Kearney is fit and ready to challenge for trophies
SOCCER
By Daire Walsh
WHILE Friday night’s Premier Division clash between Cork City FC and St Patrick’s Athletic may be notable for the return of a fan favourite to the latter for a third spell in Keith Fahey, it will also be a massive occasion for a recent recruit to Turner’s Cross, who also had two previous stints for his new employers.
Liam Kearney previously accumulated 131 league appearances for the Leesiders in two different junctures from 2003-2008, with a short-lived period at Shelbourne sandwiched in between.
The Conna man will once again be plying his trade with the Rebel Army, and speaking at the SSE Airtricity League launch at the Aviva Stadium, he is looking forward to the visit of the league holders.
“Yeah, can’t wait now. You come up days like today, you see everyone and you see the managers and players. You get that sense now that everyone can’t wait to get going,” Kearney said.
“To be playing the reigning champions as well is a huge thing, and hopefully we’ll get a huge crowd there. Obviously, we know we’re up against it, but we’ll be going into it with a good attitude that we can hopefully get something out of it.”
Aside from the return of Fahey, Pat’s have bolstered their squad impressively with key signings like Lee Lynch, Mark Quigley, James Chambers and Conor McCormack.
This, coupled with their outstanding form throughout the last campaign, makes them the team to watch. However, Kearney is confident new City boss John Caulfield has them mentally prepared.
“We know what they did last year was tremendous. They won the league in style in the end. We’ve got John in charge of us now. He has put that tough mentality into us that these are the games you want.
“Playing against the champions is excellent. I think it’s the best fixture we could have gotten. We’ll be going out all guns blazing.”
As a Cork City player in the past, Kearney had enjoyed considerable success, winning the League of Ireland, the FAI Cup and the Setanta Sports Cup.
Since he was last involved, the club have also added a First Division title, and the 31-year-old left-winger believes that winning silverware is not beyond their reach this season.
“The last two times that I’ve been at Cork we’ve won something. That’s what I’m used to doing. I’m used to coming into a club and looking to try and win something. I’ve approached it exactly the same this time.
“Now, I know I’m a bit older than maybe I was the last time I was back, but looking at the squad we have, there’s no reason why we can’t be successful in what we have.
“If we can continue the way we finished last season then who knows what could happen. You have to keep players fit.
“That’s a huge thing as well. From there, get a good start. Obviously Pat’s now on Friday. If we can get something out of that game, we’ll see where we go from there.”