‘It’s been an incredible season’ - Castlebar Celtic U-21s react to commanding cup final win over Ballina Town

The Mayo News spoke to Ryan Fadden, Eoin Hughes and Stevie Gavin following Castlebar Celtic’s 4-0 CMR Fire and Security Under-21 Cup Final win over Ballina Town: 

Ryan Fadden (pictured right)

“Ballina Town are a really good team. They gave us a great game of it. We knew about them, that they play good football but we knew if we played our football, and kept the ball on the ground, we’d come out and top. We got a lot of chances early on, that maybe we should have taken. And our defence was excellent tonight. I was happy to get the goals. It’s a while since I scored like that in soccer. The third one is my favourite. It’s been an incredible season for Celtic, winning five cups. It just shows you what a serious club this is.”

Eoin Hughes, Castlebar Celtic captain (pictured left)

“We seem to be playing Ballina in every big game. They are a great club. Ryan (Fadden) has been playing great for us since he came back. He’s a massive plus for us. He hasn’t played a lot this season but he was excellent two weeks ago against Westport, and now tonight with the hat-trick. All the lads played well. Ballina will be back. They are a good footballing side and tonight was just not their night.”

Stevie Gavin, Castlebar Celtic manager

“I thought we dominated the game and we took our chances. The lads had belief and they all played well. We were very strong. I thought our midfield was brilliant tonight, Ryan Fadden wasn't too bad up front, either. He’s a serious player. It’s been a good season for Celtic and I’m delighted for these lads here tonight.”

Aidan Cowan, Ballina Town manager

“We are delighted at the progress we made this season. We have a very young team – some of them are only sixteen. It is a great experience for them, Obviously, it would be better to win it, but I am very pleased at how we competed tonight, and with getting to the final.”