BY ALAN RODGERS
A.RODGERS@GAELICLIFE.COM
MANAGING the Kilkenny Minor footballers is far from being the most glamorous appointment in the GAA. But it's a role which one Monaghan man is totally committed to.
Emmett McAviney has a dream of one day seeing the Cats take on his native county in an All-Ireland Final. While that might well be a pipe dream, he is nevertheless remaining steadfast in his desire to spread the gaelic football gospel in the county.
The Ballybay native is also in absolutely no doubt about the potential for progress even though the side recently withdrew from the Leinster Championship.
"Our main problem is that there are so many other commitments for the players which will always get top priority. I was appointed manager in November last year, we had trials in January and played two games in the provincial championship," he said.
"The game against Wexford turned out to be one-sided, but it was the inexperience of the sides which cost us dearly. A few weeks ago the side played Waterford in a challenge and did much better.
"Most of the players are also hurlers and some are part of soccer teams. It means that we struggle to get them out for training and matches, especially at this time of year.
"There was one night when only two turned up for training. After that a team meeting was held and it was decided to pull out of the championship which was very disappointing," he added.
However, hope springs eternal that things can be got back on track sooner rather than later. And, the 34 year old is anxious to be involved.
Prior to his departure to the hurling heartlands of the south east, McAviney, who is a nephew of Ulster Council Treasurer, Martin, was part of the Ballybay team and also represented Monaghan at Minor and U-21 level.
One of his memories is of how the county's Minor team of the early nineties missed out on their chance for glory as their close rivals, Armagh instead came to close clinching the All-Ireland title.
The dream of seeing Monaghan win the Sam Maguire at Croke Park remains, although his opportunities to watch them have been reduced to date this season.
"With the Kilkenny Minor commitments, I didn't really get the chance to attend the National League matches. But hopefully that will change in the coming months," he added.
"My hope is that a big effort will be put into helping football grow in Kilkenny. There are a lot of good players in the county who would be capable of reaching a Leinster Final if they were able to give the game a full commitment.
"I suppose managing a team is the next best thing to playing. Coming from Monaghan, my interest in football has always been strong and hopefully things will improve.
"There is a good base of football in Kilkenny, but unfortunately things just didn't work out this year. Maybe some day will see Monaghan against Kilkenny in an All-Ireland Minor Final and I love to be involved with a team that is doing well."
McAviney is a member of the Gowran club which is home to former Kilkenny stars, Charlie Carter and DJ Carey. He has been living in the county for a number of years now.
