2019 SEASON - INTERMEDIATE

The 2019 Season was a momentous one for the Dunlavin Intermediate Footballers, winning the Division 1a Cup, and capping the year off in style capturing the Wicklow Intermediate Championship for the first time since 2009.

The League Campaign began in early February with an away win in Annacurra, in very difficult conditions. Seven games later we sat top of the league with eight wins from eight. A dip in form over the next five league games seen the team play Bray Emmets in round 14 of the league, at home, in a must-win game - with the winner securing a top 4 finish and a place in the league play-offs. Duly the players obliged putting in a performance to secure the 2pts and a place in the league semi-final versus Avondale. Avondale were our opponents in the league semi-final and after a titanic battle, where the game was played at Championship pace. The two sides never gave an inch and both teams had opportunities to win the game in normal time, however, Dunlavin found that little extra to come out on top after extra time in the scenic setting of Laragh Gaa Club.

Dunlavin kept one of their best performances of the year for the league final versus Newtown, on a sunny evening in Aughrim. They defended like roman soldiers and attacked at every opportunity, this was the platform for a very impressive performance and victory. Final score Dunlavin 0-12, Newtown 0-04. Team captain Seanie Phelan accepted the cup on behalf of the players.

The Intermediate Championship started on the 10th July against a very tough opposition, Rathnew, but our team came out on top with a score of 1-18 to 1-04. Up next was the championship favourites, Carnew, who beat the team comfortably in the league match played in Dunlavin. However, this time the tables were turned and Dunlavin were victors on a tough encounter, with a score line of 4-14 to 3-06. Kilcoole provided the opposition in round 3, in a game which the players snatched from the jaws of defeat - with Cian O’Sullivan delivering 1-01 during injury time to bring the final scoreline to: Dunlavin 1-15, Kilcoole 1-13. Donard and Stratford were the two remaining games, Dunlavin were made work extremely hard for both victories, Dunlavin 1-12, Donard 1-09 and Dunlavin 3-14, Stratford 1-09, respectfully. Five victories from five secured top spot and a semi-final versus Kilcoole, in the county grounds. Both teams set out to frustrate each other but Dunlavin's greater experience and scoring prowess proved to be the difference on the day. Dunlavin 0-13, Kilcoole 0-09.

Wicklow Intermediate Champions 2019 - Dunlavin 0-13, Kilmacanogue 0-08.

Aughrim on county final day is special, the larger crowd than normal, the parade, the nervous energy and a big prize on offer. Dunlavin players stood tall, a team on a mission, this group of young men left it all on the pitch and got their just reward for all the blood sweat and tears shed over the year! Seanie Phelan's speech was inspiring and emotional, MJ Moran was named MOTM.

Leinster Club Championship is ongoing as we write this. The players made Dunlavin history when they beat the Westmeath Champions, Caulry, in Athlone with a score line of 1-11 to 0-07 in the first round of Leinster, and in doing so created history as the first Dunlavin team to win a Leinster club championship game at the 4th attempt.