DODGER Calamity followed Pat’s ace Lennon about but he’s determined to end the hoodoo

JAMIE LENNON must have felt cursed growing up as the clubs he followed kept going under.

But now as an established league player, he just wants to see his current one flourish.

Santry lad Lennon, 22, was brought to Dublin

City games as a kid but they folded in

2006.

Then he was tied up with Sporting

Fingal and was even a mascot at their 2009 FAI

Cup final win over Sligo Rovers.

Yesterday, the St Pat’s ace (right) recalled: “I grew up near Morton Stadium and my family used to help out at their games.

“My mam ran the sweet shop and my dad was a steward. We were at the games three-and-ahalf hours before the game kicked-off !

“Growing up around the league, I’ve always gone to games but that was the first time a local club was near my estate.

“I managed to get in as a mascot for the FAI Cup final but it was a long time ago and then

Fingal went as well (in 2011). I went to Shels games recreationally but not as a fan and that’s when I joined their academy as we ended up getting to go for free.

“But I never really supported anyone full on, it was just going to games regularly.”

By his own admission, Lennon was a late developer and he didn’t go to England for trials like so many Irish youngsters.

Not that it did him any harm. He’s an Ireland under-21 international with over 100 first-team appearances in the League of Ireland.

And nor is he in a rush to get away from the league.

Lennon said: “If the opportunity came up, I’d consider it but I wouldn’t say it’s a goal of mine this year.

“It’s about performing here week in, week out and I don’t like thinking too far into the future as you get distracted.”

Bohemians were chasing the midfielder over the close season and while he spoke to them – and others – he always expected to sign back with Pat’s.

Lennon feels the Saints are sleeping giants in the league and is determined to bring some glory back to Inchicore.

“Pat’s isn’t a mid-table club, everyone knows that from the amount of trophies they’ve won and we’re not happy with where we’ve been,” he added.

“There are a lot of lads here longer than me who haven’t won things but there’s the likes of Bermo (Ian Bermingham) who has achieved big things.

“Bringing in the likes of Robbie Benson and Mounts (John Mountney, inset) will only help us gain that experience to compete at the top of the league.

“Growing up, I remember watching Pats when they won the FAI Cup and the league. I know exactly where the club should be.”