4-Feb-2008

County Entertain Hoops in Friendly

Kildare County begin their preparations for the new season in earnest on Friday night (Feb 8^th) when they play their first pre-season friendly of the year against Shamrock Rovers at Station Road with a 7.45pm kick off.

It will be the first chance for Kildare fans to see a number of new faces in the Kildare squad. Manager, John Ryan has been busy during the off season and County will field an almost entirely new backline.

Last Season’s number 1 Austin O’Neill has signed back but is currently injured so new signing Charlie Treacy will challenge Colin Cassidy for the goalkeeper position on Friday night. Treacy is formerly of Oldham Athletic and Drogheda United. 

The defence has seen a total overhaul. Kildare County stalwarts Alan Byrne, Philip Byrne and Ian Malone have all departed. In come William Tyrrell, John Brophy, Alan Clarke and Craig Berrigan.

24 year old Tyrrell played with Kilkenny City last season and is a tall strong centre half. Brophy signs from UCD. He spent last season on loan to Shelbourne, although an ankle injury meant he didn’t make much of an impact, and interestingly can also play as an emergency centre forward. Teenagers Alan Clarke and Craig Berrigan will also be involved on Friday night. 18 year old Clarke is a right full or right sided midfield player and was signed from Cherry Orchard. Berrigan is promoted from the Under 21 side where the 17 year old made a big impact last year. Barry Clancy is retained from last season while Paul Donnelly is hoping to show that he has done enough to overcome a knee injury in order to earn a new deal.

The midfield will be a little more familiar to County fans. Cathal Brady, Eoin Kavanagh, and Stephen Cooling have signed from last season while Barry Slattery returns to Station Road after spending last year at St. Pat’s where he was voted their under 21 player of the year last season. 27 year old Michael Comerford, who can operate all across midfield, signs from Kilkenny City where he has played for the last four seasons.

Up front, last seasons top goalscorers Philip Gorman and Ger Robinson will once again look to prove themselves as one of the top strike partnerships in the division and the loan signing of Ciaran Kilduff from Friday’s opponents adds strength in depth to the forward options. Kilduff has been showing really well in training and the tall pacy striker could be one to watch for next season.

Shamrock Rovers will include former Kildare County players Darren Stapleton and Ger O’Brien in their squad as well as new signings Stephen Rice, Darragh Maguire and Dessie Baker. Shamrock Rovers performed very well in their first season back in the Premier Division last season. They eventually finished fifth place in the table and once next season starts, Pat Scully will be looking for his team to challenge near the top of the table.

Kildare County Squad for friendly against Shamrock Rovers, Feb 8^th: Goalkeepers: Charlie Treacy, Colin Cassidy; Defenders: Barry Clancy, Craig Berrigan, William Tyrrell, Paul Donnelly, John Brophy, Alan Clarke; Midfielders: Cathal Brady, Eoin Kavanagh, Barry Slattery, Stephen Cooling, Michael Comerford; Strikers:  Philip Gorman, Ger Robinson, Ciaran Kilduff.

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