Champions

Well it finally happened, 11 years after I last saw Inchicore hoist a trophy aloft I can now say I was there when they won The Charlie O'Leary Cup.  There has of course been some success for Inchicore in the intervening years but I had not been on hand, actually make that not in the country to enjoy their success.

Inchicore, who had not played since losing out in The Dalton Cup at Tolka Park, came up gainst HHFC for the second time in the space of a month.  HHFC were themselves coming off a crushing defeat only five days previiously against Galty Celtic in The Sheeran Cup Final which was also played at Tolka Park.

Rob Mahony with his Man of the Match award

On a sunny spring evening in the Dublin suburb of Cabra both teams took to the pitch looking to dispell the demons of their earlier cup final losses.  Inchicore still had an outside chance of winning the league but their focus was on tonights game.  Darren Hennigan showed no sign of nerves as he calmly lobbed HHFCs' goalkeeper to give Inchicore the early advantage.

Ger Marshall goes close for Inchicore

Stephen Fay went close on two occasions and two goal line clearances by a frantic HHFC defence kept the game alive.  HHFC showed they still meant business though as they went close themselves just before halftime.  Not wanting to taste the bitter pill of defeat for the second time in a cup final this season coach Alan O'Brien rallied his troops during the interval and urged them to keep going right to the full time whistle.

Ger Marshall accepts The Charlie O'Leary Cup from Charlie O'Leary

The second half was end to end drama as Inchicore continuously looked to double their advantage but HHFC always looked dangerous on the break as they refused to go away quietly.  There were a couple of heart stopping moments at the death for the Inchicore defence but they held firm until the final whistle when the joyous shouts from the travelling band of supporters could be heard all around Cabra.

Rob Mahony was awarded the Man of the Match award for a superb defensive display and then it was time for the trophy to be handed over to the victors.  Former Republic of Ireland kitman  and all round legend Charlie O'Leary, who the trophy is named after, was on hand to present the trophy to Ger Marshall who raised it high above his head as the team and supporters showed their delight.  It was then back to club sponsor Tom Kellys pub for a night of celebration for the team where the cup was filled and then duly drained by the team!!