‘They are who we want to play’
WHAT were your thoughts when you first heard the draw?
We’re drawing one of the top teams in Wicklow but it’ll be a challenge for us no matter who we draw as we’ll be outsiders in the whole thing. But saying that they’re who we want to play, one of the top teams in it. How have preparations gone? Preparation has been difficult. We’re trying to change the mindset of the clubs and player to prepare for the senior championship because they’re concentrating on their own championship. But we’re confident enough we have the players to play at that level.
I think it’s a great opportunity for the players to play at that level. We’re putting in structures that maybe in a few years somebody else can come along and do better.
Who are your dark horses for the championship?
Outside of the big three of Rathnew, St. Pat’s and maybe Blessington. Greystones are a team that has progressed steadily but I find it difficult to look outside Rathnew and Pat’s.
Who is the key player/are the key players on your team?
Hard to really say that and we have a few injuries but we certainly have talent. In Valleymount we have the likes of Stephen Byrne, Jamie Miley, Declan Cahill, Kilbride would have Martin Donoghue, Richard Ward, Dean Kerrigan, Tom McKeown, who’s back from Jude’s in Dublin. And then there’s Paul Phibbs, Matt Cribbs, Mick Byrne from Lacken, these are players who have ability. One of the things with our team will be fitness levels and it’ll be a learning curve for us.
What is the best thing about the championship?
If you have any blood, championship is where you want to be, Aughrim is where you want to be.
What is the worst thing about the championship?
The hard thing for us in Boden’s is the fixtures for all the clubs not being consistently the same. One could be playing this weekend and another could be playing another weekend where it would be better if they played the one weekend. In fairness I think they’ve improved the structure and you get another chance if you lose early and our situation is unique. Your management style. I feel I’m good man to man. Motivation is my strong point. I’d be old-school enough in my style. I think I can relate to players and get the best out of them.
What are your hopes and dreams for championship 2016?
Basically to put in foundations that this team can stay going and progress. But we’ll be going to Aughrim looking to win and if we don’t we’d hope to win a match.