Buttevant Ends 99-Year Wait for County Glory with JFC Victory

Buttevant Football Club has achieved a monumental victory, securing the Dónal Hurley Cup and ending a 99-year wait for a county title. Captain Mark Lenahan proudly accepted the trophy after their triumph over St Nick’s at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday. This victory marks Buttevant’s first adult title since 1926, a moment long awaited by players and supporters alike.

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Lenahan expressed his disbelief at the achievement. “We never played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh before,” he stated. “To do it as Buttevant, as a club with your best friends, is so special.” The captain described the unique experience of arriving at the stadium, recalling the excitement of driving through the tunnel, a thrill shared by his teammates who have played at various levels but never represented their club on such a prestigious stage.

The match itself proved to be a challenging encounter. Buttevant started strongly, with Conor Hanlon contributing key scores during the first half. “St Nick’s are a quality team, they’re hard to break down,” Lenahan noted. “We knew if we could stick to the game plan and wear them down, we’d get over the line.” The victory is a testament to the hard work the team has put in over the years, as they strive to ascend the ranks in local football.

Emotional Tribute and Family Connections

The win was particularly emotional for the team, as they dedicated the victory to the late Miah Ahern, who had a significant impact on the club. In his honour, the number 22 jersey was retired, highlighting the deep connections within the Buttevant community. “Miah was an adopted Buttevant man,” Lenahan shared. “Anytime we were struggling, he was the man to go to. We promised him we would walk up those steps.”

As captain, Lenahan takes pride in the familial ties present within the team, including his brother Kevin. This sense of connection adds to the joy of the victory, especially after watching neighboring teams achieve success over the years. “At least we can say we are intermediate now,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for the support of local clubs during this journey.

The match did not pass without its tense moments, particularly towards the end when Eoin Downey, Lenahan’s marker, faced a red card situation. “There was a bit of a scuffle there towards the end,” Lenahan said. “Anything that happens on the pitch stays on the pitch.” His disappointment at Downey’s dismissal reflects the competitive spirit that defined the match.

Looking Ahead to Future Challenges

Having secured the county title, Buttevant is set to celebrate their achievement fully. Lenahan indicated that the team plans to enjoy their midterm break before focusing on their upcoming match against Waterford Shamrocks on November 8, 2023. “We’ll forget about that until Thursday or Friday,” he said, looking forward to the next challenge while relishing the historic victory.

As Buttevant moves forward, the triumph serves as a reminder of the club’s resilience and determination, marking a new chapter in their storied history. The community’s support and the players’ commitment have finally paid off, bringing a long-awaited championship title back to Buttevant after nearly a century.