LISTEN: Sugrue delighted with Oscar Traynor Youths Squad

Limerick Oscar Traynor Youths manager Martin Sugrue spoke to Sporting Limerick’s Adrian Finnin about assembling the squad and the great start that his young group have made to the tournament. 

The Limerick side which faced Clare in a recent friendly was comprised of players from seven sides, which in comparison to previous years, is a great variety. The likes of Fairview Rangers, Aisling Annacotty and Charleville are being represented. Sugrue is aided by former Limerick FC player Jason O’Connor. 

In recent years, managers of the Oscar Traynor Youth team have been criticised for favouring players from certain clubs. However, Sugrue re-iterates that if the player is good enough and has the right attitude, he will be selected.

“If the player is good enough it doesn’t matter what club he is from. It doesn’t matter if he’s in the first, second or third division; if hes good enough we will pick him. This is the third year myself and Jason O’Connor have been over the team and in the previous years there has always been players from division 1 and premier in the squad. It’s always been a mixture of clubs.”

Sugrue feels there is enough quality within his squad to win the tournament but admits it is difficult to research your opposition.

“It’s hard to know really (what to expect). You’re going into it blind. Once you get to the latter stages you can’t see a lot of teams as the tournament only takes place every so often. This is our third year doing it. We were beaten in the final twice already so it would be nice to win it but you can’t expect to win it either when you’re not fully sure what you will be up against.”

Listen to the full interview by clicking on the link below.