Kildare U-20s will face Sligo in the All-Ireland football final, with Kildare aiming to secure their first title at the grade since 1965. The game is set to take place in Kingspan Breffni, with live coverage on TG4 from 1.30pm. Kildare manager Davy Flanagan believes that success at underage level is crucial for the senior team’s future prospects.
The Importance of Consistent Success at Underage Level
Flanagan stressed the importance of consistent success at underage level, citing Naas CBS and the 2018 U-20 team as examples. He believes that this success creates a conveyor belt of talent that can feed into the senior squad. He added that a once-off success can put too much pressure on young players to deliver as a group, whereas a culture of winning can lead to a healthier pipeline of talent.
Challenges of Moving from U-20 to Senior Championship
Flanagan acknowledged that there is a significant step-up from U-20 to senior championship in terms of physicality and strength and conditioning. He urged patience in developing these young players, but expressed confidence that Kildare football is heading in the right direction.
Sligo’s Impressive Run to the Final
Sligo have taken out Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Kerry en route to the final, and will provide a stern test for Kildare. Flanagan is aware of the challenge that Sligo will pose, but is focused on ensuring that Kildare continue to build on their successes at underage level.
Kildare’s Long Wait for U-20 Success
Kildare last won the U-20 All-Ireland title in 1965, and Flanagan and his team will be hoping to end that drought on Saturday. He is keenly aware of the importance of consistent success at underage level for the long-term future of Kildare football, and hopes that this current crop of U-20 players can contribute to a bright future for the county.
Overall, Kildare will be hoping that their U-20 success can translate into future senior success. The conveyor belt of talent that Flanagan speaks of has been seen at many successful counties, and Kildare will be hoping to emulate that success. The final against Sligo will be a stern test, but Kildare will be confident that they can continue their progress at underage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Naas CBS?
Naas CBS is a secondary school in Naas, County Kildare, Ireland. They have a successful Gaelic football program, having won multiple Leinster titles at the schools level.What is the Kildare U-20 team?
The Kildare U-20 team is a Gaelic football team consisting of players under the age of 20 representing the county of Kildare in Ireland. They compete in the All-Ireland U-20 Football Championship.What is the Kingspan Breffni?
Kingspan Breffni is a GAA stadium located in Cavan, Ireland. It is the home stadium of the Cavan Gaelic football team and has a capacity of around 32,000 spectators.What is the All-Ireland U-20 Football Championship?
The All-Ireland U-20 Football Championship is a Gaelic football competition for players under the age of 20 representing the counties of Ireland. It is organized by the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the final is played at Croke Park in Dublin.
