Darragh stars in Slane defence

One outstanding performer for Moneyslane on the night was the vastly experienced Darragh Peden.
Mid Ulster Football League Chairman Sean O'Neill presents the Alan Wilson Cup to Moneyslane Captain Gareth Bingham ©Paul Byrne Photography 1520-234PBMid Ulster Football League Chairman Sean O'Neill presents the Alan Wilson Cup to Moneyslane Captain Gareth Bingham ©Paul Byrne Photography 1520-234PB
Mid Ulster Football League Chairman Sean O'Neill presents the Alan Wilson Cup to Moneyslane Captain Gareth Bingham ©Paul Byrne Photography 1520-234PB

Since arriving at the club last summer, Peden has been a key figure in the Moneyslane camp and played no small part in ensuring the club completed a real landmark victory on Friday evening.

“It’s important to recognise the impact that Darragh has had on the squad,” said boss David Johnstone. “It’s great to have someone about the club and on the pitch with the character that he has. He is a realy leader and he, along with Jonny Gibson, were he star players on Friday.

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“Even during the week leading up to the final, Darragh was fantastic in chatting to the ladss, helping everyone to focus and to prepare for the game.”

Peden is a former Loughgall and Dungannon defender and there’s no doubt that his rearguard know-how has added a new strength to Slane’s back line.

“We won that Cup without even conceding a goal,” said DJ. “Even better, the clean-sheet in the final was our fourth in a row. The other three were against Valley ranegrs, Hanover and Richhill - the three sides who finished above us in the league. To do that at this stage of the season was very impressive.

“When it comes to winning league titles, that can be very important. They say strikers win Cups and defenders win league.

“Those last few performances bode very well for the future of the club.”

And whatever successes arrive in the coming season, Peden could have a huge role to play.