Premier JFC final: Buttevant determined to end 99 years of hurt

It was a coup for Buttevant when they were able to bring in former Limerick footballer Ian Ryan at the start of last season.

The St Senan's clubman has cut his teeth in coaching with various underage teams, but this latest gig is his first in adult football.

It has proved beneficial for both parties. Buttevant are in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier JFC final on Saturday when they take on St Nick’s at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh (4.30pm).

Ryan has nothing but praise for the manager of the black and amber, Joey Hanlon, a man he knows very well.

“Joey Hanlon trained St Senan’s about a decade ago and I have built up a strong friendship with him since then,” the former Limerick player says.

“He rang me out of the blue really in October 2023 would I get involved as a coach with Buttevant. Getting involved in coaching was something I always wanted to do. I just thought it was a great opportunity.

“I have trained underage teams in St Senan’s, but this would be my first major coaching role. I am loving it to be honest. I didn’t know a whole pile about Buttevant, what I did know I would have picked up from talking to Joey, but I didn’t know the inner details.

“It’s a great club, great community and it’s all about improving the players. I am always learning and I would have picked up bits myself from being coached by many top people, Donie Buckley being one.” 

Buttevant lost at the semi-final stage to the eventual winners Kilmurry last year. That did sting them hard over the winter.

The Avondhu outfit have come back stronger and more determined. Their 2-16 to 0-12 victory last time out against a fancied Canovee team underlined that.

“We are happy enough overall with how things have gone, but the bottom line is that we have won nothing yet. I can’t say it has gone great because our aim is to get over the line in this final. Last year was disappointing, but we learnt a lot from it.

“We haven’t brought home championship silverware and until we do, I wouldn’t judge on what we have done to date as successful to be honest.” 

Standing in Buttevant’s way of a first adult football championship trophy in 99 years are St Nick’s. Ryan is not underestimating their opposition.

“St Nick’s are coming again. They have definitely a strong core of younger players coming through. They have a good mix now.

“They are a strong physical side and have leaders on the field. They are going to bring a battle and we will have to be prepared for that.

“It’s going to be a tricky test. We are concentrating on ourselves and the lads are focused and they are determined to put in a performance that justifies all of their efforts all year.” Ryan concluded.