Kevin McGrath in action against Dunboyne.
ROAD TO AVIVA: Kevin McGrath is one of the youngest members of Eamon Mc Conigley’s squad which is heading to the Aviva Stadium with Letterkenny Rovers and it will be an extra special day for the Glenwood Park man as his native town do battle with Crumlin.
McGrath, who will turn 21 next month, is now in his 5th year with the senior side since making his debut at Castle Park in Buncrana as a 16 year-old, and on a dream debut set-up the winning goal in a 1-0 win.
It’s McGrath’s 12th year with the club in total apart from a brief four-month sojourn with Rathmullan Celtic in the Donegal League during the USL off-season.
He is the only player to have come through u10s, u12, u14, u16s, youths, u19s, reserves and senior.
Many titles have been won with 3 Youth Leagues and a number of cups – while he also captained the team in the u19’s League of Ireland – for whom he played for a few seasons and formed a formidable midfield partnership with current Stevenage man Dale Gorman.
He was also was an integral part of Eamon McConigleys side who won the USL Reserve double in 2013.
Donegal Daily caught up with the unassuming McGrath this week and spoke to him about the huge match on Saturday.
McGrath said, “It’s a great time for the club, and I’m well aware of how much hard work goes on behind the scenes.
“I have seen a number of players come and go at the club but it’s fair to say that there is something different with this bunch of lads.
“There seems to be a strong bond between the players which I haven’t experienced in football before, and I’m just glad all the work all year is beginning to pay off.
“I’m always walking around the town and it would be great to walk down the town with the Cup on Sunday evening, so hopefully we can go and lift it now.
“Crumlin are probably the standard bearer for Intermediate football in the country, but we are in the final on merit so we have a good chance to go on and win the thing now.
“We dont fear anyone.”
McGrath is a versatile player who can play in a number of different positions and even slotted in at right back for Rovers last game against Fanad United.
“If Eamon asked me to go into goal I would have no bother doing it, but sure it might happen some day and maybe Rory might have to watch his back – but seriously anytime you get to wear the Rovers jersey its a great honour for anyone and if I get a chance to be involved on Saturday it would be brilliant.”
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