'This means everything to the town'

Director of Rugby in Athy, Ollie Henry took it all in his stride at the full-time whistle after his teams 39-33 Towns Cup semi-final win over Tullow. While the “hoopin and hollerin” was going all around him, he was a picture of calm and tranquillity. Admittedly, he had a satisfied smile on his face but that was about it.

“1991 was the last time we were in a Towns Cup final. This means everything to the town,” he said.

“We have been a long time building. For 15 years we have been building from minis and youths to bring this home grown team through.” He paid tribute to the vanquished holders.

“Tullow have been unbelievable champions for the last two years and they showed it today. We played unbelievably well and still we were still hanging on at the end. They are brilliant.” 

After holding their place in Division 1A of the Leinster League, Athy have had an ultra-successful season. To win the cup would be the icing on the cake. Henry says they will maintain a calm approach when they leave Cill Dara on Sunday.

“But look, we are going to enjoy tonight. We will go back to the club house and have a bit of craic. Then we build,” he said.

There were times in the game where Tullow tested Athy resolve. Never more so than when Adam Burgess touched down for a try when Athy were waiting for the whistle. Was it going to be another one of those days? The Director of Rugby admitted the notion came into his mind.

“We certainly began to doubt it. I didn’t see it but we thought it might be a knock on. These things happen in games. They got the score. We had to stay playing.

“We knew when we were up by eleven, it wasn’t enough and we would have to stay playing. Sure enough, Tullow came back at us. We have a young team but they have unbelievable and heart in them. A big three weeks ahead of us now.”