Boston-bound Lowney looking forward to summer adventure

Lowney helps launch Clon’s hosting of 2019 Féile

BY GER McCARTHY

CLONAKILTY dual player David Lowney is heading to the USA for the summer.

But before heading state-side, Lowney was on hand – along with Cork ladies’ footballer Eimear Scally – to launch the 2019 John West Féile na nGael competitions taking place at Clonakilty’s Ahamilla complex in early June.

‘I have very fond memories of Féile,’ former Cork U21 hurler Lowney told The Southern Star.

‘When I played, the competition was held in Éire Óg but back then you actually had to host a visiting team in your own club. We looked after a club from North Kerry called Ballydonoghue. Looking back on it now, it was gas, as some of the Ballydonoghue team stayed over in my place before being the opposition in a Féile game the following day.

‘The Féile is something unique and not something you will get to experience again for the rest of your life. Sure you didn’t get a wink of sleep with the opposition staying in your home and having the craic. It was brilliant because you made so many new friends.’

The PE and Irish student is coming to the end of his third year in UCC and has decided to head to the USA for the summer. By Lowney’s own admission, fourth year in college will be ‘full on’ and will include work placement which means 2019 is his only chance to sample life as a student across the Atlantic.

That has obvious ramifications for Lowney’s immediate inter-county hurling career aspirations. He is a former Cork dual minor, won an U21 Munster hurling medal last year and he made his senior league debut as a sub against Kilkenny in January. Lowney sought out the opinions of his coaches and mentors before deciding to head to the United States.

‘I took on board the fact I could be out on work placement for most of next year before deciding to go the USA,’ the Clonakilty dual player stated.

‘I realised that this was my only opportunity to get away and experience life in the states for a summer and do a bit of travelling. I have decided to go to Boston and link up with the Galway Boston hurling club and play in their championship. 

‘They have been brilliant in so far as looking after accommodation and other stuff. Playing with Galway will allow me to keep fit, keep my touch and just ticking over while I am over there. 

‘I spoke to a lot of coaches and managers before making up my mind to go travelling. Every one of them gave me their backing in that they said I was young and should go travelling when I had the opportunity. 

‘I know I’ll have a few months of the summer free once I become a full-time teacher but travelling the world is just something I have to do when we get the chance.’

Lowney has been an active dual player for Clonakilty since first bursting on to the club scene. The club fields at both senior (football) and junior (hurling) level so Lowney has been extra busy since first pulling on the red and green jersey. Add to that, Fitzgibbon Cup success with UCC whilst also forcing his way onto John Meyler’s Cork senior hurling panel and managing his off field time has become as important as his contribution on it.

‘Clon is a bit different to other clubs in that we are junior hurling and senior football,’ Lowney commented.

‘There has been slightly more emphasis on the football down through the years but this year has been more balanced and fairer. We were given a full two weeks of practice before the first round of the junior hurling championship which was brilliant and likewise with the senior football set-up. 

‘Being a dual player and even a dual club is doable when you consider the likes of Newcestown and St Finbarr’s have senior clubs in both codes. There should be no excuses why a club cannot field in both, in my opinion.

‘As for inter-county, well next year I will be in a better place in that I’ll have more structure and routine around my work situation. I want to be involved at the highest level, competing with elite players and training as often as I can. All going well, whatever team asks me to go training with them, I’ll be ready, willing and able to give my absolute best.’