Two local sides to battle it out in Counties Cup final
by John Dingle
An all-local pairing will bring down the curtain on the CCFL season as St Peter's meet Temple Villa in the final of the Counties Cup in DPD Park, Athlone next Saturday evening, kick off 5pm, with a large crowd expected to attend.
St Peter's will start as hot favourites to lift the cup as they look to add to their earlier success in the Paddy Cotter Cup. Mark McConnell’s men were in pursuit of three trophies at one stage but their challenge for Senior division honours was thwarted by Willow Park. Heading into stoppage time at home in McCarthy Park to their great Athlone rivals Willow Park, St Peter's had their destiny in their own hands. However, a dramatic equaliser handed the advantage back to Colin Fortune's men who completed the task in subsequent outings to lift the league title.
The semi-final draw was the best possible one for the Saints as they avoided meeting both Villa and Birr Town. Walsh Island Shamrocks from Division two provided the opposition instead and, although putting up a strong first half display, were overwhelmed when play resumed after the break.
From goalkeeper Darcy Lawless to number eleven Carr, the boys in Green have a formidable line up. Veteran Niall Scullion contains to turn back the clock in defence while Scott Delaney is a former Athlone Town captain, team captain Ian Dempsey is another player with lots of experience. Johnny Kiernan was the goal hero in the Paddy Cotter Cup. The Kellys, Gary and Luke, are other potential match winners in a very strong St Peter's squad.
Temple Villa are also looking to collect more silverware having lifted the Division One Cup against Division One Saturday champions Moydow FC, recently. A respectable third place finish in the League showed the progress made by Villa under manager James O’Grady, following on from their double winning season last year in Division 2. They are an experienced team who will not be overawed by the occasion with several of their players being involved in big games before.
The Mount Temple overcame top flight opponents Birr Town in the last four. A dramatic cup tie went all the way to penalty kicks.
Having recently celebrated their fiftieth birthday with a gala celebration, victory in the CCFL blue riband competition would cap a remarkable year. The team is a nice blend of youth and experience. Kieran McNally, Benny Magennis, Damien Rushe and Darren Nugent have all tasted success in the past and will provide a steadying influence. Tricky winger Aaron O’Neill was the man of the match in the Division One cup final and at his best, will be hard to contain. Jason Hyland has popped up with some vital goals this season and will relish finishing the season at the home of Willow Park which his family have great connections with. Villa will go into the big day with nothing to lose and have a good chance of causing an upset.