Young Blues Showing Potential

The Last Word by Brendan White

(firest published in the September 2009 St Patrick’s Athletic FAI Cup programme)

The Blues Under-20 team had a magnificent win last weekend against Cork City at the RSC. For most of the team, it is their first season with the Blues having joined from local Junior League outfits. Paul O’Brien has put together a very strong team for the campaign, having picked the best young talent in the South East, including potential star players like Gary Keane, Aaron Butler and Leo Jacques.

Another to impress so far has been goalkeeper Josh Byrne. Josh is one of the youngest members of the squad but is also one of the most talented. He is currently the Ireland Under-17 goalkeeper, and has a very bright future ahead of him. He is one of a number of players to join the Blues for Waterford Bohs. Paul Carey is another one who will be important in the remaining games. Paul is in his second year with the Blues Under-20s. He has also been called upon numerous times already by Stephen Henderson to be involved in first team action this season.

The Blues started the season at home to Wexford Youths at the RSC in July. A thrilling match followed with the Blues going down 4-2. Next for the Blues was a trip to Buckley Park to face Kilkenny. United overpowered their South East rivals by four goals to nil, only for the result to later be chalked off as Kilkenny pulled out of the league. Two matches within the next week followed starting with a home match against Limerick at the Waterford Crystal Centre. Despite taking the lead, the Blues went down 2-1 after a stunning free-kick from Limerick won the game. Next up for the young side was a trip to Ballon to face FC Carlow. Again the Blues lost out by a single goal, losing 2-1.

Almost a month elapsed before the Blues’ next fixture against Cork City last weekend. Cork City are renowned for having strong squads through the years which makes the Blues win even more impressive. Waterford started well and opened the scoring early in the first half after Clive Prendergast finished off a corner kick. They scored again shortly after, when Andrew Power doubled the lead. Cork pulled a goal back and the teams went in at 2-1 at half time. Andrew Power made it 3-1 before Paul Carey added a fourth from the penalty spot. The game ended 4-1 with Wexford Youths up next for the young Blues side. Matches against Limerick and FC Carlow follow to end the league fixtures for the Under-20s.

Manager Paul O’Brien, along with all the coaching staff, Alan Barry, Billy Hearne and John Douglas have worked very hard with the squad since coming together and that work is now beginning to show. The experienced coaches and management are ensuring that our young players receive the best of coaching. The commitment shown by the players has been fantastic and they are all enjoying it. The players will learn from the experience of playing at a higher level and this will prepare them for the future, and hopefully prepare them for when they move up to the Blues first team in years to come.