Click here for photos as Clonakilty celebrate their first ever AIB League Division Three title win.
Pictured above: Clonakilty full back and captain Derek Dillon gets covered in champagne as he lifts the Division Three trophy at Lansdowne Road. Dillon paid tribute to Suttonians afterwards, saying: “They made it very difficult for us but we also made it difficult for ourselves. They’re a very good side that kept pace with us throughout the League this season. They deserved to win promotion and we look forward to playing them again next season.”
The Clonakilty celebrations begin at the final whistle with replacement flanker Tadhg Wright (centre) wheeling away in delight.
Out-half Gary Cribb reacts at the final whistle.
The Clonakilty players and management reflect on a hugely successful season which has seen them earn promotion to Division Two for the first time.
Gary Cribb salutes Clon’s travelling support at Lansdowne. Clon’s player-coach Declan Coppinger, who lined out at number eight, hailed Cribb’s 14-point display, saying: “Gary’s contribution was immense, but we needed to play a different type of game when we fell (12-6) behind in the second half. Some of the guys drove brilliantly, picked up brilliantly and found holes in the Suttonians defence when there didn’t seem to be any. Our play around the fringes was excellent and that was a huge bonus.”
The champagne corks are popped as Derek Dillon holds the Division Three trophy aloft.
After another barnstorming display, Clonakilty lock Eoin Scannell accepts the man of the match award from AIB General Manager Maurice Crowley.
Clonakilty – deserved AIB League Division Three champions for 2005/06.
**All photos by Lorraine O’Sullivan and Andrew Paton of Inpho Photography**
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