Brian Kerr proves a big hit at 2004/5 Malahide player of the year awards
© Fingal Independant 08/06/05

By Shane Cassells

FANTASTIC was the buzz word coming from the function rooms of the Grand Hotel in Malahide last Thursday night as Irish international soccer manager Brian Kerr presented awards to over 40 underage Malahide United teams. It was always a special night for the players and the parents of the young children as they received their medals from the season gone by, but to have the Irish coach, accompanied by Noel O’Reilly, in attendance made it even extra special.

Kerr proved a big hit with all the players and club officials as he mixed and chatted with the guests. After presenting awards to over 40 teams and the players of the year for each of those sides the manager spoke at length to all the youngsters. The Irish boss stressed that by playing the game of soccer you can become a better individual and that point is more important than whether you win or lose a game. Such focus on the merits of the game proved a big hit with the parents and the statement spoke volumes for the broader vision Kerr has of the game.

Of course the Irish boss and his squad had been in Malahide all week as they prepared for their crunch tie with Israel last weekend. The team were a familiar sight around Gannon Park as they used the facilities of Malahide United in preparation for the tie. Club chairman Don Butler expressed his delight at the presence of Kerr at the awards and also noted how Malahide United and the FAI have worked very well together in providing a base for the international side.

‘Brian stayed for over an hour and a half the other night and was very generous in his time with the players. Some of the comments he made were fantastic and proved great advice for younger players. ‘We are obviously delighted to have the Irish team training at our ground as it raises the profile of the club and indeed the area in general. Having said all that the players have a good deal of privacy and that is something that appeals to them and the management.

‘Nobody is imposing on them and thus they are more relaxed. There are plenty of kids coming down to the ground after school and the players are always happy to sign autographs for them. Shay Given actually gave a set of his gloves to one of our goalkeepers the other day and I think that sums up the good nature of the whole camp,’ remarked Butler.

The night also saw the launch of the new Malahide United website.

It features all the club details and information for both the members and for those hoping to join the progressive club, which fields at the highest level in Leinster Intermediate football. The site also links in with the reports from the Fingal Independent on past games.