Tyrrellspass eye Junior 2 football title after extra-time heroics

Clarke's Bar Junior 2 Football Final Preview

Tyrrellspass will contest this year’s Junior 2 Football Championship final after a remarkable campaign that has seen them battle through extra-time in successive rounds. They are preparing for a tricky test against St Paul's next Saturday.

Former senior star Brian Slevin says the competition has been invaluable in developing young players and strengthening the club’s overall football structure.

“This is our first year in Junior 2,” he said. “We were normally in Junior B, and we gave it a go this year. We were just worried about having a panel of players, but once it kicked off, we got a good group of lads together. It started to bring in players who maybe wouldn’t play as often, and we’re trying to improve the standard to develop players for the senior team.

“There’s a great mix of young and old, and in the last few weeks we’ve had lads coming back who hadn’t played in years, and they’re enjoying their football again. It’s a very enjoyable competition.”

A former Tyrrellspass senior captain, Slevin said the standard of football in the Junior 2 grade has been impressive.

“The standard of football is very high; there have been great games. The last two matches went to extra-time, and it’s all football, which is great to be part of,” he said. “It’s a good competition and definitely something we want to continue with to get our younger players up to the next level and ready for senior football.”

Now 36, he admits he’s relishing the chance to still be playing.

“I was in here about ten years ago ahead of a senior final,” he recalled. “It was nice to be part of that, but I’m just delighted to be playing football and enjoying it as much as I did back then. I’ve two young kids now, so it’s harder to get out, but playing with the younger lads again is great. It’s all football to me; it doesn’t matter what level.”

Reflecting on their path to the final, he praised his side’s resilience.

“We played Delvin in the quarter-final and Tubberclair in the semi-final, two very tough games against very good teams,” he said. “The Delvin game went to the wire over in Killucan, went to extra-time, and we finished a lot stronger on the day. It was the same against Tubberclair; they’re another very good side with great young players. We just seem to have a bit of a battle in us at the minute, getting through these tough games.”

Next up is a showdown with St Paul’s, relegated from Junior 1 last year and in fine form after defeating Caulry and Garrycastle.

“St Paul’s will be a step up from what we’ve played so far,” noted Slevin. “We’ve played both Caulry and Garrycastle in the group stages, so we know how good they are. We’ll need everyone performing.”

He is full of praise for the structure of the competition. “It’s a great competition,” he said. “It’s just as good as any game you’ll see out there, and it’s great recognition for players putting in the effort.”

Cathal Monaghan, part of the Tyrrellspass panel, echoed Slevin’s sentiments on what the campaign has meant to the players.

“There are a lot of young players involved, and it’s great,” he said. “We’ve been training with the seniors since February and still getting a chance to play our own football. After a disappointing senior campaign, to reach a county final at any grade is great for the club and the village.”

He believes training alongside senior players has been a major benefit.

“It really helps in the bigger games,” he said. “Their experience gets you over the line; it’s a big help to have that in the panel.”

Now in his first full year of adult football, Monaghan says it’s been a rewarding journey. “Since 2020 I’ve been involved: we’ve been in two Junior B finals, won one and lost one,” he said. “It’s great now to be in a Junior 2 final in our first year.”

Tyrrellspass, a proud footballing club with a strong tradition, will be hoping to take another step forward on final day.

“Football is a religion in Tyrrellspass,” said Cathal. “It’s great to get the chance to go up to Junior 1. There are plenty of young lads coming up from minor next year, so it’s brilliant for the club to have this higher standard of football.”