Lynch moves on from Killavilla as league move is confirmed
By Gary Culbert
There were two massive stories coming out of Killavilla United over the past week. Firstly, it was announced that men’s first-team manager Michael Lynch had stepped down from his role.
Then, on Friday the highly successful Roscrea club confirmed their return to the Combined Counties Football League (CCFL).
Lynch leaves lasting legacy
After two extraordinary seasons at the helm of Killavilla United, Michael Lynch has left an indelible mark on the club's history.
On top of winning the NT&DL premier division title in both seasons, Lynch also guided them to Tipperary Cup glory in 2024, before completing the haul of NT&DL trophies by winning the premier division shield in the 2024/25 season.
In a statement, the club highlighted how Lynch had not only brought success but also restored the winning culture that defines Killavilla United’s proud heritage.
“Under Michael's guidance, Killavilla United has rediscovered it’s winning mentality, and the club's future looks brighter than ever. His influence extends beyond the pitch, as he's instilled a sense of pride and ambition among players, staff, and supporters alike”.
Club Chairperson James Kirwan added: "As Michael steps down, we acknowledge the immense impact he's had on Killavilla United. His passion, expertise, and commitment have elevated the club to new heights. We wish him all the best in the future and I would personally like to thank him for an unforgettable chapter in the club's history."
Killavilla leave NT&DL
Killavilla United have officially announced their return to the CCFL for their teams from under 17 up to senior level for the 2025/26 season.
In a statement, Killavilla thanked the North Tipperary & District League (NT&DL) for their dedication and support during their successful time together since 2018.
“The NT&DL has played a significant role in our club’s journey, and we are deeply grateful for the memories and achievements we’ve shared,” it began before explaining that the CCFL holds a place of special significance for the club.
“Returning to the league feels like coming home, and we are excited to reconnect with old friends, rivals, and traditions that have shaped our club’s identity”.
The club has a proud history in the CCFL, having enjoyed many memorable seasons over the years. Their most recent appearance on the CCFL roll of honour was in the 2015/16 season, a second-place finish in the premier division.
However, despite being promoted they did not go on to take their place in the Senior Division of the CCFL in 2016/17. In fact, the club entered no team in either the CCFL or NT&DL in that season, with nearby clubs Streamstown Celtic and Roscrea United both benefitting from the exodus of talent from Villa Park.
After taking a year out, Killavilla United next appeared in the NT&DL premier division in 2017/18. They did not win the league that year, but would go on to win four out of the next seven NT&DL premier division titles.
The 2018/19 premier division title was Villa’s first, before a quick turnaround to summer soccer saw Nenagh Celtic lift the title in 2019. Summer soccer was fruitful for Celtic again in 2020, with Henry Newman lifting the silverware at the end of a season that took 250 days off due to COVID, eventually concluding in early 2021.
Killavilla got back to winning ways in 2021, in what was another covid-delayed summer season that dragged on into the end of the year, eventually concluding with Dennis Moloney winning a league and cup double in his debut season in charge.
2022/23 saw Arra Rovers buck the trend of town-teams winning the top prize in North Tipp soccer, with Dermot O’Halloran’s charges coming from nowhere at Christmas to beat Villa in their own backyard on-route to an historic title lift.
Michael Lynch was a relatively unknown name when appointed at the start of the 2023/24 season, but by the end of the 2024/25 season he had two premier division titles to his name.
Looking ahead, it is heavily reported that Brian Brooks will take charge of Villa heading into the 2025/26 season. It looks likely that one of the first tasks for the former Killavilla United women’s team manager will be to find a home - in an already competitive midfield - for Kevin Fitzgerald, as the recent Tipperary Cup winner and former Athlone Town youth looks set to return from Moneygall to his boyhood club.