Like all good things, Cabinteely’s historic season came to an end on Friday as they bowed out of the play-offs. After a best-ever fourth place finish – just one point off runners-up in the First Division, the White and Greens overcame Longford Town
Like all good things, Cabinteely’s historic season came to an end on Friday as they bowed out of the play-offs.
After a best-ever fourth place finish – just one point off runners-up in the First Division, the White and Greens overcame Longford Town on penalties in the play-offs.
But came up short against Drogheda United on Friday in what was their 36th match in all competitions.
Yet, Cabo’s Director of Football Pat Devlin was full of praise for his young squad and hard-working back-room staff.
In 2019, the records tumbled for Cabo.
New tallies were set in points total (50), number of wins (14), fewest defeats (5) – same as champions Shelbourne; and 11 clean sheets away as well.
The side were the only club to beat every other team in the lower flight once.
And Robert Manley claimed the Golden boot as the leading scorer with 17 goals.
“Drogheda fully deserved their win. But I would like to put on record the effort and everything that everybody connected with Cabinteely put in. I don’t want to take anything away from Drogheda – they have absolutely been brilliant” stated Devlin.
“They are the only team to stuff us twice this year. They fully deserve to be in the next round. However, my lads have been brilliant. Each and every one of them. Friday was an off night. We made silly mistakes and got punished by them. Drogheda played tremendous football. I have to say, I’m very proud of my players. I wish Drogheda the very best in the next two games.”
He went on to stress “In the overall context of the season, we’ve done remarkably well. And we should be proud of the players and staff. Our fans have been fantastic. The group who came to the game were very supportive to the players at the end. That’s much appreciated.”
Looking back on the whole campaign, he went to reveal “We’ve been going since last January in pre-season. It’s been tough. On the field, off the pitch - training. Putting everything into it. I love every bit of it. That’s what I enjoy. Let’s see where we go. We’ll have a little break. And take it from there.”
