'We didn't want to let this one slip' - Conor Coad

The hurt, near-misses and what-ifs poured into one final, emphatic success at Munster FA Turner's Cross Stadium for Villa FC on Sunday last.

From Last-16 exits to finals lost and semi-finals fallen short, the journey had been long and, at times, unforgiving. This time, though, there would be no regrets.

Driven by experience and sharpened by previous disappointment, they delivered when it mattered most—producing a composed performance to capture the Munster Junior Cup and carve their place into club history.

“We’ve been knocking on the door for the last four seasons, really, since the competition restarted after COVID,” manager Conor Coad said. “We’ve gone last 16, quarter-final, final, semi-final, so it felt like this was one we didn’t want to let slip.” That persistence paid off, as Villa claimed the club’s first-ever Munster Junior title.

“It’s brilliant for the group to put in a really strong performance,” he said. “It’s great to get over the line and make a bit of history for the club.” The setting only added to the occasion. Turner's Cross, already tied to their FAI Junior Cup success in 2022, again proved fitting.

“We were delighted as soon as the venue was announced,” Coad said. “To have it in a League of Ireland stadium was fantastic. The pitch was superb, there was a big travelling support, and the scenes at the final whistle were brilliant.” On the pitch, Dean Walsh set the tone with an outstanding first-half display.

“We’re not surprised by it,” Coad said. “With the level he’s at and the work he puts in, if he’s on form you always have a chance. As a team, we know if we keep a clean sheet, he’ll nick one or two.” Walsh did just that, finishing twice in contrasting fashion.

“One was a set-piece rolled to him—just a superb finish,” he said. “Then he showed great desire in the air to get on the end of a cross. We’re delighted for him—he works so hard and deserves it.” Beyond individual performances, the victory held deeper meaning for the squad.

“A lot of this group already have an FAI Junior Cup medal, a Munster Champions Trophy and league honours. This was the one that was missing. With Tier 3 coming in, it might have been some lads’ last chance to win it—it means a lot.” 

Lessons from past defeats also proved crucial. “You learn from those experiences,” he added. “We’ve lost finals before, but ultimately it’s about getting over the line on the day—and we’re absolutely thrilled we did.” Squad depth also played a key role, with younger players contributing.

“We knew with it being a rollover competition that depth would be crucial,” he said. “The strength across the club is huge. You saw Anderson come in at 17 and Shane Keenan make a big impact—we’re delighted for them.” 

There was still time for one final moment, as goalkeeper Craig Dunphy produced a crucial penalty save to preserve the clean sheet—and secure a memorable personal link to the past, echoing his father Johnny’s success in the 1970s, as his mother Martina looked on.

“I'm delighted for him,” Coad said. “We had a good feeling—his penalty record is excellent. He’d done his homework, guessed early and made a great save. It was a fitting way to end it.” And in the end, it all came back to the same message. “We didn’t want to let this one slip."

This time, they didn’t.