End of an era for the Geoghegans at Blues Academy
Waterford FC's Richy Walsh, Colin Power, and Sandra Myler make presentations to Mike and Sean Geoghegan after their departure from the Waterford FC academy in the past week. Photo: Noel Browne
Waterford FC have confirmed that Academy Manager Mike Geoghegan and Head of Academy Coaching Sean Geoghegan concluded their roles with the Blues last weekend.
After spending over seven years with the Blues overseeing the Waterford FC Academy, Academy Manager Mike Geoghegan has called time on his journey with the academy, with his son, Sean, set to move to America in the new year.
Speaking to the club media over the last week, both men had the highest praise for their time at the academy.
“This year is up there with one of my favourite years of the seven involved,” said Sean Geoghegan.
“Being able to have a hand in every single team and work with coaches primarily. It’s more about working with coaches rather than the kids. I’d still do sessions and take sessions with other coaches.
“ It’s been fun seeing the coaches grow throughout the year as well. We’ve tried different things, like coaching education sessions. Then we had more detail on the periodisation plans, which has allowed me to really step in and hone in on the more day-to-day and principles of play and everything we’re trying to do on the pitch.” Many of the Academy Graduates Blues fans have witnessed develop into first-team players over recent years have benefited from hard work in the background by both Sean and Mike.
The duo worked closely with Romeo Akachukwu while he was a Blue, before his record-breaking move to Southampton FC.
Along with Romeo, Mike and Sean, Jason Healy, Ronan Mansfield, Jesse Dempsey, Adam Queally, Sean Keane and, more recently, Mohammad Oladiti have all worked closely with the Blues and represented the Blues at first-team level across recent years. “We’ve seen them get better and get good and the weaknesses they have – you’d wonder how far the lads will go and it’s great to see from our perspective”, Mike commented when asked on working with those players.
When questioned on their highlights from their time in the academy, Mike mentioned the years of working closely with his son Sean, saying, “getting work closely together for the 5 or 6 years with the team without killing each other! Also, small things like when the kids come in, shake our hands, and know us by name, and even with the coaches sitting down with them before training, having a coffee almost brings you back into a dressing room setting as a player, with the banter and enjoyment.
“Then to the players, seeing their development, watching them grow, and develop as individuals but also in a team setting, it’s pleasing.” Sean mentioned his day-to-day dealings gave him the most satisfaction, having “relationships with those who really care about the academy, with everyone working towards the same goals. Everyone here loves football; they want to do the best for the kids.
“It’s the relationships with people that I will miss the most, and I’m proud that we’ve helped turn here into one of the best academies in the country.”
The pair concluded by thanking everyone they’ve had the chance to work with within the academy, whether current coaches, volunteers, or parents, or those who had been involved previously.
“We would like to thank everyone – there are probably too many names to mention individually – but even from Jamie Dalton in the S&C Department and the role that he plays in our academy now to Craig Shead, who has done phenomenal work with our pre-academy, and just all coaches and parents who have been so respectful towards us”.
Everyone associated with Waterford Football Club would like to thank both Mike & Sean Geoghegan for their time, efforts & dedication to our academy over the last seven years, helping it grow from where it was to where it is now. We wish them both the very best going forward.
