Kearns set for new test at Galway
By Daire Walsh
BEING one of several fresh faces at Eamonn Deacy Park, Templeogue’s Conor Kearns won’t be taking his place in the Galway United team for granted.
Following a frustrating spell at St Patrick’s Athletic, Kearns has transferred out west to the First Division outfit.
He will encounter stiff competition for the goalkeeping slot from former Shamrock Rovers footballer Kevin Horgan (brother of Republic of Ireland international Daryl), with both players pushing for inclusion in John Caulfield’s side ahead of their league opener against Shelbourne tomorrow night (kick-off 7.45pm).
“John hasn’t shown his hand at all in that regard. He’s demanded a good standard from both of us and we both want to be playing. The difference from last season is I’m really enjoying every single session and I’m enjoying what I’m doing every week,” Kearns explained.
“Come the start of the season we both want our name on the team sheet, but we’re both training very hard and enjoy it. Hopefully the two of us can enjoy this season and push on together as a team.”
For his first full season as Galway team manager, Caulfield has drafted in Clondalkin native Lisa Fallon as head coach.
While this has been viewed as a trailblazing move, it won’t be anything out of the ordinary for Kearns.
After all, his mother Pamela – best known as a Labour Party Councillor on South Dublin County Council – is an FAI-qualified coach who was heavily involved in Kearns’ underage club, Templeogue United.
“Lisa has been an absolutely fantastic addition to the coaching staff. I think she knows the game very, very well. People from the outside would kind of look in and say Lisa is the only female coach in the League of Ireland, but I think even if you speak to her, it’s not really relevant what sort of gender she is,” Kearns added.
“She’s just another part of the backroom staff, she’s another coach and she’s as professional as anyone.
“I think male or female, Lisa is a great addition because of her credentials and because of what she’s done in the game.”