McConnell hopes St Peter's can complete CCFL treble
Club history beckons for St Peter's on Saturday evening when they contest the John Farrell Combined Counties Cup final against Tullamore Town in Frank O'Connell Park, Birr (kick-off 5pm).
Having claimed the CCFL Senior Division title and the Paddy Cotter Cup, the Athlone club is hoping to complete the CCFL treble this weekend and in doing so become the first St Peter's team to achieve this honour.
With two prized pieces of silverware in the McCarthy Park clubhouse cabinet, team manager Mark McConnell is hoping to add a third accolade on Saturday.
"At the start of the season it is always a goal to pick up a trophy but going into Saturday's final with the opportunity to complete a treble is great," Mark said.
While the main focus was on winning the Senior Division title, completing the treble will improve upon the achievements of last season when St Peter's achieved the double of Senior Division and Combined Counties Cup success.
"When the league was won we immediately set our focus on winning both CCFL cups. Ballinahown provided strong opposition in the Paddy Cotter Cup final and I've no doubt that Tullamore Town will present a similar challenge on Saturday," Mark said.
On their way to the Combined Counties Cup final, Tullamore Town, who play in the CCFL Division 2, defeated Senior Division teams Willow Park and Clara Town. But they will be viewed as underdogs this weekend considering St Peter's have tasted competitive defeat on just one occasion since the start of the season.
"The first goal will be crucial on Saturday evening. We scored the first goal in the Combined Counties Cup final against Temple Villa last year and that gave us the platform to win the game," Mark said.
Now in his second season as team manager, the former St Peter's player has enjoyed his time at the helm to date and following an initial influx of signings to the club, he is now working with a "more settled" team this season.
"I can't praise the players enough. They have worked hard all season and hopefully they will all get their reward on Saturday evening and the club can complete the treble," Mark added.