Wicklow ready for Kennedy Cup test
COOLBOY man Jim Barnes is the man at the helm of Wicklow’s Kennedy Cup squad as they count down the days to the start of the tournament this coming Monday in University Limerick.
For those not familiar, the Kennedy Cup is Ireland’s premier schoolboy competition and a stage for those dreaming of future stardom to impress scouts from Ireland and further afield. Jim outlines that this year will have increased interest due to the setting up of the under 15 League of Ireland.
“It’s one of the showcase tournaments at this age group across Britain and Ireland so there will be scouts from all over looking at the lads.
“The new league of Ireland at under 15s means that interest will be even higher this year as those clubs look to assemble teams for next year.”
Barnes says that preparations have been good for the tournament despite losing many players at the start of the season.
“We lost seven or eight players to the Dublin League at the start of the season so had to carry out trials to get lads in but the guys in the squad now have been brilliant all season to be fair.
“We’ve competed in different tournaments and played many teams across the year and progress has been good.
“We came runners up in the Belfast Cup so the lads have showed they have lots of ability.”
There will be 32 teams in eight groups in the tournament consist- ing of the best players from the Ireland’s under 14 leagues. Barnes’ Wicklow side have been handed a tough draw as they have landed South Tipperary, Roscommon and North Dublin District but Barnes is confident of his team’s prospects.
“The beauty of the Kennedy Cup is that no matter where you finish in the group you’re guaranteed two more matches but we’d be aiming for a top two finish.
“The opener against North Dublin on Monday will be crucial.
“They’re a top side but I’m confident we can get something out of the match which would set us up nicely.”
The Kennedy Cup is sub divided into four competitions following the group stage based on final standings with teams entering the cup, bowl, shield or trophy depending on finishing first to fourth respectively.
It’s an intense tournament with Barnes side playing North Dublin on Monday before facing their final two group games on Tuesday.
“The schedule will test the lads but we’ve tried to instil good habits so they are well prepared for matches and professional football should they go on to forge careers in the game. Stuff like good diet, sleep and recovery are elements we’ve tried to educate them on and they will be important in the tournament with the quick turnaround”.
The team will depart from the Grand Hotel, Wicklow on Sunday before settling in on UL campus by watching the Ireland - Austria World Cup Qualifier.
The main finals will take place next Friday and Jim Barnes will hope they will not be spectators by then.