by Mary-Anne McNulty
maryanne@inishtimes.com

A veteran of the Inishowen League is urging young players to show more commitment to the game – and their clubs.
Aileach defender Stephen O’Donnell, who last night played his final league match for the first team after 15 years service, believes the peninsula’s junior soccer scene is struggling because too many players love to party on a Saturday night.
He told Inish Times Sport: “Once boys get to 20 they retire, because their social life eclipses everything else.
“Aileach had a very young side this year. Half were under 18, and that is the way most teams are going.
“For many players in their twenties – an age when they should be in their prime - it has become a case of ‘party first, football second’.”
O’Donnell believes the overall standard of the Inishowen League has dropped significantly since he began his career in 1993, and says players signing for other clubs has also been a factor.
He said: “Committees are working harder now than they ever did to build up first-rate facilities, only to see boys they provided with football from the age of eight go elsewhere.
“A bit of loyalty wouldn’t go amiss. I’m not saying it’s something that should be enforced, but when you think of the time and money that has gone into improving the grounds, it would be nice if local players showed their appreciation by sticking with their club.”
O’Donnell, also Aileach chairman, will take on the player/manager role with the reserve team next season, and is hoping things will improve in the future.
He said: “We are in the process of building two pitches at our new Inch Level site, and hope to introduce floodlights with a view to playing the majority of our games on Friday or Saturday evenings in the years to come.”
He added: “I don’t want to sound as if I’m preaching. I rarely sat in on Saturday nights myself, and I didn’t always put everything into my training.
“But as a result, I never became the player I should have been.
“My story is not an isolated case. Inishowen is full of unfulfilled talent. Some keep playing and drop down the divisions, while others hang up their boots at ridiculous ages.”
“All young players should make proper time for their football, because the years creep up and you will end up regretting the time you wasted.”
*See page 80 for in-depth interview.