Republic of Ireland, ranked 23rd in Europe, had remarkable season. Not that the Irish domestic football suddenly improved, but because of the new champion. Apart from that – nothing special. Closed league without relegation and promotion and lurking financial troubles.
The Cup final opposed Dundalk and Sligo Rovers. Dundalk won 2-0. Dundalk collected its 7th Cup. Of course, they were strong in the championship too, but… 2nd at the end, seemingly not bad, but…
But Dundalk was outraced by 6 points, meaning that they were not even close to the title. The winners dominated the championship in remarkable fashion – first, they were not among the usual candidates for the title, so a surprise champions. Second, they were unbeaten in 27 consecutive matches , setting a new League record. Third, they never won before. The winners were Athlone Town.
Found in 1892, Athlone Town had modest existence even by Irish standards, not always playing top league football: they were not League members from 1928 to 1969. So far, they won the FAI Cup in 1924 and rarely mentioned League Cup in 1980 – this second trophy perhaps suggested climbing up, but Irish football was not exactly the kind nourishing carefully built teams: the best players always went to England and rapidly at that. So far, the most memorable historic moment was in 1975, when Athlone Town played its only European tournament and faced Milan (Italy) for the UEFA Cup – the home leg became the most attended ever match of Athlone (12 000) and the boys bravely tied the Italians 0-0. They were eliminated, of course, but that was their finest moment to date.
First-time champions instantly become legends, especially after so triumphal and record-braking season. But there were no famous names and the team, objectively, was not considered strong. Their manager was considered the true reason for the splendid season – Turlough O’Connor took the reins in August 1979 certainly without big expectations, for he was the 15th manager since 1969. Nobody lasted long, nobody improved the modest team. However, experienced O’Connor strengthened the boys and results followed – first the League Cup, then the wonderful 1980-81 season, when they left everybody else in the dust. May be nothing on world’s scale, but fantastic year at home – first title!