*Photograph: Natasha Barton
KILRUSH RANGERS completed a great escape to remain in the top flight at the end of last season, they’re crossing their fingers for better luck on the injury front as they aim for a mid-table finish.
It was a penalty with ninety five minutes on the clock dispatched to the net by Dean Neary that saw Kilrush overcome Bunratty/Cratloe 2-1 in May to prevail in the relegation/promotion play-off. Neary has since transferred to Bridge Utd but the West Clare side are keen to produce a stronger league run this time round.
Having had a bye in the first weekend of fixtures, Kilrush Rangers take to the field against Bridge Utd in Sixmilebridge this Saturday evening.
As Kilrush Rangers head into their 48th season in Clare soccer one man has been ever-present. Robert Clancy played in the club’s very first game back in 1977 and he has been a key part of the club since then.
A member of this season’s team management, it is just one of the roles he fills for the Kilrush based club.
Robert’s son Trevor, a leading player with the club for many years, continues to be involved as a member of the management team which is headed up by Martin Fitzpatrick who is in his second year as team manager
“Over the years we have won a number of First and Second division titles but, so far, we haven’t managed to crack the big one. We came close a few times back in the eighties when we contested the cup final (Haughey cup) in 1984 while we finished second in the league that season”, Robert recalled.
Robert who has served for a number of seasons on the Clare league went on to say “we had a lot of injuries last season and while there will always be injuries, we are keeping our fingers crossed that we will not be hit as badly this season”.
Clancy told The Clare Echo, “we would aim to achieve a mid-table position in the league and, depending on the draw, get a good cup run if possible”.
Kilrush Rangers players come mainly from Kilrush while the club also gets players from Kilkee and the Loop Head Peninsula as well as from Doonbeg.
Former Clare and Munster gaelic footballer, David Tubridy from Doonbeg has been a key member of the side in recent seasons.
The Roche brothers John, Seamus and Maurice were part of Kilrush Rangers teams in the early years. John, a long-time resident in Ennis, went on to be a key member of the Avenue club and his sons have followed in their father’s footsteps in claiming many title wins with Avenue.
Other key players with the West Clare based club over the years include the late Martin O’Brien, Barry Copley, Ray Galvin and Alan Carey who went on to play with Chester and Reading in England. Alan’s brother Robert also played with Kilrush Rangesr and his son Bobby is a member of the current Kilrush Rangers panel.
As with every club fundraising is vital and regular fundraisers are held. “We have been running a match sponsor scheme for a number of years and we have got a massive response from the people of Kilrush and West Clare who continue to be very supportive,” Robert said.
Kilrush Rangers play their home games at the Kilrush Sports Complex which is located on the Cooraclare Road They will not be in league action this weekend as the division contains nine teams and they have the bye this week.
Kilrush Rangers Factfile:
Management: Martin Fitzpatrick (manager) Robert Clancy, Trevor Clancy
Captain: Norbert Kunicki
Key Player: Norbert Kunicki
One to watch: Josh McInerney
Fresh blood: Sean Corcoran, Dylan Downes, Harry O’Looney
Departures Gate: Dean Neary
Treatment table: None
Last year’s run: Won play off vs Bunratty Cratloe to stay up in the Premier Division
