IT WAS THEIR tenth trophy in three seasons, but this – their second Jackie Crossan Premier Division crown in a row – was the one they’d craved from last summer.
As the defending champions, Glengad United set about keeping hold of the title and they did just that today when Michael Byrne’s 63rd minute goal edged them past fellow hopefuls Clonmany Shamrocks.
Their run to the quarter-finals of the FAI Junior Cup and their marches to the Ulster Cup, League Cup and Charlie O’Donnell Cup finals made for a congested fixture list of late.
That’s not to discount the fact that several of Shane Byrne’s squad were involved with the Inishowen League’s Oscar Traynor Cup side.
[adrotate group=”37″]It’s been busy and it’s been relentless. One week last month, Glengad played four games. They won all four.
A scoreless draw against Buncrana Hearts suggested a tremble, but The Crua men ground out wins over Culdaff and Clonmany to set the champage spraying at the home of their title rivals.
“It’s a cracking end to the season for us,” manager Shane Byrne told Donegal Sport Hub.
“I’m delighted they retained the title. They’ve played some games this year. It’s great to retain it.
[adrotate group=”46″]“There was a wild lot of games in there for a small squad.
“It shows the character of these boys. That squad, it’s a never-say-die.
“If we go a goal down they will say: ‘We’ll get the next goal and win the game’ and they come up trumps. They show great character and they’re great training.
“That squad, bar none, are always at training and are a great crowd to work with.”
It was a game of few openings and one that always looked likely to be decided by a single goal – and that proved the case as Michael Byrne steered home in the second half.
[adrotate group=”43″]Shane Byrne said: “When Michael scored we closed up shop. The back four was excellent. We managed the game well. We knew what we had to do.”
The final whistle was the cue for scenes of sheer, unbridled joy from Glengad’s contingent.
Their manager added: “This is everything. You can see the kids out here and it means so much. They will aspire to be in the team and it creates a great interest and hopefully get us a lot of players in the future.”
Listen to the full interview below …
https://soundcloud.com/donegalsporthub-club-notes/shane-byrne-after-glengad-win-inishowen-league-title
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