Baxuss write their own piece of Roy Butler final history
Martin Butler, father of Roy, presented the Roy Butler Memorial tournament trophy to Baxuss captain Jack Keogh Moran. Also pictured are Roy's brother Aaron and mother Angela. Photos: Symone/Cmk Media
The Roy Butler Memorial Tournament has become one of the highlights of the local football calendar and this year’s competition once again delivered drama, quality and emotion in equal measure as Baxuss claimed the title with a memorable victory over Farran Park.
Played in sweltering conditions across Villa and Ozier Parks, the annual event brought together 18 teams for a day that was as much about remembrance and community as it was about football. Named in honour of the late Roy Butler, the former Villa FC and Waterford defender, the tournament continues to attract some of the best local talent, with players determined to leave their mark on an event that means so much to the Waterford football community.
From the opening whistle, the intensity was evident. Teams battled through a demanding group stage, knowing there was little margin for error. Baxuss and Darkie FC emerged from Group 1, with DMRC and St John’s Parkcelona progressing from Group 2. Morris Sons and What’s Our Team Name sealed qualification from Group 3, while Farran Park and Cherrymount advanced from Group 4, setting the stage for an intriguing knockout phase.
As the temperatures rose, so too did the quality. Baxuss continued to build momentum with a strong quarter-final win over Morris Sons, while Cherrymount edged out Darkie FC in one of the most competitive games of the day. What’s Our Team Name needed penalties to overcome DMRC after a thrilling 3-3 draw, while Farran Park justified their status as tournament favourites with victory over St John’s Parkcelona.
The semi-finals saw Baxuss continue their impressive run, overcoming What’s Our Team Name to reach the decider. Farran Park, meanwhile, proved too strong for Cherrymount to book their place in the final, with many expecting them to capture a third Roy Butler Memorial crown.
Baxuss, however, had other ideas.
The final at workLAB Connors Park could not have begun in more dramatic fashion. Less than a minute had elapsed when Ivan Homoki pounced to fire Baxuss into an early lead, stunning their opponents and sending a wave of belief through his side.
That confidence grew even further when Tyler Dunphy doubled the advantage. Suddenly it was Farran Park chasing the game and Baxuss finding energy reserves that seemed impossible after a long day of football in punishing heat.
To their credit, Farran Park refused to go quietly. Jeff da Silva pulled a goal back and set up a nervy finale as the pressure began to mount on the eventual champions. Attack after attack followed as Park searched desperately for an equaliser.
Standing in their way was goalkeeper Rastko Colovic.
The Baxuss shot-stopper produced a superb display, making a series of outstanding saves to preserve his side’s lead. With every stop the belief grew among the Baxuss players, and when the final whistle finally arrived, scenes of celebration erupted.
Afterwards, Roy Butler’s parents, Angela and Martin Butler, presented the trophy to victorious captain Jack Keogh-Moran, while Colovic’s heroics earned him the Player of the Final award from Aaron Butler.
While Baxuss deservedly lifted the silverware, the tournament itself was once again the true winner. Credit goes to organiser Kieran Doheny, along with the players, referees and volunteers, whose efforts ensured another fitting tribute to Roy Butler and another unforgettable day for local football.
