JFC final preview: Kilbeggan Shamrocks Player Profiles

September 18, 2016

Kilbeggan manager James Duignan speaks to his players before their JFC semi-final victory over Multyfarnham at Cusack Park.
Pic via Daniel Boyce.

Kilbeggan Shamrocks take on Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall in the JFC final at TEG Cusack Park next Sunday (throw-in 3.30pm). Here's the men who will be striving to bring the Hugh Daniels Cup back to Kilbeggan after a four-year lapse.

Shane Keenan, Goalkeeper, AIT student (21): 'Gooch' has been first-choice 'keeper since winning a JFC medal in his debut season of 2012. He started the first round win over Wexford when Westmeath reached the 2013 Leinster MFC final. He won Gerry Reilly and Fr Manning Cup medals in 2011 and is also the holder of an U16 'B' championship medal.

Colin Draper, Back, teacher (27): The former Rose of Tralee escort has been a model of consistency in the full back line this year. Also a noted rugby player with Tullamore and a member of our committee, his crucial block-down denied Multyfarnham a last-gasp equaliser in the semi-final. Ironically, Colin teaches in Multy's Wilson's Hospital, which is his alma mater.

Warren Maher, Back, construction worker (30): The Mount Bolus, Co. Offaly native has been a huge addition to the club since joining a few years ago. One of those players who togs out bigger than he looks in his civvies, he is a tough and uncompromising full back who is eager to win his first major honour in the Kilbeggan colours.

David Marshall, Back, architect (38): 'Boo' has been a fantastic servant to the club down the years and is showing no signs of slowing down. A MFC and U21FC medallist with Ennell Shamrocks many moons ago, he memorably kicked three points from centre back in the 2012 JFC final win over Mullingar Shamrocks. A nephew of team selector Mickey Kelly.

Mel Kiernan, Back/Forward, accountant (29): Mel is one of the most versatile players on the team who produced a man of the match performance from centre forward in the group match against Delvin. He started the 2012 final at corner forward, but is now back in the half back line. His father Philip is a former Longford midfielder who won an IFC medal with the club in 2000.

James Fox, Back, NUI Maynooth student (19): A son of selector Donal, James has overcome illness and injury to re-establish himself in the defence. He was part of the Kilbeggan/St. Joseph's team that won a Leinster U14 Feile title in 2011 and has represented his county in all the underage grades. James is also the holder of All-Ireland Feile, U14, U16 and U21 hurling championship medals won with Castletown-Geoghegan.

Shaun Pidgeon, Back, accountant (30): A brilliant captain when we triumphed in 2012, Shaun is one of the club's most committed players. Indeed, he was honoured with our Player of the Year award in 2012. Also the holder of MFC 'B' and Leinster Schools medals, he has featured in defence, midfield and attack this year. Shaun's sister Emma is a former club secretary.

Brendan Nannery, Midfield/Back, plumber/gym owner (30): Brendan has been a massive addition to the club since returning from Australia at the start of the year. He has improved with every game and gave an outstanding centre-field performance in the semi-final. A born leader, he is hoping to add to the JFC medal he won with St. Joseph's in 2004. Brendan played senior championship football for Westmeath in 2006 and lined out alongside John Heslin and Paul Sharry on the Irish Warriors team that won the Aussie Rules International Cup in 2011.

Alan Fennell, Midfield, army captain (33): Captain on and off the pitch, Alan was also midfield in 2012. Another club committee member and a mentor to our minor team, he will be striving to supply the ammunition for his twin brothers in the full forward line. The former county panellist can count U16 ('premier' and 'A'), minor 'premier' and U21 Hastings Cup medals among his list of honours.

Brendan McMahon: Forward/Back, NUIG student (19): Brendan has been on the panel just two years and has already played in nearly every position on the field, including goals. A committed clubman, he had a fine game at wing forward in the quarter-final win over Garrycastle. The former county minor won a Leinster U14 Feile medal in 2011 as well as All-Ireland Feile, U14 and U16 hurling championship medals with Castletown-Geoghegan.

Nigel Scally: Forward, UCD student (21): The baby of the 2012 winning panel, Nigel has since grown a few inches and developed into an excellent scoring forward from both frees and open play. His absence was sorely felt when he was out of the country on work experience earlier in the campaign. Came up with some vital scores in the semi-final.

Sean Hanlon, Forward, UL student (19): Another Leinster U14 Feile medallist from 2011, Sean has established himself on the starting XV in recent games and gave a truly wonderful performance in the semi-final with his high work-rate and excellent use of possession. Will have a big part to play in the final.

David Fennell, Forward, army private (23): After missing the quarter-final, David returned to score 1-3 in the semi-final. A man for the big occasion, he posted 0-5 in a brilliant 2012 JFC final display. Also a MFC medallist with Ennell Shamrocks in 2010, he has won numerous hurling honours with Castletown-Geoghegan, including a SHC medal in 2013. Has also represented Westmeath hurlers at every level.

Paul Fennell, Forward, adventure centre coordinator (23): A twin brother of David's, Paul scored the winning goal in the quarter-final against Garrycastle and also netted from the penalty spot against Multy. His career has mirrored that of Paul's, having won the same honours in football, hurling and rugby, and also hurled for his county at all levels.

James Finnegan, Forward, AIT student (19): James is a pacey and accurate corner forward who had a great breakthrough season in 2014. Also an accomplished free-taker, he played U14 and U16 for Westmeath and was a key member of the Kilbeggan/St. Joseph's Leinster U14 Feile winning team five years ago.

The Kilbeggan squad before the JFC semi-final against Multyfarnham. Back row l-r: Fergal Fox, Keith Corcoran, Mel Kiernan, David Fennell, Brendan McMahon, Warren Maher, Brendan Nannery, Shane Keenan, Shaun Pidgeon, Colin Draper, Ciaran Egan, Simon O'Neill, Shane Gorry, Dean Fitzgerald. Front row: James Claffey, Paul Maloney, Ryan Coughlan, David Marshall, Nigel Scally, Alan Fennell, James Fox, Sean Hanlon, Paul Fennell, James Finnegan, John Dinnegan, Thomas Barrett, Aaron McNamee. Missing from photo: Keith Gorry.

Keith Gorry, Forward, postman (41): It's incredible to think that Keith is preparing for his third JFC final, 24 years after he played in his first. His commitment to the maroon jersey knows no bounds, and he also took on the role of minor team mentor this year. The team's elder statesman, Keith is a former Westmeath U21 footballer and county hurler who is the holder of JFC (two), IFC and SHC medals (he scored the winning point for Castletown-Geoghegan in the 2004 county final). He also helped Westmeath to an All-Ireland U16HC 'B' success.

Dean Fitzgerald, Forward/Midfield, NUI Maynooth student (20): One of our leading performers last year, Dean's season has been interrupted by injury. In spite of this, he scored a crucial point in a late cameo appearance against Garrycastle and is one of the club's brightest prospects.

John Dinnegan, Back, Moate Business College student (21): One of the fittest and fastest players on the panel, John has started most of our championship games in the last couple of years and could have an important role to play on Sunday.

Thomas Barrett, Goalkeeper, TCD student (19): Of Mayo stock, Thomas is an excellent young goalkeeper who played very well in his only championship start to date against Loughnavalley.

Mick Tormey, Goalkeeper, car dealership parts and service employee (30): Mick was also understudy to Shane Keenan in 2012, but remains as committed as ever. The Tullamore RFC rugby player even made an appearance as an outfield player against Loughnavalley this year.

Fergal Fox, Forward, HSE manager (39): A native of Bonniconlon in Co. Mayo, Fergal won a JFC medals in 2012 and has been very active in the club ever since, being the current underage chairman. A regular starter for most of the season, he made telling contributions off the bench against Garrycastle and Multy.

Simon O'Neill, Forward, Kepak employee (26): Another survivor from 2012, Simon was introduced to the attack in the quarter-final and semi-final after starting a number of earlier games. An accurate free-taker who won an U16 'B' championship medal with Kilbeggan/St. Joseph's.

Aaron McNamee, Forward, Leaving Cert student (17): A skilful player who lines out at midfield for the minors, Aaron made his junior team debut in a league game against St. Loman's on St. Patrick's Day and subsequently started a number of championship games, chipping in with important scores in the process.

Shane Gorry, Forward, AIT student (20): Another committed young player who is looking forward to his first JFC final. Shane has completed various coaching coaches which he is already putting to good use with the minor team.

James Claffey, Back, Irish Rural Link policy and media officer (25): James' dedication to the club is reflected in his involvement at committee and underage level. This corner back won't be found wanting if he's called upon on Sunday.

Paul Maloney, Back/Forward, wood turner (39): A great stalwart who won IFC and JFC medals in 2000 and 2012 respectively and was captain the last time we were senior in 2001. 'Puddie' is also the holder of an U16 'B' medal.

Ciaran Egan, Back, IT Sligo student (19): Ciaran won a Leinster U14 Feile medal in 2011 and represented his county at U16 level two years later. His father Padraig is a former intermediate team selector/underage coach who is currently preparing his native Ferbane for an Offaly SFC semi-final appearance against Tullamore.

Keith Corcoran, Midfield, AIT student (18): In his final year with the minors, Keith is a tall player with a bright future ahead of him.

Colm Heffernan, Back/Midfield, NUI Maynooth student (18): Built like a tank, Colm was a regular starter before his rugby commitments took precedence. He lined out at midfield when we last played Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall in July. Colm is only back from Bucharest where he played for the Ireland Rugby Sevens U18 team last weekend.

Rest of panel: Ryan Coughlan (17), Thomas Finnegan (17), Rory O'Neill (17), Michael Carton (17), Stephen Daly (17), Jamie Stone (17) and Dylan Haugh (17).

Management: James Duignan (manager), Mickey Kelly (selector), Donal Fox (selector), Niall O'Brien (selector), Tom Ward (selector), Nicky Finn (kit man), Seanie O'Donoghue (physio) and Ciaran Daly (First Aid).

Club officers - chairman: Ken Scally; vice-chairman: Paul Daly; secretary: Marie Lynagh; treasurer: John O'Brien; PRO: Randal Scally; county board delegates: Philip Kiernan, Ger Carton and Alan McCormack; minor board chairman: Fergal Fox; minor board secretary: Teresa Murphy; Child Protection Officer: Pat Lynagh. Other committee members: Alan Fennell, Colin Draper, James Claffey, Eimear Fox, Mickey Kelly, Dermot Smith, Kevin Fitzpatrick, Larry Claffey, Noel Collins, Nicky Finn, Mary Gardiner and Tom Ward.


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