Setanta's history makers revel in first Championship success

Joint Setanta manager, Noel Ahearne has no doubt what this win means for the club after their historical first championship title. Louise Browne and Clodagh Murphy scored the goals in a 2-5 to 1-4 win over Mount Leinster Rangers to spark scenes of great celebration.

“First adult championship title,” he said.

“We won the league at the start of the year. That was our goal. We gave the girls three targets. One was to win the league which we did, to go through the season unbeaten which we did and obviously then to win the junior championship. It is a huge day for the club,” he acknowledged.

The slow start of each half was a worry for him. Combining the opening minutes of each half, Rangers scored 1-2. In a low scoring game, that could have been curtains. The manager was happy they survived and shrugged off the concessions.

“It is something that we have had. We are prone to slow starts. The girls have, over the course of the season, to dig themselves out of those positions. They are a terrific bunch of girls. Nothing to do with us. We point them in a direction and they do the rest.” 

Davie Holden, the other joint manager, admitted these low scoring games are not good for his mind and health.

“Heart in mouth. They have been doing that to us all year with the slow start and finding their feet. They generally become really good,” he acknowledged.

Holden says there is a nice combination in the team.

“The more experienced ones are really good with the younger ones. Maura (Murphy), Noelle (Lacey). They are really good to the younger girls all season. They have really pushed them on. Encouraging them. The younger ones wouldn’t be where they are without the encouragement. The likes of Casey Tobin as well. They are just phenomenal. It has really helped with their support all year.”

Grace Mackey said it was an amazing day.

“It is a massive day for the club. Unbelievable. I can’t believe it.” 

The Setanta joint-captain revealed that she has been with the club since its foundation.

"There is a picture of the very first training session in Setanta and myself and Niamh (Ahearne) are in it. Thirteen years ago. It makes you feel old,” she said, before going on to say this was a dream come true.

“This is our first championship final. The first year we have had a championship win. It is amazing how it has come together in the one year. Last year we got a draw which was the best we had done in the championship. Now we are unbeaten in league and championship.” Niamh Ahearne, the second Setanta joint captain, admits it was tough going.

“Pure brute and physicality got us through. We lost our way a little bit in the second half and a bit in the first half but we have done that and always make it back. It was one score after another when we needed it.” 

Clodagh Murphy scored the decisive second goal late on.

“She is doing it all year. She is brilliant,” acknowledged Ahearne.

“It is all the girls coming up which has made the difference. That was the difference compared to a few years ago. We have girls coming up. Hopefully they will keep coming up and this win today will give them confidence,” added Grace.