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‘A Rathnew Romp’ shouted the headline over the report from the Aughrim Motor Skoda Wicklow Cup final in the Wicklow and Bray People newspapers on Thursday, May 22, 1997.

A 4-0 victory over challengers Arklow United saw Tony Jameson’s side claim their third title on the trot while condemning Sean Kelty’s side to their third final defeat in as many weeks after they had lost the Noble Waste Premier Shield and Charlie Bishop Cup deciders at the hands of Arklow Town and the all-conquering Rathnew respectively.

Suggestions in then lead up to the final that Rathnew boss Tony Jameson would pack it in after securing the treble were quickly put to bed immediately after the final whistle by the man himself.

‘Today made me realise that it just wasn’t right to call it a day,’ he said. ‘We have a young side who I think are capable of winning the Leinster Junior Cup and having gone out at the quarter-finals this year, I think most involved with the club feel we have to put the record straight,’ he added.

Regarding the victory over Arklow United, James felt that it was a better all-round team performance from his players.

‘It was a great all-round team performance. We played a lot