Eye of the Tiger: Shane McGinty planning for the future at Kildrum

Although very much focussed on the present, Shane McGinty’s mind is trained on the future.

At 27, the Kildrum Tigers manager is one of the youngest bosses in the Donegal League.

A midfielder at Dungannon Swifts in the Irish League, McGinty took over as manager from Shane Browne, who he assisted when the St Johnston men won a League and Cup double in 2018.

McGinty leads Kildrum into Sunday’s Brian McCormick Cup final against Bonagee United at The Diamond Park (kick-off 1pm), but recent weeks have outlined some of his blueprint for the future.

A spate of injuries, which ultimately ended their hopes of winning the Premier Division, saw McGinty forced to blood some of the club’s emerging teenage talents.

Cockhill Celtic thrown out of USL League Cup, Monaghan reinstated

Cockhill Celtic were found to have fielded a cup-tied player in their semi-final win over Monaghan United

“We have an eye on what’s next,” McGinty told Donegal Live.

“It would be easy to come in and just concentrate on a team for this year and then in the summer be looking at where we’re going next year. We’re trying to bring through some of the local lads who have played at Maiden City and Institute over the years.

“Kildrum can be a place for them to come through and try to be what they decide to be, to play here or higher. Kildrum has to serve as a purpose for those young players. We’re trying to bring through a few, but also retain what we have, of course. We have a good core here.”

The likes of Shane Coyle, Daniel Coyle, Jacob McDaid and Oisin McFadden have been given their respective senior bows in the red and black this season.

Some of their better known names, like former Finn Harps star Kevin McHugh, Daniel Clarke, Barry O’Donnell, Brian Breslin, Ryan Higgins and possibly even Matthew Crossan, fitness depending, could return to the ranks on Sunday.

McGinty said: “We have some long-term injuries and they’ll just be a part of the day, but hopefully we’ll be as strong as we can be. It’s a great day and we were part of it last year. Cup final days are always exciting.

“The Cup final is the signature showpiece of the season. We’re looking forward to it and we’re excited to be in the final. We’ll have as close to a full side as we can.”

Having reached the semi-finals of the Ulster Junior and Knockalla Caravans Senior Cups and getting into the last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup, Kildrum had to play catch-up in the League. A packed schedule was welcomed, though the injury list would hamper their challenge.

“We’ll never give up,” McGinty insisted.

“We are always competitive. We won’t win every game, but we go out with the intention of winning every game. The likes of William Lynch, those players don’t take well to losing games.

“The younger lads know that while it’s about playing - and we’re trying to play with a good style, pass the ball and keep possession - we must try and win the game. There are different ways of winning, but that’s what it’s all about.

“They have done well at times in the last couple of weeks at different times, but it’s not easy.”

Kildrum are the holders of the Brian McCormick Cup and previously won it in 2018 having also lifted the prize in 1996, 2000 and 2001.

William Lynch was the match-winner when the Tigers overcame Cappry Rovers in September 2020.

To most, Kildrum seemed as likely League champions just a few weeks ago, but they would ultimately have to play the last two standing - Kilmacrennan Celtic and Bonagee United - in their final two League outings. They ran Kilmac’ mightily close, losing only to a last-gasp James Doherty free-kick, and their 1-1 draw with Bonagee sends the title race to a play-off.

McGinty said: “I was disappointed that we weren’t part of the last day drama in terms of having a chance ourselves. We had hoped and planned to be a part of that and having the League to play for, but unfortunately we fell away.”

McGinty masterminded a famous win for Kildrum in 2017 when they won the Under-19 Foyle Cup, beating a Norwich City side that included current Irish international Adam Idah. Jamie McKinney and Oran Higgins were part of that side and could feature on Sunday.

McGinty himself played at under-15 and under-16 levels for Ireland and is managing his busy sporting schedule.

“I love it,” he said. “I absolutely love it. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still very focussed on my own career playing., but I can use the time wisely.

“We train different days and I love being a part of this.

“I’m a Kildrum man through and through. I have an eye on what’s next for the club and want to bring through these young players - and pick up some silverware along the way.”