Lucan United looking to build on ‘brilliant’ title success ahead of LSL Senior Sunday kick-off

Lucan United boss Keith Baker led his side to a historic title last season - but he is already looking to achieve more.

Baker’s charges claimed the LSL Senior Sunday crown last term and backed it up with a Charlie Cahill Cup success to secure a double.

They also won the Metropolitan Cup a year before under the stewardship of former manager and club stalwart John Doyle.

And with a star studded squad that includes former League of Ireland stars such as Conor Clifford, Mark Byrne, Jamie Doyle and Sean Quinn – they will take some stopping.

Baker has also been able to add former Longford Town attacker Vasyl Tropanets to his star-studded ranks.

“Pre-season has gone well for us,” he told extratime.com. “I would say that we are a stronger squad this year. We have brought back Aido Rafferty and signed Daniel Ridge and Vasyl Tropanets too.

“I would like to think we are stronger this year compared to last. Conor Clifford missed the last three months of the season last term with a knee injury but he is chomping at the bit to come back in.

"Aji Sule was thinking about retiring but he has come back and is flying. We have done really well to hold onto the bulk of our squad from last year.”

Lucan’s title success last term capped a remarkable rise for the club who were only promoted to the LSL top-flight for the first time just two years ago.

“The year previous was our first up and there was a lot of talk of us challenging but it is a very tough league,” Baker explains.

“There are so many big teams in the league and you only have to look at the likes of Crumlin – who I have the utmost respect for – going down.

“There are no easy games.”

For the first time in our clubs history, We are crowned top Leinster Senior League champions and finish the season with the double. Thanks to all former managers, players over the last 27 years that started off in Division 3B. And thank you to all oursponsors #lslpic.twitter.com/UVwDNZfmNp

— Lucan United FC (@lucanunited) May 30, 2024

And for Baker, last year was a breakthrough campaign for him in his first year at the helm.

“I came in the year just before Covid and I was supposed to start then but the season was delayed,” he explains.

“John Doyle – who was the manager – brought me in and then he stepped away last year. He is still heavily involved with the club but last year was my first full year in charge on my own. It was fantastic to do that during my first year in charge.

“But I couldn’t have done it without the help from Jason Byrne, David Mooney, Alan McGovern, Jamie Costigan and Tony Hession on the coaching side of things.

“The club is on the rise and they are doing a lot of good things off the pitch. It is very exciting. To win a Charlie Cahill Cup and the league, plus the Metro since I’ve been at the club is brilliant.

“We know that we are going to be the favourites again this year and have teams coming for us.”

Champions Lucan begin their league campaign on Friday away to a Kilbarrack United who impressed last month in a narrow FAI Cup defeat to Treaty United.

And Baker is expecting a stiff test against Ross Carrig’s side at Greendale Road.

And just like that we are back in league action. pic.twitter.com/EwDolY7AqZ

— Lucan United FC (@lucanunited) August 14, 2024

“Kilbarrack were very good against Treaty,” he added.

“It is a hard place to go and win and I know they have a lot of attacking options in their team. They are going to be well set up and it is a very tough game to start with.

“We’ll be as well prepared as possible to start with for the game. The league will not be won or lost on Friday but we need to make sure we have a good start.”

LSL Senior Sunday Fixtures:

Kilbarrack United v Lucan United, 16^th of August, 7.45pm, Greendale Road Astro.

Tolka Rovers v Bluebell United, 16^th of August, 7.45pm, Frank Cooke Park.