2018 Season Preview - Cabinteely

Manager: Pat Devlin

Stadium: Stradbrook

Players In: Stephen McGuiness (Drogheda United)

Players Out: Michael Kelly (Longford Town), Daire Doyle (retired), Jason Byrne (Bluebell United), Ryan Swan (Bohemians), Gareth McCaffrey (Drogheda United), Evan Galvin (Longford Town), Cory Galvin (Bray Wanderers).

Extratime.ie Key Man: Kieran Waters

The 27-year-old striker had a fantastic season in 2017 and has re-signed with Cabo for the new 2018 season. First Division Player of the Year, named in the First Divison Team of the Year, Cabinteely’s Player of the Year and the clubs top goalscorer in 2017 with 16 goals in all compeitions. Marty Waters is a hugely talented player and Pat Devlin will be delighted that Waters has re-signed for another season. If he can produce a repeat of last season’s form and stay fit Waters will be the number one man around Stradbrook once again.

Extratime.ie One to Watch: Conor Keeley

Conor made his senior league debut under Kevin Doherty with Shelbourne towards the end of the 2015 season and signed for Pat Devlin at Cabinteely at the end of the 2016 season having made ten league appearances that year. Last season was a real breakthrough season for the 20-year-old making over 25 appearances and the towering centre half is improving year on year and with every game he plays. Last season, Cabinteely had their most successful season yet in the First Division finishing on 38 points, a total which was more than double the total points they finished with the season before and with the ever improving Keeley at the heart of their defence there is a good chance we will see another improvement on that figure this season.

How they did last season:

League: 6^th (First Division)

Cabinteely finished last season on 38 points resulting in their best season yet in the league. They more than doubled their points total from the 2016 season and were only two points shy of Shelbourne in 4^th place.

F.A.I Cup:

Cabinteely reached the 2^nd round of the FAI cup for the first time ever as well defeating UCD 3-1 in the first round.

They were narrowly defeated away to Bluebell United in the Second Round 1-0.

EA Sports Cup:

Cabinteely were defeated in the 1^st round of the EA Sport Cup by Bohemians 1-0 in Dalymount Park.

Leinster Senior Cup:

Another personal best for Cabinteely in the Leinster Senior Cup as the club made it to the quarter finals only to be beaten by UCD 2-1.

What to expect for this season:

Cabinteely had their most successful season yet in 2017 and will be hoping to continue their steady improvement this year. Pat Devlin is an experienced campaigner when it comes to the League of Ireland and is a very good man for this type of project. Last year, Cabinteely released a five year strategic plan including a commitment to provide new facilities such as a clubhouse, more pitches and a stadium. Work and plans on this project will continue this season. Similar to last year, Pat Devlin will look to continue giving plenty of young players a chance while also continuing with the steady improvement they have made year on year on and off the pitch.

Title Odds: 10/1

First Game: Wexford F.C (Home), Friday February 23^rd.