As preparations continue on the pitch as we build up to Saturday’s MU17 Mark Farren Cup Final, we caught up with Waterford FC Head of Academy Coaching Sean Geoghegan to preview this weekend’s showdown at the Carlisle Grounds against St. Patrick’s Athletic FC (3:30pm).
After defeating UCD AFC (3-2) in our semi-final clash at SETU Arena last month, the Blues now have the small matter of the prestigious Mark Farren Cup Final to look forward to this weekend at the Carlisle Grounds. “It’s very exciting for the academy as it showcases the progression in the last number of years and the level of talent in the academy”, Sean said. “The things I am most happy about is seeing the mix of different age groups competing against some of the best players in the country. This group is a mixture of players from the 2008 (U17), 2009 (U16) and 2010 (U15) age groups with a number of 2010s such as Cormac Lowry, Joel Obeisie & Temmy Gazal making a massive contribution against players two years older than them.”
Getting to this stage of the Mark Farren Cup shows that the effort wasn’t just put in at MU17 level at Waterford FC this year, but right across our academy, as Sean mentions: “Reaching this final also shows the level of great work that is happening from the coaches at all age groups throughout the academy. There has been an incredible amount of work put in again from all staff this season, reaching this final is a nice reward and is something that everyone should be proud of.”
“We have a lot of talent in the academy. We have seen several players in the last couple of years that have made moves to professional clubs in the UK, American Scholarships, and first team contracts here at Waterford FC. It has been great to see players be involved in squads and in first-team training. Hopefully we will see more players be given the opportunity to play minutes with our first team to continue progression and raise their exposure.”
Speaking on the cup run the side have faced so far this season, Sean was impressed with the Blues’ on-field performances that got them over the line & into Saturdays final, “The lads had great results away to Cobh & Treaty, this was followed by a fantastic performance at home to a previously unbeaten UCD side who are seen by many as being the best side in the country. We are undoubtedly deserving of their place in the final and should be going into the match with confidence and belief that they can beat St.Pats.”
Saturday’s opponents St. Patrick’s Athletic will provide a stern test to the Blues, with Ireland international’s visbale throughout the Saints squad, with Geoghegan outlining how the Blues are aware of the threat the Inchicore side can cause. “St. Pats are strong and organized at all age groups with a lot of players that have had international experience. Their MU17 team is no different with several highly talented players that have been capped at different age groups for Ireland. It will be a nice challenge and opportunity for our players to showcase themselves against these levels and is one that we are very much looking forward to.”
Sean concluded his preview of Saturday’s game with a special mention to MU17 Head Coach Derek Hearne who is absent from Saturday’s final, saying “A special mention to MU17 age group manager Derek Hearne who is missing the final due to a schedule conflict. Derek has been a very calming influence on this group all season and deserves a lot of credit for their improvement and progression this season. The coaches and players are working very hard this week to give a performance that he will be proud of”.
“We will give everything this week to win this final and give a performance that we will be proud of. Win or lose the academy will keep pushing and progressing to help develop players and continue to strive to be one of the leading academies in the country.”
Saturday’s Mark Farren Cup Final against St. Patrick’s Athletic FC at the Carlisle Grounds, Bray, (3:30pm) will be broadcast live on LOITV from 3:15pm. For those attending the game, adult tickets are priced at €5 with U12s priced at just €2, and can be purchased now by clicking HERE.
