Paul Boyle rises highest in last week’s FAI Intermediate Cup clash with Ringmahon Rangers.
FAI CUP: When Eamon McConigley secured the signature of Paul ‘The Yank’ Boyle – few would’ve predicted the impact the former Keadue Rovers player would have for Letterkenny Rovers.
Boyle has been a revelation at the heart of the Rovers defence and his assured and confident displays have helped McConigley’s side into the latter stages of a number of major competitions.
Rovers have booked a spot in the final of The Donegal News League Cup, the last four of the FAI Intermediate Cup – and tomorrow they play Portmarnock in the 1st round of the FAI Senior Cup.
Boyle has been a key player in the success of Naomh Muire in recent years, but has also played for Keadue Rovers in the Donegal League since he was a teenager, and represented the Donegal Oscar Traynor teams a couple of years ago.
He has admitted that moving to Letterkenny Rovers was a daunting prospect and doubted himself as to whether or not he could ‘cut it’ at Intermediate level.
Boyle said, “I was keen on the move and was desperate to challenge myself at a higher level, I live with Mark Forker and he was encouraging me to give it a go.
“He spoke to McGonigley and then he gave me a call and I told him I was keen to give it a go.”
Boyle was an used substitute in USL clashes against Bonagee United and Derry City, before making his debut in the FAI Intermediate Cup away to Cockhill Celtic.
Boyle delivered a MOTM performance that day when Rovers earned a hard fought 2-1 win over Gavin Cullen’s side.
“I was thrown in at the deep end, Minno was injured and Conal was unavailable, it was a huge, huge game, but it’s only now when you see the run we’re on in the Intermediate Cup you realise how big a game it was.
“Thankfully I got through it, I played OK and I’ve managed to keep my place in the team.”
Boyle has been an ever present since and has enjoyed an outstanding season.
Rovers are 90 minutes away from the Aviva, although they were just thirty seconds away last weekend in Cork.
Boyle added, “Last week was a hard one to take at the time, we were so, so close.
“We were excellent in the first-half and should’ve been further ahead to be honest, in the second-half they were much, much better and we were under huge pressure.
“They probably deserved the equaliser in truth, and now on reflection we realise it was a great result and we’re looking forward to the replay.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for us, but it’s going to be another huge battle.
They meet fellow Intermediate Cup semi-final finalists Portmarnock tomorrow in another huge game for the club in the FAI Senior Cup.
It’s the highest level Boyle has ever performed at, and he’s relishing the challenge.
“It’s another huge game for the club, they haven’t competed in this competition since 2004, they don’t come around often.
“It will be the highest level I’ve ever played at, so it’s an amazing opportunity for me personally.
“It’s the biggest competition in domestic football and I can’t wait for the game, they’re a top, top side and it’s going to be tough.
“But we’re confident we can get a result and we’d love a big day out against one of the Premier Division sides if we can negotiate our way past Portmarnock.
Rovers and Boyle are enjoying a superb season, and tomorrow could be another historic step for both.
Kick-off tomorrow is at 2.30pm.
