Gartland, has praised the kid’s attitude, saying he has the tools to make it in League of Ireland football.
Gartland said: “Eoin has come back after being out for a few weeks with an illness.
“He has been training really well and has a lot of great attributes.
“He’s one of those players who can be in the right place at the right time.
“When we brought him on as a sub on Monday, we were hoping that one would just drop for him, that split second we are away from pulling the trigger in the box.
“It’s brilliant for Eoin to get his debut for us.
“I am delighted for him, he works so hard, his work ethic is incredible, on and off the pitch, he duly deserved his opportunity.”
Right now Dundalk are missing opportunities, having scored just three times this season, none of those goals coming at Oriel Park.
Bottom of the table and without a win in 10 games, they have recorded their worst start to the season in the club’s 120year history.
Gartland said: “We’ve got a young profile of players in the forward positions and while it’s easy for us to say we need to have ‘more confidence’ – the reality is that confidence comes with your performances.
“We performed really well but the final action, an assist or a strike on goal, just wasn’t there.
“But their attitude has been brilliant, we are asking for positivity, we don’t want anyone moping, or having down faces and when you are left out of the squad and not starting when you feel you should be, it’s hard.
“I don’t mind the lads being disappointed if they are left off and to be fair to them, when they arrive in the next day, they’re all in good form, working for the team and that’s all we ask.”