25 Mar Gavin Kilkenny and Brandon Kavanagh Shine for Ireland U17s
Gavin Kilkenny – a DB Sports signed starlet – shone for the Boys in Green against the Cypriots, in which Ireland won 2-0. Colin O’Brien’s Ireland youth outfit had already guaranteed qualification to UEFA under-17 Finals in May, but the latest victory ensured a full house of victories – and clean sheets – topping the group with nine points.
It wasn’t just Gavin from a DB Sports perspective who played for that Ireland side. Indeed, there was Brandon Kavanagh of Bohemians FC too, having helped Ireland qualify for the upcoming Finals in May. It was all action for the pair, especially Gavin, who then went on to play for his club AFC Bournemouth the following day.
Gavin flew to England to take on Luton Town FC in the EFL Youth Alliance Cup Final, in which the Cherries undr-18’s found success through a 2-1 victory. Over 1,400 spectators were on site to witness for triumph for Gavin and his Bournemouth side.
Gavin’s boss Carl Fletcher revealed how the commitment shown by Gavin Kilkenny typified the character in his youth-team squad following the 2-1 cup final victory over Luton Town at Vitality Stadium.
Having played 65 minutes in Ireland under-17s’ 2-0 win over hosts Cyprus on Monday afternoon, the young winger jetted home to start for Cherries in the Youth Alliance Cup southern section final little more than 24 hours later.
And the highly-rated 17-year-old duly matched his team-mates’ efforts on the pitch before being substituted late on, goals from Jaidon Anthony and Charlie Seaman having earlier seen Cherries overturn a one-goal deficit.
Explaining the chain of events, Fletcher told the Daily Echo: “Gav flew back on Tuesday morning and got a cab down from London, had a quick nap and then played nearly the whole game. I never thought he’d do that long!
“That just shows the character in the squad. The guys want to do well for each other.”
It has been a whirlwind year for Kilkenny who left St. Kevin’s Boys FC last September to sign for the English club. He has gone on from strength to strength with Bournemouth, and everyone at DB Sports would like to wish Gavin – and Brandon – continued success with both their club and international seasons.
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