Round Towers relishing rise in standards

NO television cameras this year, but the Super Hoops are still producing the charm.

Last season, the Setanta cameras followed their every move for a six-part documentary series.

"It got a great reaction around the club and in general. It helped to lift the profile of the club," says Eimear McGrath.

"And the timing worked out nicely because we won the championship, so that added to it."

The Clondalkin Towers beat Clontarf in that Intermediate Championship final in Parnell Park. It was a thriller. One of the best games of the year.

Now, Round Tower's are competing in the Tesco Senior Championship, and they have adjusted very well.

"It has been a big step up for us, but the girls have done well," states Eimear.

"We played Division 1 football last season and we didn't do too badly, so that has been a help.

"We just got promoted last season, having beaten Kilmacud Crokes in the Division 2 play-off.

"We managed to retain our Division 1 status and we also finished runners-up in the Cup, so that wasn't a bad introduction at that level.

"If somebody had told us at the start of the campaign that we'd hold onto our Division 1 status and win the Intermediate Championship we would have been happy to have achieved just one of them."

Paul Burke and Aidan Dardis were the co-pilots. Paul is now on the men's senior management, while Aidan, after many years of toil, will now enjoy the view from the corporate box.

Peter Murtagh is now in charge. And he has continued on the noble work with a small but committed squad.

Especially as the bar continues to rise in the city.

"The quality is getting better. You can clearly see that," relates Eimear.

"It's tremendous to see clubs like Foxrock Cabinteely coming up and doing really well.

"It's good to see new teams coming onto the block."

Tower's have been around the block a few times, and they have every intention of staying on their bikes.