Kenna feels no added pressure as skipper

St. Patrick's Athletic centre half and captain Conor Kenna has admitted there is a little pressure going into the FAI Cup Final, but no added pressure as captain.

“The pressure is obviously there as captain, but it is no different to the rest of the lads,” he said. “Can’t wait for it now to be honest. It’s been a long this year, especially for the fans, but it’s great now that it’s so soon.”

Kenna, whose family hail from Inchicore, was quick to dispel the idea of St Pat’s Cup hoodoo rebounding on him or any of the other players.

“This is my third year here, you obviously know what it [FAI Cup] means and my family is from Inchicore as well, a lot of fans haven’t seen the Cup here in a while and you kind of feel it a little bit, but as a player you fell no different, I wasn’t born the last time they won it so it’s no added extra pressure to me, just looking forward to it.”

The former Drogheda and UCD man also feels that the coaching staff will keep preparations as low key as ever, as St Pat’s look to secure their first Cup victory since 1961.

“It will be as low key as ever. Trevor obviously has the plan for the season and this has been involved in it so training will be no different, just keep the feet grounded and do our best.”

In recent weeks, the St Pat’s fans have been out in force decorating the area, and Kenna can feel the buzz around Dublin 8, but is ready to rise to the challenge of adding to his trophy collection.

“The season has ended so we can really focus on it. You can even see outside the flags are up and now it’s a real atmosphere starting to build now. That’s the aim, that’s why you are in football, to win things and we have a great chance now on Sunday to win something.”

Kenna is St Pat’s longest serving player, and he hopes to extend his stay, along with most of the current playing and coaching staff.

“Yeah I would like to stay on, we are building something good here and hopefully we can keep the staff and players together for next season.”