If anyone in football needed convincing of the importance of supporters, the global pandemic should have left no one in any doubt.

Without supporters at a match, it's really weird. In fact, it's kind of pointless. Fans created clubs in the first place, fans give football meaning.

So, thank you to all our fans - some of you have been coming to Strand Road for decades, some of you may have attended your first match.

Some are old, some are young. Football can unite us all, no matter our identity - fans just want to watch and be with each other, sharing the enduring drama that unfolds, without fail.

The 16th man has often been quoted as getting teams over the line - next weekend we need you to be that 16th man or woman.

This group of players have given us many highs - the past 12 months have seen them represent themselves, their families,our club, our county and province with distinction, style and spirit, displaying all that’s good about the game.

The loss of so many key players since the early days of January has seen us struggle at times - we still have retained our division 1 league status and will strive might and main to retain our senior status too.

The management team have been handed an onerous task but they too have hunkered down when the need was greatest - so, on Sunday next we would ask that you come out, display your colours and be the beating heart of this proud club and community.

Narries Abú