Legendary cousins to guide Killavilla’s assault on CCFL
By Gary Culbert
Killavilla United have announced their management for their debut season in the CCFL Senior Division.
A statement on social media said that: “following a comprehensive review of our football operations, the club has assembled an experienced management structure combining proven senior leadership, technical expertise, and a deep knowledge of the club’s pathway.”
When you are as successful as Killavilla are it is inevitable that some former players and managers will be granted ‘legend’ status. However, the new coaching team boasts such an extreme calibre of legends that words simply do not do it justice.
David Nash has been named as head coach, with the club speaking very highly of their returning manager saying he “knows what it takes to win at the highest level” and that Nash is “back to push this squad to absolute peak performance.”
There is very good reason for the high praise of Nash. In 2015 he received the highest award possible in Irish coaching, FAI Coach of the Year, named in honour of the late Republic of Ireland under-age and senior coach Noel O'Reilly which recognises an individual who has shown an outstanding commitment to soccer coaching and further development of soccer players in the area of grassroots football.
He won the award following his role as a coach with the North Tipperary Kennedy Cup team whom he guided the side to a 14th place finish that year, a team that contained Barry Coffey who scored eleven goals.
In his schoolboy days as a player, David was known for his ability on the ball and how he could read the game, so it was no surprise that he was picked up by Home Farm in Dublin. In that time, he made international appearances for the Republic of Ireland, coached by the likes of Brian Kerr, before moving to the UK.
Nash eventually returned to Roscrea where he coached Killavilla United to multiple league and cup honours, and Roscrea United to a double. Eventually he selected as a coach with the North Tipperary Schoolchildren's Football League, where he has more than made his mark.
Nash personifies dedication and industrialism in the game, taking on what he has learned as a player and instilling all his knowledge in the players he coaches. Over the past two years he has coached the 5 to 9 year olds in the club and often filled in where need but guiding Villa through a highly competitive CCFL Senior Division may be his toughest test yet.
The Roscrea side has a fare few legends in their former player pool, but few names carry as much weight as Paul Kirwan who comes on board as an assistant coach.
Kirwan has won it all in the NT&DL as a player with tales to be told in pubs for generations to come about his heading ability and finishing. But his impact goes way beyond his playing days having spent years building the future of boys & girls’ soccer at the club through their underage setups, with the highlight being how he guided youth teams to national stages.
Bringing that unmatched passion, driving standard, and tactical eye to the senior dugout will be crucial in the CCFL Senior Division.
Another assistant coach is Eugene Shanahan who brings invaluable senior management experience back to the technical area. Having bled blue for decades as a dedicated player, manager, and club servant, Eugene’s tactical insight and calm authority make him a massive asset as we set our sights on top honours.
Continuing in his role following the tenure of Brian Brooks, James Kirwan remains an integral part of the coaching setup as Goalkeeper Coach, providing key continuity and technical focus to the backline.
Having previously coached the majority of the younger squad members progressing from youth ranks, his familiarity with the squad will be vital in transitioning emerging talent into senior football.