Narrow defeat in last game for brave bunch
WDSL 0
DONEGAL 1
THE final game of the tournament for Wicklow and the lads wanted to end on a high and erase the taste from the previous game. The Donegal team who were lodging in Plassey Village quite close to the Wicklow lads and whose results failed to show the ability of this team. Like Wicklow they were a footballing side who succumbed to the tactical defensive game that dominated the tournament.
The game its self was an interesting game with both teams trying to play football the way it was meant to be played.
Free flowing expansive football, trying to expose each other’s weaknesses. Wicklow were able to welcome back some of their players who were rested earlier that day.
Donegal announced their intentions as they went close early on, attacking down the left and cutting in flashing a ball across the box. Wicklow replied with Conor Clinton attacking through the middle forcing the keeper to produce a save.
This was the pattern of the game as every time Wicklow launched an attack Donegal came with a counter attack.
As the game went on Donegal grew stronger with their midfield breaking down our attacks and coming straight back at us. But just as with every game Wicklow stood strong proving to be bigger than the sum of our parts. With Ryan Delamere-Hanlon, Eoin Doyle, Conor Leonard, Aaron Lynch and Rory O’Dare all showing a willingness to go beyond the call of duty putting the bodies on the line time and time again blocking shots and making save after save.
Half time saw the teams go in all square and a chance to regroup before starting the second half.
Wicklow made changes and went about dealing with the Donegal midfield dominance. Ross Quinn started deeper and with Jack Kavanagh, Josh Odlum working furiously to counteracting their earlier dominance.
It was a very entertaining match with chances at both ends, attack and counter attack defences battling to protect their goals goalkeepers on their toes marshalling their defences.
And then ten minutes before the final whistle Donegal struck. Wicklow to their credit kept going fighting right to the end but alas to no avail, Donegal saw the game out winning one nil.
They have made sacrifices, commitments and dedicated their weekends to prepare many times directly after a club league or cup games.
And so it was over as an adventure. Twenty lads from around the county who came together last October and some as recently as a number of weeks ago, with a common goal to do their county proud.
That they have done in spades but praise was also due to their parents who worked tirelessly to get them there.
Bringing together sponsors, celebrity well wishers, local businesses and of course themselves. They were without doubt Wicklow’s 21st squad member.
If you want to be cynical you can find lots of faults with the Kennedy Cup but it is still the biggest experience in the lives of 640 aspiring young footballers every year and it is still a marvel of organisation and presentation.
Could it be improved? Yes. Could it more inclusive? Yes. Is there room for change? Yes. Is it the best competition for aspiring young fourteen year olds? Without doubt: YES.