We have finally reached the end of a very tough league season for all concerned at St Patrick’s CYFC. For a long time it looked like we would not survive another season in amateur football’s top division, as the club went through a poor spell of form from late September to the end of February, and we found ourselves entrenched in a relegation battle and firmly stuck in the bottom three.
But on a cold March night that run of defeats and dropped points was ended with a 3-0 victory out in Malahide which was to be the beginning of a nine game unbeaten run, which included six victories.
In our last update we had just snatched a late draw at Tolka Rovers, which was the third game of that run. The CY went on to record home victories over Bangor, Greystones and Wayside, while also picking up a point a-piece at home to Drumcondra and away to UCD to settle into a mid-table league position.
Under normal circumstances, the 32 points amassed would have been enough to ensure safety, but such has been the manner of the openness of this league campaign that it wasn’t until a combination of results and off the field decisions involving a relegated club that we could finally say with any manner of certainty CY were safe, and in fact as we go to print there may be still some legal issues to be ironed out, which could affect the final league table outcome.
CY did eventually surrender their undefeated record away to Glebe North on May 13th and will host Tolka Rovers in our last league fixture on Friday May 22nd in something of a dead rubber for both clubs; a win would erase any niggling doubts surrounding any implications of the aforementioned legal proceedings, which don’t involve CY directly.
So we can look forward to another exciting season in the LSL Senior division while our young Saturday side will compete in Major1 Saturday, which is the second highest division at reserve team level.
Once the dust has settled on the season just passed, the committee will reflect and make plans for next season. Part of those plans will be the implementation of a new Senior management team. Derek Bowden had indicated some time ago that he did not wish to continue in the post beyond the end of the current season. Derek and assistant Ed Saul have done a marvellous job over the past 18 months or so, and we would like to sincerely thank both men for their efforts. As a committee, we will be on the lookout for suitable candidates, and hope to make an announcement before pre-season commences in late June or early July.
From a committee point of view, there will be some structural changes, as secretary John Healy retires from the position he has held for 20 years. David Nolan, who has been assisting John over the past few years, will step into the breach. We also expect to add new members to the committee and strengthen as a club all round to ensure future stability. Thanks to the local community for all the support throughout the season.
Finally, we would like to congratulate local rivals Liffey Wanderers on the wonderful achievement of lifting the FAI Junior cup at the Aviva stadium on May 17th, in particular to manager John Young, who previously served so brilliantly at the helm of CY for over five years, and to the many current Liffey players who have donned the green of CY in the past; well done to all and we hope you enjoy the success.
By David Nolan
