Kildare's Darragh Kirwan pictured at the launch of the Tailteann Cup. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
It has been a demanding campaign for Kildare so far, but Darragh Kirwan remains optimistic that the Lilywhites can still flourish.
Glen Ryan’s charges host Longford in the Tailteann Cup on Saturday, and Kirwan is hopeful that Kildare can respond following the Leinster SFC Semi-Final loss against Louth. “It was disappointing going out of Leinster obviously, we had an opportunity to reach the final and to solidify ourselves in the All-Ireland series,” Kirwan says.
“We didn't do that, we can only blame ourselves for that. So, we have to refocus now, and try to put our best foot forward in the Tailteann Cup in the next few weeks.”
Generating momentum is crucial according to Kirwan. “Of course, you could see the snowball effect throughout the league,” Kirwan responds.
“Confidence was quite low, so everything you do on the pitch, you're nearly second guessing yourself. That pep in your step isn't there.
“That word momentum is ringing around here today, we are all trying to pursue that throughout the group stages, to see where it takes them. We will target that against Longford, to continue it, then.”
Dealing with setbacks has been difficult in 2024. “It is hard, there is no shying away from that,” Kirwan replies.
Darragh Kirwan in Leinster SFC Semi-Final action against Louth at Croke Park. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
“It comes at you from all angles, you start to see the team being mentioned in media outlets, it isn't easy.
"There is a good group of players and a good group of management, who have stuck together, they have put their shoulder to the wheel over the last few weeks.
“Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out the way we wanted, but we will continue to do that, to try to put our best foot forward in the next few weeks.”
Despite suffering relegation from Division Two of the Allianz Football League, Kirwan is adamant that Kildare’s blend of established and emerging players can enjoy a productive summer. “You have to hold out that bit of innate belief in the group,” Kirwan says.
“I firmly have it in my teammates that we have. Not to name too many names, but Kevin Feely is one of the most technically gifted players around. You look at Daniel Flynn, in terms of athleticism, there is probably nobody in the country like him.
“Those types of players are in our team, luckily. When you marry that with a couple of the U20s coming through in the last few years successfully.
“So, there are green shoots, but it is just combining it as one, building that bit of momentum and confidence. That is the main thing.”
