St. Joseph’s Boys Football Club Sallynoggin affectionately known as ‘Joeys’, and proudly recognised as ‘Irelands’ Premier Schoolboys Football Club’ can add another feather to its international cap. The cap has been awarded to Sam Keating of Newpark Comprehensive School and parishioner of Monkstown Parish. Sam has been selected to be play for Ireland in the F.A.I Schools’ International squad (under 18’s).
Sam Keating (17) is a focused and committed footballer and with the help of his parents Olwen and Donal Keating and sister Amy should represent his country with flying colours. Taking Roy Keane’s widely quoted advice, “Fail to Prepare - Prepare to Fail”; Sam has been preparing a long time to reach this high point in his foot-balling life. Sam joined ‘Carriglea F.C. Monkstown’, when he was 7 years old, he staying and playing there for ten very important years. For those 10 years Sam played the game, Donal coached the team, Amy led the cheerleaders and Olwen washed the jerseys! After ten years with ‘Carriglea’ Sam moved to the famous ‘Joey’s’ (St. Joseph’s) Club in Sallynoggin, whose motto is “Forward to the Goal”.
‘Joey’s’, “…the Premier Schoolboys’ Football club...” with its high record of foot-balling achievement has proved a smart move. Not only does Sam play soccer for his school Newpark, he plays for ‘Dublin & District Schoolboys Premier League’, his province, Leinster, and last October in Limerick he was picked to play for The F.A.I Schools’ International squad. Only eighteen boys were chosen for the Ireland team. Donal, Sam’s Dad who never misses a match, jokes, that when in Limerick, Sam stayed in the 4 star ‘Castletroy Park Hotel’, whilst he had to drive down the road to a 2 star establishment!
“How does it feel to play for your country Sam?” I enquire.
“It feels exciting to play for Ireland and I shall have butterflies in my stomach when I sing the National Anthem”... Sam will be feeling those butterflies again when he dons the Ireland jersey on 2nd March (a friendly against Wales at Haverford West), at a tournament match against Scotland on 9th March, and the big one - which we should all support – Ireland v England at ‘Home Farm’ Whitehall, Dublin on 30th March.
Non-smoking lucozade-drinking Sam plays most positions on the field but his main one is centre mid-field. He supports Manchester United, and his heroes are Roy Keane, Barcelona/Brazil player Ronaldinho, manager Martin O’Neill, and Donal his Dad.
“I couldn’t have done all this without my Dad”, Sam tells me. “He certainly deserves any success he may get, after all the hard work he has put into his football”, replies Donal.
Good luck Sam and Monkstown Parish will be there, in force, to cheer you on at ‘Home Farm’ grounds, 30th March 2007. “Forward to the Goal” Sam Keating we shall be rooting for you and Ireland.
C.C.