Crettyard United were crowned Carlow soccer Premier League champions following a dramatic final day of games last weekend.
When the Laois side lost to rivals New Oak Boys three weeks ago, it looked like their chance was gone.
New Oak still had three games to play but were unbeaten and three wins would ensure they retained the title.
Crettyard’s last league game was on April 7, a 3-0 win over Bagenalstown.
New Oak went on to defeat Killeshin and Parkville United in the weeks that followed meaning a win over St Pat’s of Graiguecullen would clinch the title.
Dean Kelly put his New Oak side ahead just before halftime to the umbrage of Crettyard fans on the line.
The game remained like that until ten minutes from the end when St Pat’s stunned their opponents by equalising.
As the referee drew the game and season to a close the Crettyard players were lost in jubilation.
After a tough season to formidable challengers Crettyard were crowned champions of the Premier Division.
Their first title since 2017 tasted all the sweeter given the circumstances it was one and it was deserving so, given their relentless chasing right until the last day.
Manager: Cristoir Maher
Assisted by: Ronan Egan
Team: Matt Kelly, John Dunphy, Mikey Byrne, Craig Comeford, James Rothwell, Colin Osborne, Ryan Byrne, Anthony Fitzpatrick, Blake Rice, Jonah Kelly, Niall Purcell, Cormac Murphy, Jack Brady (c), James Dowling, John Brennan, Willie Kavanagh, Seamus Dowling, Pierce Nash, Brendon Fox, Dylan Gleason.
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