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Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Kerry's Kennedy Cup set-up has novel father and son element to management and squad
Among the 20-man squad is the manager, Danny Diggins' son, Daniel, a commanding centre-back from St Brendan's Park, and also in the squad is Kian Cronin, son of assistant coach Ken Cronin Ten years after their historic Kennedy Cup triumph at the University of Limerick, Kerry's latest generation of young soccer players are preparing to make their mark. With the 2025 edition of the country's premier U14 boys competition just around the corner, anticipation is building once again as the Kingdom eyes another run at glory. The Kennedy Cup is the most prestigious competition for boys at U14 level in Irish football. Back in 2015, Kerry claimed the ultimate prize with a 1-0 win over the Dublin District Schoolboys League (DDSL) in a famous final that saw Mastergeeha's Dylan Murphy score the decisive goal. That DDSL side included future Republic of Ireland internationals Jason Knight and Nathan Collins, a testament to the calibre of player this competition often reveals. Now, a new Kerry squad is ready to showcase its talent on that same big stage.
Irish Examiner
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
FAI aim to defuse rancour over summer soccer in political circles
The FAI will attempt to take the sting out of the backlash to their summer soccer change by addressing politicians in Leinster House next Wednesday. Discord against the move from early next year has spread into the political sphere as a growing alliance of leagues have assembled to oppose the removal of choice. They want to retain their right to run the traditional season around the school year from September to May due to fears about dropout rates. Scheduling football directly into competition with GAA has caused particular alarm in the provinces while other concerns apply in urban areas. FAI regional staff are seeking new calendars from leagues but despite the first phase due to commence from underage in January, it's known that six of the top leagues, DDSL and North Dublin, along with Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick have not agreed to the overhaul. 'As I'm sure you are aware, the topic of an aligned football calendar has generated significant discussion in communities across the country,' said FAI chief executive David Courell in an invite to a session next Wednesday at 4pm circulated to Oireachtas members. 'We would like to take the opportunity to provide clarity and context on this crucial element of our Football Pathways Plan and outline how this is a positive development for Irish football'. While in that forum, they're also eager to promote the case for academy investment. An audit of the €8m-per-annum proposal sought for national league clubs nationwide is due to commence shortly, with a report due by August and decision in time for the 2026 Budget in October. 'We will be outlining our vision for the development of Academies, which we believe are fundamental to engage and nurture young talent and strengthen the game at all levels,' continued Courell. 'This briefing will offer elected representatives an opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the FAI's strategic objectives and to engage in meaningful and constructive discussions on how we can work together to support the growth of Irish football - which we know has the potential to deliver significant social and economic benefits.'
