Enthusiastic Curran ready for challenges ahead
Shane Curran was an interested spectator at Interprovincial Series Semi-Final at Croke Park last October and Carlow will have to get used to those new rules that were on display by the time the start of the league rolls around Photo: ©INPHO/James Crombie
If Shane Curran’s enthusiasm is anything to go by then the Carlow senior footballers are going to have a good year.
That can be the only conclusion to take from his recent comments as the new manager and his freshly appointed background team is all but finalised . At the moment the panel has 39 players vying for places on the county senior football panel.
“We have had a great couple of months getting to know the lads,” the former Roscommon goalkeeper said.
“They have been back in the gym since November and back on the pitch in December,” he added.
The squad have had a number of challenge games against Laois and Kildare. The manager says they are looking to play a few more challenge matches before they take on Tipperary in the first round of Division 4 of the National Football League at Netwatch Cullen Park on Saturday January 25th.
“We have been working through a few things and back playing a couple of games. We are very happy. There are three under 20s included in the squad.”
It is here where Curran’s good mood soars as he becomes even more upbeat and optimistic.
“I am absolutely thrilled with the lads, their application, thrilled with their enthusiasm and thrilled with their commitment. It is absolute fantastic and the new lads we have brought in have embellished the group. They have done really well. It is very positive.
“I am very happy with the group and very happy these lads have committed to playing for Carlow and bringing a lot of joy to Carlow people over the coming years.”
He says the names of the players in the squad will be revealed shortly but there is still a little bit more for him to see before that happens.
There is also the small matter of new seating arrangements in the stand at Netwatch Cullen Park. Carlow County Board are hoping the refurbishments will be completed before the opening game.
“It is our job to put bums on those seats and win these games. We want supporters to enjoy the game and get behind the team. That is all positive. The bottom line is that we want to get results. It is a results driven business. Bring that as a privilege to the players. Embrace that privilege. Create ambition and then you will see no empty seats. Maybe even extending the stand if we are successful,” says an upbeat Shane Curran.
The man who is nicknamed “Cake” says it is all about putting the head down and making it happen now.
“The first fixture is a big game. If we play well and do well against Tipperary, that is the season off on a positive note. If we don’t, things can go flat. We want to start the league in a very positive frame in Netwatch Cullen Park. Have a big crowd there to give us great support. Get us off on a good foot. That is key.” Curran reiterates the old mantra of one game at a time. There is no talk of Waterford away in a second-round tie.
“That is our message. We are looking at no other fixture than the Tipperary game. We are focussing on that which is a must win game.
So with three weeks to go little is finalised yet.
Paddy Molloy (coach), Mark Foley (coach), James Clarke (coach), Dominic Mulligan (strength and conditioning coach) are part of the backroom team. There is the possibility of another person coming on board.
The manager also confirms the door is open to more coming into the squad but they will have to prove themselves first.
“The more players who want to come in and play for Carlow all the better. The squad is picked. It is what it is but I want everyone who wants to play for Carlow, playing for Carlow. If players are showing up well in club games and are doing well, we could bring them in.”
January 25 (Saturday). Carlow v Tipperary. Netwatch Cullen Park. 7.00pm.
February 02 (Sunday). Waterford v Carlow. Fraher Field. 2.00pm.
February 15 (Saturday). Wexford v Carlow. Chadwicks Wexford Park. 7.00pm.
February 22 (Saturday). Carlow v Limerick. Netwatch Cullen Park. 6.00pm.
March 02 (Sunday). Wicklow v Carlow. Echelon Park Aughrim. 2.00pm.
March 15 (Saturday). Carlow v Longford. Netwatch Cullen Park. 5.00pm.
March 23 (Sunday). London v Carlow. McGovern Park, Ruislip. 1.00pm.
