Sex and booze on hold as team prepares for ’Pool

SEX and booze have been very much off the agenda for Dunmanway FC in the past few days, at least until they get over the game of their lives against Liverpool today.

While last-minute touches were being made to the pitch and surrounding facilities for the visit of the Premier League giants, the players and their manager were finally coming to terms with lining out against one of the world’s biggest clubs.

Sex and booze, although officially not banned, were off the agenda as players aimed to be at their very best for the occasion.

Team manager John Buckley, who admitted it was a “dream come true” to play Liverpool, said players had their own routines planned for the big day.

“No, there is no ban. I don’t think we could enforce it. We tried to ban the booze but it didn’t work. They are doing their own thing really. We have five or six League of Ireland lads playing, so it will be hard on some that don’t make the team,” he said.

However, the players themselves seem determined to keep their bodies vice-free, at least until after the final whistle.

Team captain and match organiser David Hall said despite last night being the biggest night in Dunmanway for many a year, the players were in bed early and were keeping to themselves under the covers.

“There is a booze and sex ban among the players. All the lads will be having an early night tonight despite the fact it's going to be a big night in town,” he said.

Mr Hall said nerves were finally beginning to creep into the team after a manic few weeks of build-up to the big match.

“Everybody will be too nervous for breakfast tomorrow. Even yesterday, there wasn’t too much joking after training as everybody is waiting to see are in they in the team. It’s been so busy the past few weeks, but now, when you sit down and think about it, you start to feel the nerves,” he said.

The Dunmanway team met their Liverpool counterparts at their hotel in Inchydoney last night in advance of the game.

Temporary car parks will be provided for match traffic and only match ticket holders will be allowed entry.

The match kick-off is at 2pm today and stiles open at 12pm.