Rathnew prematurely call time on season

WICKLOW League heavyweights Rathnew AFC have prematurely called time on their 2017/18 season.

The Shamrock Park club had fielded a team in the WDFL’s top two tiers this season but have had to pull the plug on both sides; citing financial reasons and a lack of undertaking on the players’ behalf.

They revealed the startling news via the following statement on their Facebook page: “We the committee of Rathnew AFC give formal notice that we have no option but to withdraw our two teams from the Wicklow & District League (sic).

“The decision is regrettable but due to a lack of commitment from players to their managers and the club and the unacceptable financial over reliance of the Schoolboys/Girls subsidising adult football.

“We look forward to supporting the over 35’s who are affiliated to the AFL and we commit to continue promoting and serving our strong Schoolboys/Girls section of the club.

“Finally we want to thank the managers who tried their best, the players who did fully commit and the Wicklow League committee who we will be working with in the future.”

Commenting on the situation, Barry Mernagh, a man who lead the ‘A’ team to countless glories as manager, said: “Terrible situation to find ourselves in hopefully we can get back on track next season.”

Barry’s younger brother Nicky called it as he saw it.

“Embarassing situation for such a great club with strong history. Sad to see.”

When contacted the WDFL said they didn’t want to comment on the matter as it’s an internal affair.

Both Rathnew AFC sides were in the bottom half of their respective divisons but with games in hand for both outfits.