RONAN FAGAN
Notable attributes of his own playing career, commitment, determination and focus are core features of the Athlone Town women’s senior team which have been guided to the FAI Cup Final by manager, Tommy Hewitt.
A season which has been wholly rewarding for the playing squad and management, Athlone Town are within one game of achieving club history as they journey to Tallaght Stadium on Sunday to play Shelbourne in this showpiece occasion.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser in advance of the final, Hewitt afforded his thoughts on the occasion and reflected upon a season which resulted in a second place league finish and the evolution of a team now full of belief in their unified quest to win the prized silverware on Sunday.
“At the start of the season, our aim was to develop as a team unit and look towards achieving positive results against the well established clubs in our league. To have attained a second placed finish in the league is a massive reflection on the spirit that has evolved within our team and one which will play a positive role on Sunday,” Tommy stated.
Athlone Town completed their league season on Saturday last with an away victory over Bohemians, it was their 18th success of the campaign, a vast improvement on 2021 when a mere four victories were achieved over the duration.
“While we were hoping for a miracle prior to our final league game last weekend, we were still in a position to contend for the title which is a compliment to my players and their united efforts during the league campaign. We now have the bonus of an FAI Cup Final on Sunday, just reward for the club at the end of a remarkable season,” Tommy added.
Deflecting from his role as manager, Tommy lauded praise on the work of his backroom team, all of whom have been essential to the progress made on the pitch this season.
“We work as a unit and the results achieved on the pitch this season are a true reflection on the backroom management team who have been fully focused and had the team positively prepared for all games this season,” Tommy commented.
‘Belief’ in sport is an essential if teams are to thrive and progress and Tommy is of the view that such a realisation has allowed his team to enjoy a successful 2022 season.
“At the start of the season, we set out our goals for the campaign ahead. We asked the players to believe in the process and thankfully the united mindset has allowed the team to show what it is capable of over the duration. Where we are as a team is solely due to the cohesive efforts of the players and I could not be more proud of their attitude during the season,” Tommy remarked.
Winning football matches breeds confidence and momentum, with Tommy noting a particular game during the season where he truly started to believe that a positive campaign outcome was possible.
“We travelled to play Galway United mid-season and were depleted due to exams and injuries so I fielded many young members within the squad. We achieved a draw on that occasion and I recalled travelling home post game thinking that the result may be a turning point in the season. Last season the outcome of this game would probably have been less than favourable and that is due to the belief that now is a core feature within the squad,” Tommy continued.
Looking towards Sunday’s showpiece occasion, Tommy describes the final fixture as a “bonus” but notes that his players will be travelling to Tallaght full of confidence in the hope of raising aloft the prized silverware come the shrill of the final cup final whistle.
“Being in existence a mere three years, to qualify for an FAI Cup Final is a remarkable achievement for the club and one which must be embraced. Shelbourne have just won the league title so will be hoping to secure the double and we will have to be on top of our game to ensure we emerge victorious, but I can tell you we are not travelling to Tallaght to be part of the occasion, we will be giving of our all to win.
“As manager, it is my job to keep the players positive and focused this week. They have become role models in our community and exceeded expectations this season. Hopefully, they will continue in a similar vein on Sunday and we can write a new chapter in the history of Athlone Town FC,” Tommy concluded.
