An talented side that dined at the top table for many years after cup final defeat

THE Aughrim Rangers side was populated by a healthy mix of players from the tough to the sublime.

There were four O’Brien brothers on the panel with Eugene grabbing most of the headlines up top.

Goalkeeper Brian Doyle was a superb netminder but his career was cut short due to a shoulder injury.

Some of the panel were in the autumn of their careers and the majority of them would have guided Aughrim to the Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup crown.

Three of the panel are now top referees in the GAA. Eugene O’Brien and Kieran O’Shea referee within the county while John Keenan officiates within the county and is also on the inter-county hurling panel of referees and regularly takes charge of top games all over the country.

The team went on to win a number of Division 1 crowns and came within a single point of lifting the Premier title when they were pipped by Rathnew

The team was managed by Tommy O’Brien who was player/ manager of the team and captained by Martin Newsome.

Here’s how the Wicklow and Bray People introduced the players in the preview the week before the game.

The 24-year-old carpenter is single and has been in splendid form in the Aughrim goal. A member of this season’s Oscar Traynor squad, Brian has already won Division 1, Division 2, Giff Cup and Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup medals.

Brian Doyle:

The 21-yearold defender has already won Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup and Division 4 medals.

Declan O’Brien:

The 29-yearold timberworker is also single. His previous honours include Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup, Division 1 and Giff Cup medals. An impressive centre back, Andrew has been in top form for ’Rangers this season.

Andrew Byrne:

He has been cast in the role of sweeper this season and has done the job very effectively. He will be hoping to add to his Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup, Division 1, Division 2 and Giff Cup medals.

Brendan Barnes:

The 34-yearold centre back works as a fitter and is married. Keogh has already collected Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup, Division 1, Division 2 and Giff

Chris ‘Kit’ Keogh:

Cup medals.

A 22-year-old single man, Niall works as a mechanic. This young midfielders honours include Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup, Division 1, Division 4 and Giff Cup medals.

Another married man, the 27-year-old operator has looked the part in midfield during Aughrim’s cup run. He was a member of the victorious Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup winning team.

The 24-yearold plumber is also married. A key man in the Aughrim midfield, Kieran has already won Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup and Division 4 medals.

Niall Carroll: Larry O’Brien: Kieran O’Shea:

The 33-yearold married man works as an operator. A dynamic midfielder who has the knack of scoring vital goals. Tommy has won Wicklow

Tommy O’Brien:

Area FAI Junior Cup, Division 1, Division 2 and giff Cup medals.

The 27-year-old midfielder has already collected a Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup winners medal.

John Coogan:

Eugene could be the key figure on Sunday if Aughrim are to win. The 23-yearold striker scored both goals in their semi-final win over Rathnew and has been in terrific form throughout the competition. An Oscar Traynor player, he will be hoping to build on his previous honours which include Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup, Division 1 and Giff Cup medals.

Another Oscar Traynor player, the 27-year-old striker has been one of Aughrim’s most consistent performers over the years. Martin is single and is a timberworker by trade. His previous

Eugene O’Brien: Martin Newsome:

medals incliude Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup, Division 1, Division 2 and Giff Cup medals.

The 18-year-old winger is the youngest player on the Aughrim side. A member of the Wicklow Youths team which reached the All-Ireland semi-finals, the young student has a bright future ahead of him.

The 33-year-old midfielder works as a fitter and is single. He has two Jubilee Cup medals to his name.

The 29-year-old winger is single and unemployed. Frank has already won a Wicklow Area FAI Junior Cup medal.

Sadly, Joey Lenihan is the one member of the panel who is no longer with us. A wonderful player during his time in the Aughrim Rangers jersey. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm.

John Keenan: Kevin Barry: Frank Moules: Joey Lenihan: