Packie Bonner discusses youth development at Galway Cup launch

On Tuesday afternoon, former Republic of Ireland and Celtic goalkeeping legend Packie Bonner took to the podium at the National University of Ireland, Galway to launch the 10th year of the Galway Cup – and he had more than a few interesting things to say about the state of Irish football.

In the company of Evan Murphy, the captain and talismanic centre-back of Ireland's U15 side who will play in the tournament against some of the best of his peers, Bonner's comments to a packed Aula Maxima were sincere and well-meaning.

Following some introductory comments and words of thanks from a Salthill Devon spokesman to the dozens of people gathered, it was the turn of Bonner to take centre stage with a stirring speech.

And Bonner wasn't afraid to eradicate notions of Irish football as an institution that is destined to constantly navigate sideways as opposed to upwards.

“I've been looking at the sports science side of it. We're looking at these players, Robben, for Holland, for example – some of you've seen him – how does he continue to play at that level for 90 minutes, extra-time and still do well?

“For me, it's a hugely important part of their (young players) development; watching the World Cup and then trying to transfer it into this type of competition and competing against some of the best teams that might ever come. 'Can I do it?' Is it a dream?' 'Of course I can do it, but I need help and support'”

At the crux of his message was a keenness to focus and build on the assistance and foundations that are already in place:

“Without creating the environment – you guys have created it – without the sponsors, without the support in the future, then that opportunity might never come for these young guys”

Clearly, Bonner believes that the young Irish players currently coming through the ranks have the ability to make it on the biggest stage of them all; the World Cup.

“Some day, they might play in the World Cup. And you'll be sitting in here – if you're still around – and you'll say: 'I helped to contribute'”

The passion and genuine interest contained within Bonner's message was plain for all to hear as he outlined exactly why supporting a cup competition such as this one is so important not only for the City of Galway but for the long-term future of Ireland's sporting credentials.  

Yet perhaps most revealing of all was the humble nature of his message; having helped Ireland reach the quarter-finals of Italia '90 – the farthest we've ever gotten at a major tournament - one might expect Bonner to be disappointed with how we've failed to build on the foundations he helped to lay.

Not so at all.

The Galway Cup is scheduled to take place at Drom Soccer Park from the 6th to the 9th of August with Mexico's Chivas Guadalajara, England's Ipswich Town and Scunthorpe United, USA's DC United as well as Israel's Maccabi Haifa all competing in the Elite Boys' section.