Rising football star Luke Doolan talks life at Kerry FC

This week, our Transition Year student Luke Mangan caught up with one of Kerry FC’s young talents, Luke Doolan. The pair discussed Doolan’s journey in football so far, including his early days with Killarney Athletic to now playing for Kerry FC.

When you were growing up, who was your football or soccer idol, and why?

Messi, because he’s the greatest player to play the game.

Who was your childhood hero?

I’d say my father. He helped me a lot throughout my career.

If you weren’t a footballer, what would your dream career be?

I wanted to be an astronaut. I wanted to go to space, but somehow, I don’t think that’ll happen now.

What does it feel like to be part of a great team with good support every week?

It’s great. The support every week is brilliant. We work hard; the training is very good. We play well every week for a very good club.

What’s it like to have been with your local club, Killarney Athletic, to now being with the green of Kerry?

Killarney Athletic were very good to me. When I was starting off coaches like JP Mullins were fantastic. Then when I went into the seniors, it was great to have Brendan Moloney and Joe Hurley, who both have a lot of experience.

In a county known for GAA, how does it feel to be such an icon for Kerry soccer?

It feels good. Obviously, Kerry has a big association with the GAA and Kerry FC is new. Soccer is gaining more momentum in the county, which is great to see.

Do you ever see yourself playing in a football game like FIFA sometime?

Yeah, it would be cool to be honest because I play it at home. So yeah, it would be nice to see myself in the game sometime.

Tell me more about your time with Athletic.

I played with great players when I was young, those in my Athletics team and the youths’ team. We had some great players there, some of the best in the county. It’s a great team with fantastic coaches involved. Then with my move to Kerry FC, obviously you have Colin [Healy], Conor [McCarthy], Chris [Collopy]. Brilliant coaches who really help me to push my game and get further in my career.

How did it feel to finally get your first minutes for Kerry?

Nerve-wracking but glad to finally get onto the pitch. It took me a while but I’m glad to get minutes. I’ve only been there for a few months now and I’m just grateful to be involved in the squad and to get some minutes in.

You mentioned Brendan Moloney. How did it feel being coached by him?

He’s class to be fair. He had some bad injuries which knocked him back in his career. Obviously, he is still a class player. He came back to Athletic, his home club, and he’s still there now. Great for the club and great for the team to keep going on with their history and what they do, so yeah, he’s a great coach.

Luke Doolan will be travelling with the Kingdom when they go to Dublin at the weekend ahead of their FAI cup semi-final clash with Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday at 6pm.

Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce held their quarterly luncheon last Tuesday with Kerry County Council CEO Fearghal Reidy in attendance.

The gathering of Killarney business owners took place at the Muckross Park Hotel.

The attendees were informed that the new Kerry-Cork corridor, which involves the construction of a major road from Farranfore to Killarney, could commence within a five-year period.

He explained that €2 million was provided to advance the project last year with another €1 million approved this year.

Mr Reidy advised that negotiations have taken place with Irish Rail regarding the provision of more frequent rail services for Kerry and there has been significant investment in local and national roads.

He outlined several key priorities for Kerry County Council which included housing, climate action and tourism.

He also spoke about the South Kerry Greenway which is set to be operational within the next six months and explained there is an ambitious overall greenway strategy planned to connect the entire county.

Mr Reidy said that Kerry will be a top-class greenway destination.

He praised the council outdoor staff in Killarney and expressed his pride at the work they do.

He said: “I walked the streets of Killarney at 8.15am this morning and the outdoor staff were cleaning, planting and doing brilliant work. Killarney has a great reputation for its Tidy Towns work and for being so well presented.”

The attendees were advised to voice opinions, good or bad, to ensure improvements are always being made.