Originally Posted by
code red
Blarney made the move to senior around 7 years ago.The had a full squad of local players in the first division and went unbeaten I believe.They signed a couple of lads to strengten the squad for their first year in Premier and finished 4th and runners up in Intermediate cup.The squad they had back then was a squad of older blarney players that had been there for years and Obviously, a club will look to progress after a start like that and with facilities better than most league of Ireland clubs so they had to find decent players to progress. I agree with Goggs that very few of the lads who played in the keane cup final last year were local but to cut a long story short, the club were first to realise this and they are doing their best to bring some youth through.Its not an easy job.When was the last time you saw a youth come through the Rockmount, Avondale ranks.Its not an easy thing to balance but I reckon that Blarney who may not challenge for the league this year and have a very good team and could beat anyone on their day, i think they will benefit long term and that whats the clubs wants.
When that team has people like keane, O Leary ,Weldon , Clifford and a decent manager (Moynihan) , they will never be far off the mark.
Ps. I'm not involved with Blarney but I have played out there in the past. SJ.