Rathnew rally to see off Gorey Rangers
Rathnew tipped for victory over seasoned Rangers
THE intriguing clash of Rathnew and Gorey Rangers was on the menu for the 1995 Hills of Arklow Wicklow Cup final with many predicting a cracker of a game if both sides were able to play up to their potential.
Rathnew were leading the Premier table at the time of the preview appearing in the Wicklow and Bray People newspapers on Friday, May 12, on 31 points with the Co. Wexford club back in sixth on 23 points but with five games in hand on their Village opponents.
The question of how each club’s run in to the final would affect them was being asked in the lead up to the big day. Rathnew endured seven games to reach the decider, including two replays, the first in the second round against Avonmore A, the second in the semi-final against Arklow Town. By contrast, Gorey Rangers enjoyed a much easier route which included being awarded a walk-over in the quarter-final by Glenview.
The preview outlined how Rathnew had won the trophy on just one previous occasion, in 1990 after a replay, with Alan Newsome bagging the winning goal and current team manager Anthony Franey featuring on the team as well. Franey was joined by Tony Jameson as team managers for the 1995 season.
Gorey Rangers were appearing in their eighth final, with four successes already under their belts.
‘Their (Gorey Rangers) last triumph came in 1987 when they defeated Little Bray United 2-0,’ read the final preview. ‘Rangers also emerged victorious in ’77 and ’78 and were beaten finalists in ’68, ’69, ’82 and ’88. The manager of the current side, Peter Comerford, appeared in five finals as a player, winning three of them.
‘The teams have got to the final by pretty contrasting routes. Gorey Rangers have played just four matches, whle Rathnew AFC havehadsevengames.
‘Danny Whitty has been their (Gorey Rangers) top scorer in the competition thus far, netting four times. Richard Leacy and David Howard were on target in the semi-final win over Newtown United.
Club Chairman Brian Spencer said of Gorey’s chances of winning the cup: ‘We’re certainly hopeful as the one-off games seem to suit us better. Our recent Charlie Bishop Cup and Premier Shield wins have proven that.
‘However, we have a healthy respect for Rathnew who have always had a lot of experience in the side. They have added youth this year and that has given them an extra edge.’
Amazingly, Gorey Rangers have not won a league title since 1967, butBrianishopefulthatthatmay be rectified this season. Alan Newsome, Tommy Gill and Pat ‘Bomber’ Murphy have all been outstanding throughout the cup campaign for Rathnew. Gill and
Murphy got the crucial scores against Arklow Town.
Although there are a number of youngsters in the Rathnew squad, they also have experienced performers like Newsom, ‘Bomber’ Murphy, James Merrigan and Roy Brauders, all of whom played in the 1990 final. Centre back Chris Duffy missed that game through injury so he will be extra keen to pick up a winners medal on Sunday.
Rathnew Celtic and St Earnan’s were the leading lights in Wicklow League soccer in the ’70s and ’80s and they amalgamated in 1986, it looked as if the new Rathnew ’86 club would go on to dominate the local soccer scene.
That hasn’t happened yet, but with youngsters like Tommy Gill, Anthony Doyle, Barry and Anthony Mernagh and Alvin Mitchell all showing great promise, Rathnew would be the team to watch over the next few years.
Asked about their chances on Sunday, Rathnew AFC Chairman Liam Fitzpatrick said: ‘I think we’ve got an excellent chance, but it won’t be easy as Gorey are one of the top four or five sides in the league and they are always a good cup side. But we have a good blend of youth and experience and hopefully we’ll have plenty of support on the day.’
On the youngsters who have been making a name for themselves this season, Liam added: ‘I’ve no doubts that they’ll be strong enough to cope on the big occasion. It will also help to have the experienced players like Alan Newsome and James Merrigan alongside them.’
It is difficult to pick a winner as the teams are so closely matched, but one feels that Rathnew AFC are due a trophy and this could be their day.’
Gorey Rangers A 2, Aughrim Rangers A 1 (Danny Whitty 2).
Conary United 1, Gorey Rangers 5 (Vinny Finn 2, John Lambert, Donal Hosey, Danny Whitty).
Second round:
Rathnew AFC B 0, Gorey Rangers A 2 (Stephen Kennedy, Danny Whitty). Gorey Rangers A w.o., Glenview scr.
Gorey Rangers A 2, Newtown United 1 (Richard Leacy, David Howard).
Third round: Quarter-final: Semi-final: