Young guns’ run delights an old pro
MARK Egan admires Roy Keane. Many years ago, he was on the same FAI Fas course with him.
It was run by Billy Young, the former Bohemians boss. “Billy ran a super course. He’s a great man. And a real gent,” states Mark.
Mark played for St Peter’s of Athlone, Athlone´Town and the Connacht Schools.
Now he’s giving it all back to the kids. He managed the Kiltoom-Cam team in the Under-10 Indoor Soccer event.
“All our boys are Under-9. We reached the semi-final, so that was a marvellous achievement on their part,” he says.
“We were pleasantly surprised we got here at all. We won Roscommon and we won Connacht.
“We lost the semi-final to a very good Ferbane side. It was a wonderful match.
“These lads have been together since they were six, and it’s the first time we have ever lost a game.
“There were tears, but this is a great learning curve. You have to lose to appreciate the victories. We’ll be back again next year, and we’ll give it a right crack.”
Many parents and family members supported the team at the National Indoor Arena.
“They haven’t given me the vote of confidence yet, so I must be doing something right!” smiled Mark.
He said it was a privilege for the team to play in such a facility. “It’s just fantastic. It’s brilliant to have the opportunity to play in a venue like this and, as Irish people, we should be proud of ourselves.”
He loves helping the children develop as players and people. “There’s a great improvement in them. They are learning the whole time, which is half the battle.”
“And the main thing is that they are enjoying it. I certainly am. They have given me such enjoyment over the last few years.
“I was down at the Kennedy Cup in Limerick, and, hopefully, these lads will play in that one day.”
He’d love to see Athlone Town come back to the big time. “We had some great days in St Mel’s Park. Football in the Midlands needs Athlone Town.”
And it also needs dedicated people like Mark who excels in his role of teaching the kids all about the craft and charm of the beautiful game.