Athy's Town Cup success was the culmination of near two decades of work
Father and son, Ollie and Aidan Henry celebrate their Provinical Towns Cup final win over County Carlow
Athy RFC Director of Rugby, Ollie Henry, was delighted following Athy’s victory over Carlow RFC in the Towns Cup final last weekend. The Kildare side defeated their Carlow opponents by the smallest of margins, following a mouthwatering final, last weekend in Naas.
“It’s brilliant for the club. It’s the culmination of 15 to 20 years of hard work by people in the club. We played all the rugby in the first half, to be honest we were disappointed going in at half-time, we should have had the game out of sight. Carlow really game at us in the second half and I do feel for them. You know it was said, it’s not enough to be a good side, you need that bit of luck and we got that on Sunday,” said Henry.
Speaking about the support the side got over the last few days, Henry said he has been blown away by it.
“The whole community really got behind us. Not just from the town. If you went around the town though you would see the bunting and the flags. We’re a community club. Even the young u18’s, I was talking to a few of them after the game and I was telling them you know, that could be you next year.
“This side has sacrificed a lot so it’s great we got the rewards for it. Our underage section is going really well, and it’s great to see the last 15 to 20 years of work at underage come to good now. At the end of the day, the whole club got over the line yesterday, not just the team.
The win was Athy’s first Towns Cup title since 1984 and ahead of next season, Henry was hopeful the side could kick on.
“The side is very young. Most of our guys are only 18, 19 or 20. They will all be a year older and that bit more experienced. This year we really noticed the step up in quality, playing in Division 1 A. The pace of the game is that bit faster than 1B. We see the way a lot of the Dublin teams play, there’s a lot of pace. In 1B you have the same physicality but the pace of the game in Division 1A is that bit quicker. We will be looking to kick on next season for sure.”
Athy finished their Leinster Division 1A campaign in fifth place, after they were only promoted to the top tier this season, something Henry was very impressed by. The club have now added the Towns Cup to their memorable season.
