‘The good thing is we have no fear’ – Kenny

For Declan Kenny, this has been a breakthrough season.

The Pádraig Pearses wing back received the call up to Davy Burke’s Roscommon squad earlier this year while Kenny has really come into his own during the current club campaign.

His marauding runs from wing back, ability to kick a score off that trusty left boot and his underrated ability to snuff out danger at the other end have all caught the eye of those that have been following the club championships closely.

The 21-year-old admits the experienced cohort of players are vital for Pearses’ cause. He also feels that the young guns bring a fresh energy and a sense of abandon that give the Woodmount based side an added dimension as they prepare to take on Coolera/Strandhill this Sunday in Markievicz Park.

“There is that bit of experience they have while we have been doing quite well for Pearses because of that youth and flair. We have a lot of young lads that aren’t afraid to go and take on ball. The good thing is we have no fear.

“That bit of inexperience can be a good thing because we are not afraid to take on anyone. We are quietly confident that we are good enough to beat anyone so that is a massive thing as well,” Kenny noted.

He admits there is a large step up between U-20 and senior football and another leap between club and inter county.

“Last season I was U-20s still and we lost to Brigid’s in the final. The physicality and the speed are completely different. We played that game and lost and then played Boyle in the (senior) semifinal and the difference of standard, quality and physicality was huge.

“At this stage of the year, it’s not unlike senior inter county. Some teams like Brigid’s and Corofin are similar to an inter county team but there still is that difference between club and intercounty - physicality and everything like that.

“I got a few hits to welcome me in (to senior football). A few of the boys in other clubs wouldn’t be long welcoming you. They wouldn’t be too long letting you know.

“The first couple of trainings you would know about it quickly enough. Roscommon football is fairly hardy, and I know they talk about Ulster football, but Roscommon is fairly physical too,” he asserted.

Kenny believes the club scene in Roscommon in strong. Pearses will be aiming to ensure a Roscommon club brings the Shane McGettigan Cup back to the county for the third time in four years.

The Sports and Exercise Science student believes the standard in the county is high, pointing out that the top teams in the intermediate championship are operating at a similar level to senior clubs.

“I think it is very strong. Even in the Intermediate Championship, Elphin beat us in senior league last year. I was playing that game, and they are a right good team. The top of intermediate and the bottom of senior is very tight.

“We have had some success in Connacht as have Brigid’s while Elphin have gone well in the intermediate and Castlerea last year too. Strokestown went from senior winners to intermediate. There is so much competition around that you have to be on the ball otherwise you will get caught,” the Pearses wing back noted.

Despite playing only one of their Connacht Championship games on the road since emerging from the county in 2019, the Woodmount based side have a strong record in provincial fare.

This will be their seventh game in Connacht since making the breakthrough on the club scene in 2019. This Sunday’s Connacht final will be their sixth away day as Pearses continue to savour any and all challenges.

“Six out of seven on the road and we have been doing quite well so I don’t think it matters where we play. We are fairly happy to play anywhere. I don’t think the away games hurt the fans either. They all travel in numbers and it will be a great day in Sligo.

“Up to Ballinamore the last day and the car journey home was great. The away days, you really enjoy them.

“We travel up and down in carloads with lads and it is a bit nervy beforehand and a bit quiet and you just listen to music. When you get over the line the craic is great coming home. The Christmas songs were flowing on the way home the last day, so it is very enjoyable,” he noted.

All they want for Christmas in Pearses is a Connacht title. With Declan Kenny’s form, Pearses have every chance to make their Christmas wish come true.