‘We wanted another trophy’ — Reynolds

As the celebrations began in earnest around him, Keith Reynolds, showed a touch of class.

Instead of joining in the hoopla being generated by his own players and supporters, the St. John’s Athletic manager went around to every Glen Celtic player he could find to offer his commiserations.

Perhaps, it came from the often tortuous journey that St. John’s Athletic had embarked on to get to this point — Roscommon and District Football League Premier Division and Challenge Cup champions for the first time in the club’s history.

Reynolds admitted that a weight had been lifted off the club’s shoulders by those memorable scenes a couple of weeks earlier when St. John’s staged a Lazarus-like recovery, coming from three goals down at half time against Moore United to rewrite the history books. What’s more, Premier Division success had whetted the appetite for more big days.

“Once the lads got a taste of what it was like to win something, it was important to back it up today. We wanted another trophy. We had prepared well all season, and we had prepared since winning the Premier Division a few weeks ago. We were very motivated.

“It has been a long time coming in this club. The lads have worked so hard. I’m just thrilled for them to be honest,” he reflected.

When pressed on what had been the difference this season, Reynolds had no doubts.

“It’s the commitment from this group of players. That has been the key. The players have always been there but, for whatever reason, they’ve given more commitment collectively this season. It’s not just 15 or 16 lads, it’s anything up to 40 lads who have given us everything for the whole season,” he stated.

A 3-0 lead at half time looked unassailable, given the superiority that St. John’s had enjoyed on Sunday. But Reynolds highlighted that the incredible resurrection in Lecarrow a couple of weeks earlier ensured that his side wouldn’t be resting in their laurels.

“Two weeks ago, we were 3-0 down (at half time). Our message to the players back then was — win the second half, get the first goal. So our message today was get the first goal in the second half.

“They were going to come at us because the wind was in their favour, so we had to keep it nice and tight for 15 minutes. I didn’t mind not scoring as long as they didn’t score. I asked for a professional, disciplined performance, and I got it,” he declared.

And what of next season when St. John’s will be on a pedestal to be knocked from?

“It has been an unbelievable season for the club. It has been a very long season, so we’ll rest and enjoy ourselves. As double winners, we’re going to be a marked team next season.

“But this success has been so long overdue, and I’m just thrilled for the people of Lecarrow. We’ll have to prepare even more next season to be even half as successful as we’ve been this season,” he concluded.