‘Absolutely brilliant for the community’

HE looked like one of the most relieved men in Bray on Sunday as Trevor O’Brien’s smile lit up the Carlisle Grounds.

He did not want to add ‘three in-a-row Wicklow Cup runner-up’ to his CV and an extremely professional from performance from his side - which exuded confidence and discipline - ensured that he can add a Wicklow Cup medal to his collection instead.

He was impressed with Glen- cormac United but feels that the right team won after two years of falling short.

“Ashford were worthy champions and they’ve deserved it for the last two years but I think it’s about time we’ve got our hands back on it.

“It was a tough ol’ game but to finally have my hands on this trophy after three attempts is amazing. As part of this squad and team, it’s just reward.

“They had a few decisions go against them and I think we might have had one or two as well but it was a good, friendly game. They scored a cracking goal and if they had’ve gotten another one, who knows?”

O’Brien also sang the praises of the people of Newtown for throwing their weight behind the Magpies despite a variety of other pressing matters in their diary.

“It was absolutely brilliant and for the community of Newtown, it shows how much the Wicklow Cup means. We’d a golf classic - the Sean McShane Golf Classic - on today and the ladies mini marathon which a small army went to for young Liam Odlum but the crowds that showed up here was amazing.”

With the monkey off their back now, the next challenge is to defend it.

“I’m delighted for all the boys but if any man deserves to get his hand on it, it’s Lee Fitzpatrick. I’m just surprised he didn’t drop it when he got his hands on it!

“Good teams win trophies and the best teams retain them. We’ll