SWEENEY: WE CAN BRING FANS BACK

IT WAS on last November’s All-Star trip to the Middle East that Ronan Sweeney spoke of a concerning ‘disconnect’ that had opened up between the Kildare team and supporters. Sweeney, who’d just accepted an invitation to come on board as Cian O’Neill’s coach, represented the Gaelic Players Association on the trip and was collared by media for a chat about Kildare. ‘I don’t know what happened in Kildare,’ said Sweeney, a wingforward when they last contested a Leinster final in 2009. ‘Over the last number of years, whether it was the way Kieran McGeeney left or just the disappointing results in the Championship after that, the supporters in Kildare have kind of detached a little bit from the team. ‘The challenge now is to try to get back winning, get back winning big matches and start reconnecting with the supporters.’ Sweeney’s comments came after a season that saw Kildare beaten by Clare in a Division 3 League final, lose to Westmeath in a Leinster semi-final and exit the qualifiers in Round 3. Their cautious, defensive approach also appeared to annoy and alienate long-time fans. Sweeney noticed the first signs of old bonds reconnecting in late march when, trailing Clare at home in their penultimate League game, Kildare finished strong to seal a onepoint win and promotion. ‘In the last 10 minutes the crowd really drove us on. There was a huge atmosphere there.’ Manager Cian O’Neill spoke earlier this week about the availability of Kevin Feely, Paul Cribbin, Daniel Flynn and Paddy Brophy this season, allowing Kildare to play a more mobile and attacking style. ‘I think people in Kildare like to see good football, players trying to be positive,’ continued Sweeney. ‘The expectation isn’t huge but people expect us to be honest and to try to play in a positive way.’