“Thomastown will never be too far away” United’s Paul Dempsey comments on rebuilding job being done

Thomastown’s are into the last 16 of the LFA Junior Cup.

The last 32 tie with Bangor ended with no goals scored for either side, meaning penalties would decide who would progress. Fortunately, the Kilkenny side managed to win and advance 5-3 on penalties.

They are the only Kilkenny team confirmed in the last 16, as Evergreen lost out to Ashbourne with that game finishing 5-3, while Freebooters still have to play their fixture against Rivervalley Rangers.

Result @ThomastownUtd 0-0 (5-3) @Bcfc_1987 #LeinsterJuniorCup

We advance to the final 16 after a penalty win over @Bcfc_1987

— Thomastown United (@ThomastownUtd) February 19, 2023

It was no doubt a great day for the side, who have endured a difficult league campaign. However, the last KCLR McCalmont Cup champions not named Evergreen will be fancying their chances in cup competition. Last year they made the final of three cup competitions, the Premier Cup, McCalmonth Cup, and the Pat Maher Shield, however, they were on the losing end of all three finals.

This year the country side is no doubt out, to do one better when reaching finals, with the influx of new players into the squad. Thomastown has a history of creating top players with the likes of Colm Whelan and Ellen Molloy coming through their youth ranks.

See also: Thomastown united in support of former players

Speaking with KCLR manager Paul Dempsey has high hopes for the younger players onto the panel ;

“We have had a massive turnover of players, between players traveling or calling it a day. That is the way it is, it is not an excuse. We need to bring on young lads, so it might be a rebuilding job.”

“There is a lot of work being put in at underage. There are some really good young lads coming through, we have a couple of under 17’s involved with us (Junior team). To a certain degree, they are thrown in at the deep end, but they have no fear in them. We have no fear of putting them out there, they just have a great attitude. They are the future.”

“It’s tough times but one thing for sure is that Thomastown will never be too far away.”