Scene is set for biggest occasion in Wicklow soccer

THE scene is set. The pitch is ready. The day of reckoning is so nearly upon us.

The interviews are done. The nerves are building. The dreams have been dreamt. The winners have been imagined.

The weather has been checked. The celebrations have been considered. There will be a winner. There will be a loser.

The supporters are ready. The bunting has been prepared. The babysitters have been booked.

The tactics have been plotted. The options have been explored. The travel plans are in place. Monday’s day of work hangs in the balance. A hero will be celebrated.

On Sunday, the highlight of the WDFL calendar will take place at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray. It is a heavyweight clash that pits defending champions Ashford Rovers against Newtown United – a side that share a fondness for silver worthy of their Magpies nickname.

Last year, Rovers claimed the trophy for the first time in their history thanks to Brian Coen’s decisive spot kick in an enthralling penalty shoot-out.

Players have come and gone but the stakes remain the same. Every training session, every stiff muscle, every ache, every bruise, every cold dinner, every dash from work, every skipped occasion – they will all be worth it on Sunday if there is a Wicklow Cup winners medal draped around their neck.

Sunday is undisputedly the main event for all soccer men in Co. Wicklow. Unfortunately, there will be one man missing; Tommy Heffernan. The former Wicklow League fixtures secretary’s absence will be felt at Bray Wanderers’ home and he would have loved to have been there for the conclusion of the county’s Blue Riband event. Hopefully the fixture can live up to its billing and serve as a fitting send off to Tommy who will be in everyone’s thoughts.

Good luck to both clubs on Sunday and may the best team win.