*Seán O’Callaghan celebrates with Avenue Utd captain Ronan Kerin. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill
PATIENCE and perseverance brought the reward of a starring role for Seán O’Callaghan as he claimed his first CDSL Premier Division title with Avenue Utd.
A first-choice starter up until Avenue’s exits from the FAI and Munster Junior Cups, Seán bided his time and grabbed the opportunity when restored to their first eleven for their final two outings in the Premier Division where they kept clean sheets against Newmarket Celtic and Bridge Utd.
When it came to Sunday’s league decider against Bridge, it was Seán who broke the deadlock when heading to the back of the net on fifty one minutes and from here Avenue didn’t look back on their way to retaining the title which he labelled as “unbelievable”.
Described as one of the more unlikely players to bag a goal, O’Callaghan instead believed he should have scored more goals for the club this season. “I always fancy myself from a corner, I probably didn’t get enough goals this year but I got the important one at the end so I’m delighted with that”.
Winning his first league title with Avenue Utd was extra satisfying for the UL student and Hustle Fitness personal trainer given how they responded to their setbacks of exiting the big competitions. “it is even sweeter because we had to go on a run to win thirteen games in a row. I remember after we lost to Kilrush, we had lost three games and everyone thought we were down and out, we said in the changing room in Lees Rd after that game that it was up to us now to go on and win thirteen games in a row. To do that is unbelievable, it’s a great feeling”.
He continued, “When I was up in Athenry we won the Connacht Cup but we didn’t win any leagues, we were playing second fiddle to Salthill Devon the whole time which really hurt. This is my first league title so to get it over the line is special”.
Speaking to The Clare Echo, Seán admitted that this period was also difficult as he found himself out of the starting team but he was resolute in maintaining his focus. “I was obviously disappointed. I remember when I was dropped out, I had a few words and (David) Russell said ‘you’ll play a huge part yet in this season’ so I kept that in my head, I kept working hard, it’s happened me before when I’ve been left out and I know that if I keep working hard that I’ll get back in, I’ve been around a long time now so it doesn’t bother me too much now”.
Sunday’s tie was a tough contest played in sweltering heat and a first half which lasted fifty six minutes. Extra Ennis teams in the top flight will drive the standard higher in Clare next season, Seán predicted. “Bridge put in a great fight, they are the up and coming team at the moment. This season there was four teams in the mix, the league is getting better, with Fair Green and Ennis Dons coming up next season it is going to be a lot more competitive which is what the Clare league needs I think. I know it is disappointing for Bridge Utd but they will be there or thereabouts, with their youth system they are winning so many cups”.
Fresh from launching his new business venture, SOC ProGrip which offers grip socks to improve performance, he is looking forward to getting a break away from the rough and tumble of junior soccer for a while. “The body needs it one hundred percent, it is a long season, we’ll see how many seasons I’ve got left in me”.
