REVIEW OF THE YEAR: Wildest dreams come true for Sporting Fingal players
TEAM LIFTS FIRST PIECE OF SILVERWARE AND GAIN PROMOTION
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DREAMS of the wildest nature came true for Sporting Fingal this year after they won promotion to the Premier League and then followed it up with the FAI Ford Cup.
The terrific season means that not only did the League of Ireland's youngest side capture its first piece of silverware, but also qualified for the first stages of the Europa League, formerly known as the Uefa Cup.
Reflecting on the numerous high points throughout the season, club secretary, John O'Brien, said: 'It's been such a memorable year. We have an absolutely terrific management team.
'If we'd known we were going to end up with promotion and the FAI Cup, we would never have believed it. It's a terrific testimony to the players.' Manager Liam Buckley was full of praise for all who had contributed to the season, from the council, to the club's staff and volunteers, the sponsors, the FAI, NDSL, the coaching team and his family, particularly his wife Orla.
'I'm grateful to the players for the input they gave this season because it did take an awful lot to get this over the line and they deserve a huge amount of credit for the effort they gave,' the manager said.
Fingal County manager, David O'Connor, labelled the Sporting Fingal team as '23 heroes', following their FAI Ford Cup win.
'Following the team has been an absolute rollercoaster and we so much appreciate everything they've done,' he said. The club's commercial manager, Joe Corr, reflected on a 'fantastic' week of football and looked forward to the prospect of Europe's big guns arriving at Morton Stadium.
'I'm looking forward to the coming season, where we'll be playing in the Premier Division and the Europa League.'
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr Ciaran Byrne said: ' The players, management and support staff have made football history by doing an incredible double, only two years after the club was founded.
'Fingal County Council getting behind this club was a remarkable success. It is the way to go. Community is where football came from, where it belongs and we've always got to hang on to that thought.' Meanwhile, one Fingal resident, who was cheering for their opponents, also paid tribute to the victorious Sporting side. Rush man, Christy Mitchell, has been a devout Sligo fan for more than 60 years, but was gracious as the Bit O'Red were defeated.
'I want to congratulate Sporting Fingal for a real sporting game in Tallaght Stadium,' he said. 'It was a very enjoyable game and I'm really convinced that Sporting Fingal deserved to win it.
Midfielder Shane McFaul was named Sporting Fingal's player of the year, while the club's event controller, Paul Barnes, awarded Mark Bagnall with the volunteer of the year award and a presentation was also made to outgoing safety officer, Martin McGregor.
