WATCH: Magee delighted with “great buzz” surrounding Ballynanty Rovers

Ballynanty Rovers manager Donal Magee spoke to Sporting Limerick’s Adrian Finnin at Limerick Institute of Technology last week to discuss the club’s superb start to the season and the plans for the future. 

The former Shannon Town manager has made quite an impact since taking over at the Northside club, winning all eight league games as well as two games in the FAI and Munster Junior Cups.

Contrary to popular belief, Magee is returning to the club after many years away and is delighted to be back.

“I was originally with Balla years ago and some people don’t realise that when I was involved with Limerick FC and then I got an opportunity to manage the club. I always had a soft spot for Balla in my heart. It’s a great club with a great community. I had felt I had enough done (in management) but Ger O’Doherty(Ballynanty chairman)  asked me and I felt it was too good an opportunity to say no to.”

Ballynanty have been unstoppable in the early stages of the season. The team have scored 30 goals and conceded just six in the league after defeating Carew Park by a whopping eight goals on Sunday. Magee is delighted with the effort and fitness levels of his players so far.

“We have a  terrific pool of players here. We added one or two and some of those players were here when I first coached Ballynanty years ago. We can only beat the teams in front of us and we haven’t had a full squad to pick from yet. “

Ballynanty have made significant additions to their squad this season with Arron Nunan signing from Janesboro, Jamie O’Sullivan joining from Carew Park and duo Keith Colbert and Shane Guerin signing from local rivals Moyross. Magee is delighted with the recruitment.

“Delighted with that (four new signings). We have also got a couple of young lads in such as Ger Higgins and TJ O’Dwyer. I’m delighted with the youth and they are getting opportunities. We already have a great goalkeeper in Stephen McNamara but I was happy when Darren Whelan followed me in from Shannon Town. Darren is a very experienced goalkeeper so it’s great that we are able to have the two of them.”

When chairman Ger O’Doherty approached Donal about taking the job, Magee was adamant that the club play home games at Bateman Park. The club have acquired Bateman Park in recent months and are working on improving the grounds. At the moment, the club are availing of the superb facilities at the Limerick Institute of Technology for both training and matches.

“We are very privileged to have the facilities here as we have the astro outside and changing rooms and showers. It’s also by the community where Ballynanty is situated so it is important to play where people are from.

“The club were always good so all I have asked is for a few things to improve it. We are very lucky to have the Daly’s supporting us as well as D&J Glazing. The future is bright for Ballynanty and it is an exciting time to be involved with the club.

Ballynanty will look to continue their fine start to the season when they face Castle Rovers in the third round of the Munster Junior Cup on Sunday at 10.30 am. 

Watch the interview in full on the link below. 

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