"It's a fantastic achievement for our club"
Villa's Dean Walsh celebrates another Azzurri Premier League title that has led to 34 goals in 15 league matches so far this season after victory over Tramore AFC at workLAB Connors Park. Photo: Noel Browne
The final whistle had long sounded at workLAB Connors Park on Wednesday evening last as the Villa players warmed down after recording an incredible five-in-a-row Azzurri Premier League titles after hitting their closest rivals, Tramore AFC, for seven goals.
Conor Coad’s side produced another devastating performance in front of goal that saw striker Dean Walsh hit another four goals to bring his tally for the season to date to 34 goals, with three league fixtures still to be played.
Playing what he would even admit himself to be some of his best football to date, Walsh has terrorised defences in the local league this season, with his latest four-timer yielding a five-in-a-row Not one to ever seek the limelight for his achievements on the pitch, Walsh was even pinching himself when it came to this season as his side landed a domestic league and cup double success.
“It’s a fantastic achievement for us all to win five league titles in a row,” admitted the striker after receiving the plaudits from his teammates after another man-of-the-match performance.
“I suppose with the change of season from winter to calendar, we didn’t get much of a break with the other cup competitions, but our aim was again to win the league, and thankfully we’ve managed to do that.
“I think you’ve seen throughout the last number of years in particular that this group has put in a mammoth effort both locally and nationally, but winning the local league is something that we never take for granted.
“Momentum of winning matches was probably the key for us this year. We started the league well, and I suppose we continued to work hard. When you’re on top in any league, the rest are trying hard to beat us, but the lads put in a super effort.”
Netting 34 goals in the process is something that didn’t even enter Walsh’s head come the start of the year. “It’s not something that I would have put much thought into if I’m honest, but I suppose, as a striker, you always want to score goals and thankfully it just clicked for me this year.
“I think that the biggest thing for me this season is the fact that I’ve managed to keep myself injury-free. That’s the big thing. I was able to manage myself and get a run of games that have produced the goals.
“For us as a club, it’s great. Conor (Coad) and the management team have put in an unbelievable effort all year, as have the players. To win 15 games out of 15 is also brilliant, and we’ll be focused now on winning the last three.
“Targets are something that I don’t set myself, so I didn’t really have any targets in mind, but staying injury-free was something that was always going to be important. I’m lucky enough to be able to contribute to the team with goals and assists. That’s my focus.”
With the FAI Junior Cup not set to be played until next February, the focus for Walsh and his teammates now is to see out the remainder of the season and also the Munster Junior Cup.
“We’ll enjoy the last three league games. I think that winning 18 out of 18 is probably something that we have in the back of our minds, so that’s probably our main focus, along with the Munster Junior Cup, where we play Waterford Crystal next.
“Tonight is about enjoying, and to win five in a row is brilliant. We’ve trained hard for it and we’re delighted to be champions again. We’ll tackle next season when it comes around in 2026.”
