Perhaps it was always destined to end like this, who knows? What’s important is that it did and we got to be there to watch. Even experienced managers were feeling the excitement levels building before tonight’s games.

And so to the title duel…

It seemed fitting that the outgoing champions could hold sway over the destination of the title as Le Sharks travelled to Dublin to face Athletico Teabag. At the same time Askeaton took on One nil to the arsenal hoping against hope for the results required. Both sides looked suitably nervous and both could have been a goal down in the opening ten minutes, Fabian Derlicki hasn’t had his best season for The Tribesmen but he was on his toes with six minutes on the clock. Only two minutes later Liam Hunt was in miraculous form to stop ‘Wonder’ Moriri (I know, it’s terrible) from putting Le Sharks in front.

One nil –who were fighting to avoid a relegation play-off- were left rueing those early missed opportunities when Andy glynn unleashed a cracker from distance to put Askeaton ahead and take top spot on goal difference on the live table. The Teabaggers didn’t need a radio to find out about this development as Ciaran Madigan’s voice drowned out the noise from the crowd of over 60,000 when he was told. Le Sharks were maintaining control however, as their opponents failed to test ‘The Cat’ Rochford before the break. To compound matters, One nil lost keeper Pat Mullaly to injury shortly after the goal leaving Askeaton fans even more hopeful. Yuriy Nemtsov had other ideas, and with only minutes to go to half-time he gave Imam Hashemian the chance to equalise. One all and at half-time it was advantage Teabag.

As the second half began, both contenders started purposefully but while Teabag were failing to penetrate the Le Sharks defence Askeaton stepped up as first Grant Quinn and then Aliff Mohammed Ali both found the back of the net. 3-1 and Askeaton fans in ecstasy. Jackie Galvin will undoubtedly have been trying to avoid eye-contact with Tony Soprano after being found wanting for both goals. At this stage, Athletico Teabag knew a win was the only way to get their hands on that title but when they did finally carve out a good opportunity, David Mcdonnell proved why he isn’t a centre-forward with a poor finish.  One nil to the Arsenal set about keeping Tribeswomen nerves on edge when Hashemian grabbed his second to keep the pressure on.

Askeaton weren’t fazed and proceeded to shut down their counterparts attack for the rest of the game, and then it happened. Dravenis Kubilūnas took full advantage of a defensive lapse and gave Le Sharks the lead! Teabag were shell-shocked and simply couldn’t find an answer for the final fifteen minutes and that was that. Askeaton are champions!!!

The race for fourth threw up some interesting results, as it has done for most of the season. Not least of which was the clash between Leinster Lions and Lisburn City which saw the home teams reserve keeper Jamie Hughes fail to save a single effort in a 5-0 thrashing which was a much tighter contest in every other respect. This left the initiative with Serenity City, for whom a win would do but they faced a Lepers United side that required the points to ensure another season in the top flight. In what was a highly entertaining game, both sides went for it and in the end it took a last gasp equaliser from Adrian Rada for The Peacemakers to leave both sides dependent on other results to sort out their league placings.

The Yarrrghs failed to keep the pressure on with defeat to Elland Rovers although one suspects both sides would have taken their respective positions at the start of the season. This meant that when the dust had settled it was Shout FC who grabbed that spot as they prevailed against Na Fianna, taking thee lead in the opening quarter of an hour, and holding out for a result which means they could well cap their return to the LOI with a place in Europe. No doubt the Shoutfans will have their eyes firmly fixed on the cup final…

At the bottom of the table Carnew Rovers got the result they needed against Irish wolfhounds :)   but not the margin of victory necessary to prolong their stay in the League Of Ireland. While other more prestigious clubs have had well documented struggles this season, this is surely the most dramatic as this seasons UETA Cup entrants are automatically relegated.

Although depending on play-off results, Celtic Bhoys could be just as dramatic yet. They kept up their end with a win over The Degraders but Lepers United draw meant they couldn’t bridge the gap. One nil to the arsenal could have snuck out with a win but as we noted Askeaton had other ideas and so they too face a relegation play-off. Cavan Celtic, Kilkenny City FC and Athlone Town lie in wait for these three as they hope to join Division 2 champions Buggleskelly Swifts AFc, Park Rangers FC and LEGLESS ATHLETIC (the latter two making their returns to the League of Ireland) next season and we will be there to keep you informed, dear reader.

This has been an incredible season, not simply in terms of the quality of the players but in the excitement, drama and resilience on offer. Not only has this league eclipsed last year (and Season 3) for the closest finish in the history of the League Of Ireland, Askeaton become the first new name on the LOI trophy since Le Sharks all the way back in Season 6. Could this be the beginning of a new era???

It doesn’t matter, commiserations to Athletico Teabag and congratulations to the champions, enjoy all the glory and all the plaudits, you’ve earned them.

And finally, for the last time this season…

Game of the Week – There is only one possibility, see history being made.

Player of the Week – Dravenis Kubilūnas (Le Sharks) Not just for his goal, he was simply on top form this week, although the pressure was off him too.