Before Jackman Park hosted Sunday’s Munster Junior Cup final Fairview had failed to win a major trophy in six seasons and had not appeared in a provincial final since beating Carew Park to win the decider in 2000, but that all changed yesterday when an exceptional performance saw Rangers overcome Carrick United by two goals to nil.
In atrocious weather conditions Christy Doyle scored Fairview’s opening goal in the sixth minute while Colm Heffernan, from the penalty spot, sealed the win with five minutes remaining in normal time.
“It’s great for the lads,” a delighted Jason Purcell told Leader Sport in the wake of Sunday’s final.
“They have put in a massive effort throughout the year and they totally deserved their win today.”
Fairview entered Sunday’s final as underdogs against a Carrick United side who had won the 2008 FAI Junior Cup and beaten Newcastle West and Regional United en route to the final.
Fairview, however, completely out-played the Waterford side and but for the brilliance of Carrick ‘keeper Adrian Walsh Rangers could have humiliated their final opponents.
“I don’t think we let Carrick play,” explained Jason Purcell.
“We pressed them right up the pitch. That was our plan and I think it worked a treat. Christy (Doyle) was a threat all day in behind and so was Rossy (Ross Cosgrave).
“I thought the Carrick United ‘keeper was outstanding,” explained Jason Purcell.
“He made six or seven world class saves today. Thankfully we got the second goal and Colm Heff (Heffernan) tucked it away.”
The depth of talent at Fairview’s disposal forced Jason Purcell to make some tough decisions prior to this final - that fact that a player as talented as Darren Harrington could not force his way in the match day 16 says it all.
“Yeah it’s hard,” said Purcell.
“In fairness there were lads disappointed today, but in fairness they all reacted very well and were very positive towards the rest of the lads who were playing. They are a great bunch of lads. They deserve everything they get,” said Jason Purcell who was especially delighted with his side’s defensive display - Fairview didn’t concede a single goal in their 2008-09 Munster Junior Cup campaign.
“I think that experience counts for a lot. Martin (Neary) and Brian Buckley were outstanding throughout the whole tournament.
“We didn’t concede goal before the final and thankfully we didn’t concede a goal again today.
“We had a lot of tough games.
“Two games away in Waterford, Waterford’s is a strong league and Carrick proved that again today, but thankfully we were the much better side and we deserved the win.”
Fairview still have plenty to play for this season and on Thursday night next (6.30pm at the Fairgreen) Rangers face Pike Rovers in a game which will decide the Kilmurry Lodge Premier League.
“We’ll enjoy tonight,” added Jason Purcell, “and probably Monday as well, then get back to the grindstone and hopefully beat Pike Rovers on Thursday night.
“It’s great for the club to be back competing at this level again.
“I wouldn’t have said it at the start of the year. If you asked me then would we get to a Munster junior final I would have said no chance.
“The amount of players the club has lost to the League of Ireland down the years has been hard. I don’t think any other club would have survived, but Fairview keep churning out the players. Thankfully we got it right this year.”
So does this provincial title herald a return to the glory days which saw Fairview Rangers dominate the domestic, provincial and national game: “I don’t know if you can say that,” explained Jason Purcell.
“We have to play it by year.
“No one has a divine right to play in Munster Junior and FAI Junior Cup finals. Hopefully we can be competing again.”
Meanwhile Pat Scully’s Super Blues collected their fourth win of the season on Saturday night when Limerick saw off the challenge of Longford Town at Flancare Park.
Limerick FC took the lead in the 15th minute when Martin Deady found the head of Thomas Lyons with a terrific cross and the teenage midfielder made no mistake from close range. Longford Town managed to level the game two minutes into the second half, but Limerick, who looked the more accomplished footballing side on the night, re-claimed the lead in the 84th minute when Davy Ryan stole in to punish Longford for a defensive error.
Paul Cummins made it three-one in the 90th minute when the striker raced clear of the Longford back four before blasting a smashing shot past a helpless Anthony Fennelly. While in injury time Adrian Murphy scored a consolation goal for Longford.
Limerick now prepare for the visit of league leaders UCD to Jackman Park on Friday night (7.45pm).
Brian McDonnell
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