2 minute read
The Future is Bright
Jonathan Connelly
The Saint talks to St Patrick’s Athletic Director of Football Ger O’Brien about what to expect from one of the country’s best football academies
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Ger is a former St Patrick’s Athletic captain, winning the league with the club in 2013 and leading us to cup glory in 2014, ending over half a century of FAI Cup Final heartache for the Saints.
The Saints Academy is well renowned is being one of the best in the country, and there is no denying that we have seen some great talents come through in the past few seasons. Sam Curtis and Adam Murphy are the first names that come to mind, breaking into the senior team in 2022, showing the success of the youth squads. Former St Pats player Darragh Burns youth ranks before bursting
The Under 19 team had a year to remember in 2022.
“Managed by Seán O'Connor and Niall Cully, the side managed to win the league title fashion. The title was clinched following a 2-0 win against second place Shelbourne on the 15th of October. It wasn’t to be in the cup as a 1-0 loss to Bohemians in the final denied the Saints of the double. Going into 2023 it should be another great year for the lads,” says Ger.
For the first time, we have an underage women’s team, which will enter the Under 17s league. “Managed by Darragh O’Reilly, Dave Bissett and Izzy Connolly, they will be looking to bring success to the side as they grow into the senior team in a few years’ time,” he adds.
The under-15s are managed by Alan Reidy, Ian Cully and Ciarán Creagh. The side are hoping to improve on 2022, after a sixth-place finish in the league.
“We also have a new Under 14s team, for players born in 2009. This side will be managed by Jamie Moore and Keith Treacy. Hopefully we can see another successful side in our hands for the club,” says Ger.
“We’ve got five underage teams in action throughout what will be an eventful and action-packed season. We would love to see as many Pats fans as possible coming to the academy games, which we play in Blanchardstown most of the time, but you can keep up to date on what’s happening with the academy teams at www.stpatsfc.com and on the club’s social media channels.”
