Donegal Town U-17s gear up for epic Cup clash with football's powerhouse St Kevin's

The mantra going around the training ground of Donegal Town FC's U-17 side these past few weeks has been that a side must be willing to have the belief that they can go out and win every game.

It's advice that should be strongly considered this weekend when the Donegal side welcomes a side, who are historically one of the best underage football clubs in the country. 

The St Kevin's Boys Club in the north side of Dublin city on the Shanowen Road is credited for developing star internationals such as Damian Duff, Liam Brady, and most recently Evan Ferguson. 

And this weekend their star underage talents will be put on show when they face Donegal Town's U-17 side in the last 16 of the FAI Cup. 

A daunting task, but one Donegal team manager Ryan Hegarty says he and his side are really looking forward to. 

“We know this will be a real challenge for the boys. St Kevin's are one of the biggest clubs in the country at this level and have had great success down the years,” Hegarty told Donegal Live. 

“Kevin's have continuously produced quality players throughout their history and no doubt we'll see them this weekend. 

“As I said, we know this game is going to be a challenge. We have the underdog tag on us, but that won't bother the boys. We have a great side. We'll go out and play our usual game and if we perform like we know we can then we'll give it a good go.” 

Having been with this side over the past two seasons, Hegarty has seen them develop into a well-structured squad full of potential, highlighting the introduction of the U-17 All County League this year as an accurate measurement to see where his side compares to other teams around the county, as well as testing themselves against strong oppositions. 

“We've had a long season this year with the introduction of the All-County League, but it's given us plenty of games against solid teams. From the matches, the lads are in great condition and really fit. So, it's just a matter of keeping things positive and staying sharp and ready for the weekend.” 

In making it this far in the Cup, Donegal Town had to overcome home tie victories against Letterkenny Rovers, Ballisodare United and Sligo, before overcoming Moyne Villa of Galway 2-0 in the last 32. 

“It's been a great season for us so far. The boys won the county cup earlier this year and we also had a good league campaign,” said Hegarty. 

“It's great to see this team getting to play in these big games. It's exactly what they deserve for the commitment and effort they've given all season, so, hopefully, we can go one step further this weekend. 

“There's great spirit and fight in this team. I think one game in particular that highlights their character as a team was when we were 1-0 down at home earlier in the season against Carndonagh and we came back and won 3-1. I think our performance that day really gave us the belief that we can compete with the best teams out there.” 

With the club's U-16 side winning the Ulster Cup last weekend, Hegarty acknowledges the hard work and great success that has been put into the underage system of the club over the past number of years.

“I think last season we had two or three teams reach the Champions League final which is unreal. Of course, last week we had more success with Benny Byrne's team winning the U-16 Ulster Cup. It shows the work is paying all the down to the U-6 level. Long may the success continue.”