NOV 94
PRESIDENT JOHN HOGAN
The Ballincollig club recently elected long time supporter John
Hogan as their new president. The popular Hogan, a native of
Waterford, will serve a three year term.
John and his wife Nancy (whom he married over forty three years
back) are fanatical supporters of the club and can be seen (and
heard) at two or three games each weekend.
Eleven of their twelve sons played with Ballincollig. The
exception was Pat but he made his contribution as PRO. Paul,
when he retired as a player, enjoyed a successful spell as first
team manager.
Finbarr, currently player-manager with the senior team, is
following in Paul's footsteps as is Brendan, now in charge of the
third team who play in AUL 1.
Keeper Finbarr and his twin brother Anthony (also a member of the
senior team) played with the AUL at youths and junior level.
Finbarr gained further representative honours when selected for
the Republic's Under 17s and for the Munster youths.
Another brother, Colm, emigrated to the USA last season but,
before leaving, captained the juniors to success in AUL 1B while John managed Coachford.
Nancy and John have to do a little travelling these days to keep
up with the relations. Three sons, Noel, Declan, and Ger, play
with nearby Leemount while grandsons Brian and Philip are showing
great promise with Rockmount's juniors.
The former League of Ireland defender John Coughlan is
Ballincollig's senior vice-president and his experience and
straight talking are highly valued by the officers of this
vibrant club. Vincie Drumm and Mick Healy are the other current
vice-presidents.
end of story
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
HILLINGTON FEB 1995
HILLINGTON AFC 18/2/95:
Hillington AFC are twenty five years old this season and
celebration plans are well in hand. Trophy silver on the table
is a little harder to plan but their two AUL teams, the juniors
in League 1 and the youths in 2A, are each in with a good chance
of taking a title.
It could well have been Rochdale's 25th anniversary celebrations:
both that name and Hillington were considered at the club's
inaugural meeting in Coburg Street in 1969. The players
themselves choose Hillington and then financed a set of gear and
footballs, all bought at Roches Stores.
The first manager was Sean O'Sullivan whose younger brother Donal
(Doc) became the first chairman. Present at that first meeting
were: Richard and Robert Bickerstaffe. Martin Curtin, Denis
Sheehan, Donal O'Connell, Peter Duggan, Paddy Erangey, Donal
O'Sullivan, John Crowley, Dick Donoghue, Deidi Twohig, Pat
O'Sullivan, Neil O'Mahony, Denis O'Rourke (Jnr.), John Dwyer,
Dominic Lynch, and Martin Murray.
Richard Bickerstaffe proved to be the hero for Hillington in
their first ever competitive game which ended with a shootout win
over Bandon. Richard scored twice and Mick Meade once in normal
time and the game ended at 3 - 3.
In those days, one player took all three shootout penalties.
Young Richard was called up and duly converted all three to put
Hillington through to the next round of the Saxone Cup.
Bickerstaffe is now the chairman of the club. Denis Sheehan is
secretary, Denis Cullinane treasurer, and Joe Gill PRO. They are
currently putting the finishing touches to an anniversary
booklet.
Gill, assisted by Ray Curtin, also looks after the club's Under
15 team which has turned in some encouraging performances in
Division 1B.
The squad, which is skippered by Cliff Howard, consists of:
Simon O'Driscoll, Damien Bell, James O'Connor, Rory Curtin, Rory
Murray, Jonathan Nolan (leading scorer), Denis Hennessy, Paul
O'Keeffe, Leonard Carroll, Eoin McGibney, Jonathan Hurley, Troy
O'Mahony, Sean McDonnell, Jamie O'Sullivan, John O'Dwyer, Alan
Chandley, Dean Murphy, Ivan Weir, and Edwin Horgan.
Youths 2A is quite a competitive division but Hillington are well
in the hunt here, the main opposition coming from Leeside and
Blarney Utd. Denis Cullinane and Stephen O'Rourke are the men
that look after Hillington's team.
Gavin Quinlan is the minor skipper and the rest of the panel is:
Jason Flynn, Shane O'Connell, Graham Casey, Brian Flaherty,
Richard Bickerstaffe, Mark Bickerstaffe, Michael O'Sullivan
(leading scorer), Ted O'Connor, Paul O'Rourke, Con Healy, Jason
Long, Brian Cremin, Eamonn Wiseman, Conor Murray, Colin
O'Sullivan, and Gavin Woods.
The juniors are involved in a hectic scramble for the title in
AUL League 1. Macroom, Killowen, and Albert Rovers, are all very
much in contention with a Hillington side managed by Pat
Chandley.
Pat is delighted with the contribution from all the players and
notes that ex League of Ireland performer Paul Crowley, in his
first season with the club, as a great acquisition. Keeper
Dessie O'Neill, happily recovered from a broken leg, is another
player doing well.
Skipper is the ex Wembley player Gerry Kelly and others on the
panel are: Aidan Raggett, Colin Merritt, Philip O'Riordan,
Declan Merritt, Donal Murphy, Tony O'Connell, Dessie Gaffney,
William Mulcahy, Richie Murphy, Ken Murphy, Brendan Madden, and
Chandley himself.
Honours:
1972/3: Hillington won the Second Division Shield when goals
from Sean Dennehy (2), Con McConville, and Richard Bickerstaffe,
gave them a 4 - 2 win over Wilton. That same season, their first
in the second division, they also finished runners up in the
league.
1973/4: They reached the final of the 1st Division Shield but
lost 1 - 0 to Temple Utd in Church Road. That increased their
determination to do well in the league; they won their section
and then beat Glenvale in the final at Turner's Cross. That win
meant that, after just a few seasons in the AUL, they had now won
promotion to the Premier.
1976/7: This was the year that Hillington won the Tom O'Kelly
Premier League Cup. They beat St Mary's 3 - 1 in a highly
competitive semi-final. In the final, big Tom McCarthy scored
the only goal to give Hillington victory over Tramore. Their
league form was indifferent but they did enjoy a good run to the
quarter-finals of the Munster Junior Cup before losing 4 - 2 in a
replay to Tralee Dynamoes.
1978/79: Hillington's rise to prominence in the AUL was rewarded
in October 1978 when Robert Bickerstaffe was selected to play for
the Republic of Ireland juniors in a game against Scotland at
Linthlithgow.
The 80s: This decade was one of frustration. There were no
trophies just tough luck. Twice they lost semi-finals in the St
Michael's and twice also in the Enterprise Cup.
The 90s: They took the big step up to intermediate football,
first with the AUL and then with the MSL. But it didn't prove
successful. The club has bounced back and its dedicated members
will have much to celebrate this season, whether or not it ends
with silverware on the table.
end of story /
Hillington AFC are twenty five years old this season and
celebration plans are well in hand. Trophy silver on the table
is a little harder to plan but their two AUL teams, the juniors
in League 1 and the youths in 2A, are each in with a good chance
of taking a title.
It could well have been Rochdale's 25th anniversary celebrations:
both that name and Hillington were considered at the club's
inaugural meeting in Coburg Street in 1969. The players
themselves choose Hillington and then financed a set of gear and
footballs, all bought at Roches Stores.
The first manager was Sean O'Sullivan whose younger brother Donal
(Doc) became the first chairman. Present at that first meeting
were: Richard and Robert Bickerstaffe. Martin Curtin, Denis
Sheehan, Donal O'Connell, Peter Duggan, Paddy Erangey, Donal
O'Sullivan, John Crowley, Dick Donoghue, Deidi Twohig, Pat
O'Sullivan, Neil O'Mahony, Denis O'Rourke (Jnr.), John Dwyer,
Dominic Lynch, and Martin Murray.
Richard Bickerstaffe proved to be the hero for Hillington in
their first ever competitive game which ended with a shootout win
over Bandon. Richard scored twice and Mick Meade once in normal
time and the game ended at 3 - 3.
In those days, one player took all three shootout penalties.
Young Richard was called up and duly converted all three to put
Hillington through to the next round of the Saxone Cup.
Bickerstaffe is now the chairman of the club. Denis Sheehan is
secretary, Denis Cullinane treasurer, and Joe Gill PRO. They are
currently putting the finishing touches to an anniversary
booklet.
Gill, assisted by Ray Curtin, also looks after the club's Under
15 team which has turned in some encouraging performances in
Division 1B.
The squad, which is skippered by Cliff Howard, consists of:
Simon O'Driscoll, Damien Bell, James O'Connor, Rory Curtin, Rory
Murray, Jonathan Nolan (leading scorer), Denis Hennessy, Paul
O'Keeffe, Leonard Carroll, Eoin McGibney, Jonathan Hurley, Troy
O'Mahony, Sean McDonnell, Jamie O'Sullivan, John O'Dwyer, Alan
Chandley, Dean Murphy, Ivan Weir, and Edwin Horgan.
Youths 2A is quite a competitive division but Hillington are well
in the hunt here, the main opposition coming from Leeside and
Blarney Utd. Denis Cullinane and Stephen O'Rourke are the men
that look after Hillington's team.
Gavin Quinlan is the minor skipper and the rest of the panel is:
Jason Flynn, Shane O'Connell, Graham Casey, Brian Flaherty,
Richard Bickerstaffe, Mark Bickerstaffe, Michael O'Sullivan
(leading scorer), Ted O'Connor, Paul O'Rourke, Con Healy, Jason
Long, Brian Cremin, Eamonn Wiseman, Conor Murray, Colin
O'Sullivan, and Gavin Woods.
The juniors are involved in a hectic scramble for the title in
AUL League 1. Macroom, Killowen, and Albert Rovers, are all very
much in contention with a Hillington side managed by Pat
Chandley.
Pat is delighted with the contribution from all the players and
notes that ex League of Ireland performer Paul Crowley, in his
first season with the club, as a great acquisition. Keeper
Dessie O'Neill, happily recovered from a broken leg, is another
player doing well.
Skipper is the ex Wembley player Gerry Kelly and others on the
panel are: Aidan Raggett, Colin Merritt, Philip O'Riordan,
Declan Merritt, Donal Murphy, Tony O'Connell, Dessie Gaffney,
William Mulcahy, Richie Murphy, Ken Murphy, Brendan Madden, and
Chandley himself.
Honours:
1972/3: Hillington won the Second Division Shield when goals
from Sean Dennehy (2), Con McConville, and Richard Bickerstaffe,
gave them a 4 - 2 win over Wilton. That same season, their first
in the second division, they also finished runners up in the
league.
1973/4: They reached the final of the 1st Division Shield but
lost 1 - 0 to Temple Utd in Church Road. That increased their
determination to do well in the league; they won their section
and then beat Glenvale in the final at Turner's Cross. That win
meant that, after just a few seasons in the AUL, they had now won
promotion to the Premier.
1976/7: This was the year that Hillington won the Tom O'Kelly
Premier League Cup. They beat St Mary's 3 - 1 in a highly
competitive semi-final. In the final, big Tom McCarthy scored
the only goal to give Hillington victory over Tramore. Their
league form was indifferent but they did enjoy a good run to the
quarter-finals of the Munster Junior Cup before losing 4 - 2 in a
replay to Tralee Dynamoes.
1978/79: Hillington's rise to prominence in the AUL was rewarded
in October 1978 when Robert Bickerstaffe was selected to play for
the Republic of Ireland juniors in a game against Scotland at
Linthlithgow.
The 80s: This decade was one of frustration. There were no
trophies just tough luck. Twice they lost semi-finals in the St
Michael's and twice also in the Enterprise Cup.
The 90s: They took the big step up to intermediate football,
first with the AUL and then with the MSL. But it didn't prove
successful. The club has bounced back and its dedicated members
will have much to celebrate this season, whether or not it ends
with silverware on the table.
end of story /
HILL CELTIC MARCH 2001
Hill Celtic AFC.
Three heads are better than one. That's the experience at Hill Celtic where a three man selection team has produced a high rate of success in the ten seasons since the Watergrasshill club was founded.
The current three wise men, Donal O'Callaghan, Mick O'Leary, and Moss O'Keeffe, must have thought that the magic touch had deserted them at the start of this season's campaign, their first in Premier A. It could also be their last: five games sped by before their first success and three points from their first eight outings spelt relegation.
But their two most recent performances, a titanic FAI Cup tussle against Greenmount Rangers (Celtic lost 1 - 0) and then a sensational 5 - 1 hammering of title contenders St John Bosco's, have sent spirits soaring in the Celtic camp and boosted their survival chances.
O'Callaghan, who has served the club in many roles, is the club secretary and treasurer and he was the captain when they won 3B in 1993. In the next season, they won the league in 2B and made their first appearance at Turner's Cross but lost to Douglas Hall in the final of the President's Cup.
Successful visits to the Cross followed in 1997 (when they beat Hillington in the St Michael's decider) and in 1998 (when they won the County Cup by beating St John Bosco's B). Last season, they pipped Temple to take the 1B championship and a hard earned place in Premier A.
Two of the three man selection crew, Mick O'Leary (captain) and Moss O'Keeffe, are still playing and that means that O'Callaghan has the major sideline responsibility while games are in progress. The trio also illustrate the loyalty that players have shown to the Watergrasshill club as all three were there in the early years. O'Leary is a rock solid defender while Moss O'Keeffe, quite a good all round performer has, given his relatively modest size, a surprising ability in the air, always a danger when Andrew O'Flynn fires over one of his corner kick specials or one of his amazing long throws.
O'Callaghan isn't the only Celtic man with more than one function. John Barton, popularly known as Johnny B, is quite a handy player for the Watergrasshill outfit; off the field, he is both chairman and PRO. He says that the club "is
kindly sponsored by The Fir Tree Inn. We play all our home games in Celtic Park, which is situated two miles from Watergrasshill - turn left by the Fir Tree and follow the signs - and we have been there since our formation in 1991. We train every Tuesday night in the local hall".
While Celtic did well to get to the penultimate round of the Cork area of the Statoil FAI Junior Cup before going under to Greenmount in a classic, their depleted side fell to Ilen Celtic in the first round of the Munster Junior Cup. Barton reports better luck in the AOH: "We are currently through to the 5th round of the competition but face a tough away trip to Macroom".
The cancellation of fixtures due to the foot and mouth crisis, the reasons well understood by the Celtic players, many of whom work in the agricultural sector, couldn't have come at a worse time according to Barton: "Things were on the up and our last outing was our best victory to date, that convincing 5-1 away win over St John Bosco's. Three goals in a hectic opening ten minutes put us on our way. Our goal-scorers were Pat Walsh (2) and Donal O'Shea (2) and we also had an own goal."
Barton says that, in the longer term, the club wants promotion to the Premier division but stresses that the primary aim for this season "is to preserve our hard earned status in the Premier A division and to enjoy some cup success."
This year's panel consists of John O'Keeffe, Sean Hegarty, Kieran O'Callaghan, Andrew O'Flynn, Mick O'Leary, Brendan Walsh, Willie O'Leary, Ger Crowley, Dinny O'Leary, Kieran Coakley, Terry Broderick, Moss O'Keefe, Donal O'Shea, Johnny Dorgan, John Barton, George Johnson, Pat Walsh (leading scorer on eight).
The club's B team was formed three years back and entered division 3B of the AUL where they are still plying their trade. The team, which is managed by Pat Foley and skippered by Paul Sharkey, is mainly an outlet for the younger talent of the club. If Foley can repeat the feat of 1993, then Hill Celtic are in for another good decade.
Three heads are better than one. That's the experience at Hill Celtic where a three man selection team has produced a high rate of success in the ten seasons since the Watergrasshill club was founded.
The current three wise men, Donal O'Callaghan, Mick O'Leary, and Moss O'Keeffe, must have thought that the magic touch had deserted them at the start of this season's campaign, their first in Premier A. It could also be their last: five games sped by before their first success and three points from their first eight outings spelt relegation.
But their two most recent performances, a titanic FAI Cup tussle against Greenmount Rangers (Celtic lost 1 - 0) and then a sensational 5 - 1 hammering of title contenders St John Bosco's, have sent spirits soaring in the Celtic camp and boosted their survival chances.
O'Callaghan, who has served the club in many roles, is the club secretary and treasurer and he was the captain when they won 3B in 1993. In the next season, they won the league in 2B and made their first appearance at Turner's Cross but lost to Douglas Hall in the final of the President's Cup.
Successful visits to the Cross followed in 1997 (when they beat Hillington in the St Michael's decider) and in 1998 (when they won the County Cup by beating St John Bosco's B). Last season, they pipped Temple to take the 1B championship and a hard earned place in Premier A.
Two of the three man selection crew, Mick O'Leary (captain) and Moss O'Keeffe, are still playing and that means that O'Callaghan has the major sideline responsibility while games are in progress. The trio also illustrate the loyalty that players have shown to the Watergrasshill club as all three were there in the early years. O'Leary is a rock solid defender while Moss O'Keeffe, quite a good all round performer has, given his relatively modest size, a surprising ability in the air, always a danger when Andrew O'Flynn fires over one of his corner kick specials or one of his amazing long throws.
O'Callaghan isn't the only Celtic man with more than one function. John Barton, popularly known as Johnny B, is quite a handy player for the Watergrasshill outfit; off the field, he is both chairman and PRO. He says that the club "is
kindly sponsored by The Fir Tree Inn. We play all our home games in Celtic Park, which is situated two miles from Watergrasshill - turn left by the Fir Tree and follow the signs - and we have been there since our formation in 1991. We train every Tuesday night in the local hall".
While Celtic did well to get to the penultimate round of the Cork area of the Statoil FAI Junior Cup before going under to Greenmount in a classic, their depleted side fell to Ilen Celtic in the first round of the Munster Junior Cup. Barton reports better luck in the AOH: "We are currently through to the 5th round of the competition but face a tough away trip to Macroom".
The cancellation of fixtures due to the foot and mouth crisis, the reasons well understood by the Celtic players, many of whom work in the agricultural sector, couldn't have come at a worse time according to Barton: "Things were on the up and our last outing was our best victory to date, that convincing 5-1 away win over St John Bosco's. Three goals in a hectic opening ten minutes put us on our way. Our goal-scorers were Pat Walsh (2) and Donal O'Shea (2) and we also had an own goal."
Barton says that, in the longer term, the club wants promotion to the Premier division but stresses that the primary aim for this season "is to preserve our hard earned status in the Premier A division and to enjoy some cup success."
This year's panel consists of John O'Keeffe, Sean Hegarty, Kieran O'Callaghan, Andrew O'Flynn, Mick O'Leary, Brendan Walsh, Willie O'Leary, Ger Crowley, Dinny O'Leary, Kieran Coakley, Terry Broderick, Moss O'Keefe, Donal O'Shea, Johnny Dorgan, John Barton, George Johnson, Pat Walsh (leading scorer on eight).
The club's B team was formed three years back and entered division 3B of the AUL where they are still plying their trade. The team, which is managed by Pat Foley and skippered by Paul Sharkey, is mainly an outlet for the younger talent of the club. If Foley can repeat the feat of 1993, then Hill Celtic are in for another good decade.
HILL CELTIC 1993
CELTICS CELEBRATE:
"There was great excitement in the village when we brought the league trophy
home", said Pat Foley, secretary of Hill Celtic, as he reflected on their
championship win in 3B.
The Watergrasshill club was formed in February 1991 and entered the AUL for
the 91/92 season. Early training sessions were held behind the local school
but a pitch was procured nearby for the start of the season. Their first game
was against neighbours Brooklodge who won 3 - 0.
The learning process continued for a while but gradually the Hill got the hang
of it - training sessions at the all weather Mayfield pitch also helped -
and they eventually finished a creditable sixth in the league. There was also
the bonus of a ruin to the last sixteen in the AOH Cup.
Promotion was the aim at the start of this season. The opening match ended in
defeat but that setback was brushed aside and the title came to Watergrasshill
in May after a play-off against Carrigtwohill. At one stage, Celtic were six
games and twelve points behind Carrig but managed to win all six before taking
the title with an extra time play-off goal by Declan Freeman.
The team is looked after by three selectors: Pat Foley, Donal O'Callaghan,
and Billy Sheehan. They have instilled a great sense of discipline into the
players, none of whom has been red-carded over the two seasons. There is
quite a handy defensive discipline also - just 10 goals against in 22 league
games. Foley's fellow officers are O'Callaghan (chairman) and Mick Sheehan
(Treasurer).
Panel: Andy O'Flynn (keeper), Kevin Hoare, Mick Sheehan, Donal O'Callaghan
(captain), Mick O'Leary, Moss O'Keeffe, Sean Hegarty, John O'Keeffe, Declan
Freeman, John Shine, Denis O'Leary, John Sheehan, Dan O'Riordan, Brendan
Walsh, John Barton, and Richie O'Leary.
"There was great excitement in the village when we brought the league trophy
home", said Pat Foley, secretary of Hill Celtic, as he reflected on their
championship win in 3B.
The Watergrasshill club was formed in February 1991 and entered the AUL for
the 91/92 season. Early training sessions were held behind the local school
but a pitch was procured nearby for the start of the season. Their first game
was against neighbours Brooklodge who won 3 - 0.
The learning process continued for a while but gradually the Hill got the hang
of it - training sessions at the all weather Mayfield pitch also helped -
and they eventually finished a creditable sixth in the league. There was also
the bonus of a ruin to the last sixteen in the AOH Cup.
Promotion was the aim at the start of this season. The opening match ended in
defeat but that setback was brushed aside and the title came to Watergrasshill
in May after a play-off against Carrigtwohill. At one stage, Celtic were six
games and twelve points behind Carrig but managed to win all six before taking
the title with an extra time play-off goal by Declan Freeman.
The team is looked after by three selectors: Pat Foley, Donal O'Callaghan,
and Billy Sheehan. They have instilled a great sense of discipline into the
players, none of whom has been red-carded over the two seasons. There is
quite a handy defensive discipline also - just 10 goals against in 22 league
games. Foley's fellow officers are O'Callaghan (chairman) and Mick Sheehan
(Treasurer).
Panel: Andy O'Flynn (keeper), Kevin Hoare, Mick Sheehan, Donal O'Callaghan
(captain), Mick O'Leary, Moss O'Keeffe, Sean Hegarty, John O'Keeffe, Declan
Freeman, John Shine, Denis O'Leary, John Sheehan, Dan O'Riordan, Brendan
Walsh, John Barton, and Richie O'Leary.
HIBERNIANS 1994
Hibernians Under 17s:
Manager Pat O'Mahony is not in the least surprised that the Hibernians Under
17 team are doing so well this season: "No, not at all. They are a handy
enough outfit. Two years back we reached the semi-finals of the Under 15 Cup
only to be beaten, after extra time, by Wilton Utd. Last year we finished
runners up in the Under 16 First Division and had a great run in the Barry
Cup, including a win over Cobh Ramblers, before going down to Rockmount in the
Cork area semi-final".
O'Mahony has been the group's manager since their Under 11 days and gets
valuable assistance from Eddie McSweeney (who also looks after the Hibs Under
14s). It looks as if this under 17 team could well be the leading edge of a
new wave: the progressive Shanbally club now fields teams at all ages from
17s to 11s.
The Under 17s, though beaten by Leeds in their final group game, have
qualified for the semi-finals of the Imperial Hotel Under 17 League Cup and
should do quite well in the first division of the league. O'Mahony reckons
that they'll be a force in youths competitions next season and hopes to see
most of them playing with the club at adult level in the years to come.
The panel is: Marc Doody, Darren Roche, Steve Tobin, Peter Prout, Gerald
O'Sullivan, Peter Meade, Jason Corkery, Stephen Kidney, David Tagney, Graham
Whelan, Ronan Motherway, Mark Quinn, Ian Casey, Terence McSweeney, Trevor Long
(captain), and Martin Scully (currently recovering from a broken arm).
Manager Pat O'Mahony is not in the least surprised that the Hibernians Under
17 team are doing so well this season: "No, not at all. They are a handy
enough outfit. Two years back we reached the semi-finals of the Under 15 Cup
only to be beaten, after extra time, by Wilton Utd. Last year we finished
runners up in the Under 16 First Division and had a great run in the Barry
Cup, including a win over Cobh Ramblers, before going down to Rockmount in the
Cork area semi-final".
O'Mahony has been the group's manager since their Under 11 days and gets
valuable assistance from Eddie McSweeney (who also looks after the Hibs Under
14s). It looks as if this under 17 team could well be the leading edge of a
new wave: the progressive Shanbally club now fields teams at all ages from
17s to 11s.
The Under 17s, though beaten by Leeds in their final group game, have
qualified for the semi-finals of the Imperial Hotel Under 17 League Cup and
should do quite well in the first division of the league. O'Mahony reckons
that they'll be a force in youths competitions next season and hopes to see
most of them playing with the club at adult level in the years to come.
The panel is: Marc Doody, Darren Roche, Steve Tobin, Peter Prout, Gerald
O'Sullivan, Peter Meade, Jason Corkery, Stephen Kidney, David Tagney, Graham
Whelan, Ronan Motherway, Mark Quinn, Ian Casey, Terence McSweeney, Trevor Long
(captain), and Martin Scully (currently recovering from a broken arm).
HIBERNIANS 1995
12/2/95
HIBERNIANS - TEAM OF THE MONTH:
Hibernians are the Murphy's Stout AUL Team of the Month for
January. Congratulations to Hibs and to their manager Dan
Cullinane.
The Shanbally side were in the running most months of the season
so far. Like the majority of teams, they had a limited programme
in January but did manage to win the big one: the FAI Junior Cup
area quarter-final against Temple united.
Hibernians enjoyed a great start to the season and went unbeaten
through their section of the Shield (which involved games against
Springfield and Mayfield, two senior sides). The run helped win
them a semi-final place but here they suffered their first defeat
when they were pipped by higher ranked Greenmount Rangers.
Since then they have made great progress in both the Munster and
FAI junior cups. By coincidence, they face College Corinthians
in both. They have lost two games in the premier, one to
champions Passage, but are one of the joint leaders and in with a
very good chance.
This season has also marked the completion of the club's
impressive clubhouse on their own site in Shanbally. The
building doesn't look all that big from the outside but inside
boasts virtually everything a club could need: four changing
rooms, committee room, kitchen area, toilets and showers, and a
referee's room.
The club has had its own grounds since 1987 and added a second
pitch two years later. Both these pitches are wired off and the
whole set-up is a credit to the hard working committee.
The Premier side are no doubt the flag-bearers of this
progressive club but believe it or not they field no less than
eight other teams including a second junior side (in AUL 2) and a
handy under 17 outfit which is managed by founder member Paddy
O'Mahony.
Cullinane, manager of the premier team, is also the club
chairman. The other officers are: Brendan Hayes (vice-
chairman), Gerard Fehilly (secretary), Paddy O'Mahony
(Treasurer), John Jones, Johnny Fitzgerald, Pat McAuliffe (PRO),
and Frank Roche.
Current referee Mikesey Lyons was player-manager with Hibs in
1978/79 when they won their first trophy, the Mall Tavern League
Cup. There was something of a setback for the club in the
eighties when they had to vacate their first pitch.
But things are now very much on the move and they have been quite
successful in recent years. First there were the near things.
In 1989/90, they were runners up, after a play-off, to Bandon in
AUL 1 and runners up also to St John Bosco's in the AOH.
The following year, the second team, known as Hibernians
Athletic, were beaten by Everton in the final of the President's
Cup. In 1991/92, Hibs were again runners up in AUL 1, this time
behind Ballyphehane.
But that same season, they came out on top in the battle for the
FAI area title, beating Rockmount in a thrilling penalty shootout
at Turner's Cross. In 1992/93, they finally won AUL 1 and
promotion to the Premier League. Last season, they beat Macroom
in the final of the St Michael's Cup.
end of story
HIBERNIANS - TEAM OF THE MONTH:
Hibernians are the Murphy's Stout AUL Team of the Month for
January. Congratulations to Hibs and to their manager Dan
Cullinane.
The Shanbally side were in the running most months of the season
so far. Like the majority of teams, they had a limited programme
in January but did manage to win the big one: the FAI Junior Cup
area quarter-final against Temple united.
Hibernians enjoyed a great start to the season and went unbeaten
through their section of the Shield (which involved games against
Springfield and Mayfield, two senior sides). The run helped win
them a semi-final place but here they suffered their first defeat
when they were pipped by higher ranked Greenmount Rangers.
Since then they have made great progress in both the Munster and
FAI junior cups. By coincidence, they face College Corinthians
in both. They have lost two games in the premier, one to
champions Passage, but are one of the joint leaders and in with a
very good chance.
This season has also marked the completion of the club's
impressive clubhouse on their own site in Shanbally. The
building doesn't look all that big from the outside but inside
boasts virtually everything a club could need: four changing
rooms, committee room, kitchen area, toilets and showers, and a
referee's room.
The club has had its own grounds since 1987 and added a second
pitch two years later. Both these pitches are wired off and the
whole set-up is a credit to the hard working committee.
The Premier side are no doubt the flag-bearers of this
progressive club but believe it or not they field no less than
eight other teams including a second junior side (in AUL 2) and a
handy under 17 outfit which is managed by founder member Paddy
O'Mahony.
Cullinane, manager of the premier team, is also the club
chairman. The other officers are: Brendan Hayes (vice-
chairman), Gerard Fehilly (secretary), Paddy O'Mahony
(Treasurer), John Jones, Johnny Fitzgerald, Pat McAuliffe (PRO),
and Frank Roche.
Current referee Mikesey Lyons was player-manager with Hibs in
1978/79 when they won their first trophy, the Mall Tavern League
Cup. There was something of a setback for the club in the
eighties when they had to vacate their first pitch.
But things are now very much on the move and they have been quite
successful in recent years. First there were the near things.
In 1989/90, they were runners up, after a play-off, to Bandon in
AUL 1 and runners up also to St John Bosco's in the AOH.
The following year, the second team, known as Hibernians
Athletic, were beaten by Everton in the final of the President's
Cup. In 1991/92, Hibs were again runners up in AUL 1, this time
behind Ballyphehane.
But that same season, they came out on top in the battle for the
FAI area title, beating Rockmount in a thrilling penalty shootout
at Turner's Cross. In 1992/93, they finally won AUL 1 and
promotion to the Premier League. Last season, they beat Macroom
in the final of the St Michael's Cup.
end of story
HIBERNIANS 1993
When Hibernians won the league in Shanbally, there was a major sigh of relief
from manager Dan Cullinane. His charges had been pipped at the post twice in
the previous three seasons. They were runners up twice, including a title
play-off loss against Bandon in 1990. Their triumph in Murphy's Stout League
One was overdue and well deserved.
Their consistency in the league is shown by the fact that they lost just 11
games from 78 over the past four seasons. Mick O'Grady captained this year's
successful outfit and the leading scorers were Ger O'Flaherty (18) and Niall
Coakley (14).
First time visitors to the Shanbally grounds are always impressed. Hibs, who
have been in existence for 26 years, have their own grounds "bought and paid
for". Two pitches are laid out and beautifully maintained by groundsman Gerry
O'Grady. Further development, beginning with permanent dressing rooms, is
planned. Planned and needed. The club has a very strong underage section.
The committee is headed by chairman Liam Prout. Vice-chairman is Brendan
Hayes (who also manages the B team). The other officers are: Gerard Fehilly
(Secretary) and Paddy O'Mahony (Treasurer). Other members are include: Sean
O'Sullivan, Frank Roche, Robert Smythe, Dan Cullinane, and John Fitzgerald.
Cullinane used much the same panel this season as last but the return of Niall
Coakley after a long injury enforced absence was a big boost. Players, such
as Mick Kidney, Finbarr and Dave Flaherty, and William Ashman, all up from the
B team, also contributed hugely.
The full panel was: Joe McCarthy, Richie Drivers, Robert Smythe, Martin
Punch, Mick O'Grady (captain), Mick Kidney, Finbarr O'Flaherty, William
Ashman, Niall Coakley, Alan Twomey, David O'Flaherty, Ger O'Flaherty,
Mick Cotter, Pat McAuliffe, Adrian McAleer, Jimmy Cowhig, Anthony Allen,
Eddie O'Brien, and Tommy Maher.
Coakley received the Hibs Player of the Year Award while young keeper Brian
Beale was the top player in the B side. Michael O'Mahony, who does
tremendous work at underage level is the Clubman of the Year. In this month's
Tayto Cup game, Drievers and Ger O'Flaherty played for the AUL against Dublin
to round off a memorable season for the men from Shanbally.
from manager Dan Cullinane. His charges had been pipped at the post twice in
the previous three seasons. They were runners up twice, including a title
play-off loss against Bandon in 1990. Their triumph in Murphy's Stout League
One was overdue and well deserved.
Their consistency in the league is shown by the fact that they lost just 11
games from 78 over the past four seasons. Mick O'Grady captained this year's
successful outfit and the leading scorers were Ger O'Flaherty (18) and Niall
Coakley (14).
First time visitors to the Shanbally grounds are always impressed. Hibs, who
have been in existence for 26 years, have their own grounds "bought and paid
for". Two pitches are laid out and beautifully maintained by groundsman Gerry
O'Grady. Further development, beginning with permanent dressing rooms, is
planned. Planned and needed. The club has a very strong underage section.
The committee is headed by chairman Liam Prout. Vice-chairman is Brendan
Hayes (who also manages the B team). The other officers are: Gerard Fehilly
(Secretary) and Paddy O'Mahony (Treasurer). Other members are include: Sean
O'Sullivan, Frank Roche, Robert Smythe, Dan Cullinane, and John Fitzgerald.
Cullinane used much the same panel this season as last but the return of Niall
Coakley after a long injury enforced absence was a big boost. Players, such
as Mick Kidney, Finbarr and Dave Flaherty, and William Ashman, all up from the
B team, also contributed hugely.
The full panel was: Joe McCarthy, Richie Drivers, Robert Smythe, Martin
Punch, Mick O'Grady (captain), Mick Kidney, Finbarr O'Flaherty, William
Ashman, Niall Coakley, Alan Twomey, David O'Flaherty, Ger O'Flaherty,
Mick Cotter, Pat McAuliffe, Adrian McAleer, Jimmy Cowhig, Anthony Allen,
Eddie O'Brien, and Tommy Maher.
Coakley received the Hibs Player of the Year Award while young keeper Brian
Beale was the top player in the B side. Michael O'Mahony, who does
tremendous work at underage level is the Clubman of the Year. In this month's
Tayto Cup game, Drievers and Ger O'Flaherty played for the AUL against Dublin
to round off a memorable season for the men from Shanbally.
HIBERNIANS 1999
HIBERNIANS/FAI JUNIOR CUP PREVIEW
Hibernians are off to the Regional Park on Saturday (2.30) to take on Ballincollig in the second round of the Guinness FAI Junior Cup. The Shanbally crew will travel with some confidence: they have won their three most recent games on the road.
Pat McAuliffe is the Hibs team manager. McAuliffe, a sportscaster with RTE, has been with the club for the past 19 seasons but this is his first in charge. He has a capable assistant in Mick O'Grady, another long serving clubman.
Hibernians, relegated last season, now play in Premier A and there has been some radical surgery after the drop. Quite a few young players have been brought in and close to half the panel is 21 or under.
But an experienced backbone remains, players such as the O'Flahertys (Ger and Dave), skipper Richie Drievers, and vice captain Martin Giltinan. Ger, known as Striker, has earned his nickname with 140 goals for the club. He now has a new role in midfield and has returned to form and has scored four goals in the last five matches.
Youngsters doing well include the central defensive pairing of Alan Giltinan (ex Avondale) and Peter Prout (who came up through the Hibs underage ranks). Gary Prout had been a revelation on the left wing while young striker Stephen Kidney is proving a handful for defenders.
McAuliffe's hand had been strengthened by the recent return to Shanbally of Arthur O'Mahony and Danny Lucey, Arthur just back after a 12 month world tour, Danny after a similar spell in Australia. "It is great to have them back, said McAuliffe, " it adds to the competition for places. I even have two keepers battling for the number one jersey."
Hibs lost their opening two games but the manager is delighted with the way things have worked out since: "We meet early on match days and the camaraderie is building up nicely, the morale boosted by a five game unbeaten streak as we head for Ballincollig on Saturday".
Ballincollig are not exactly setting the world on fire this season but you can be sure that Martin O'Neill's team will put on a determined performance. They put Evergreen in their place in the AOH last week and if Philip Brady, Terry Kelly, and Noel Hogan, reproduce that form then McAuliffe's impressive away statistics will be at risk.
Hibernians are off to the Regional Park on Saturday (2.30) to take on Ballincollig in the second round of the Guinness FAI Junior Cup. The Shanbally crew will travel with some confidence: they have won their three most recent games on the road.
Pat McAuliffe is the Hibs team manager. McAuliffe, a sportscaster with RTE, has been with the club for the past 19 seasons but this is his first in charge. He has a capable assistant in Mick O'Grady, another long serving clubman.
Hibernians, relegated last season, now play in Premier A and there has been some radical surgery after the drop. Quite a few young players have been brought in and close to half the panel is 21 or under.
But an experienced backbone remains, players such as the O'Flahertys (Ger and Dave), skipper Richie Drievers, and vice captain Martin Giltinan. Ger, known as Striker, has earned his nickname with 140 goals for the club. He now has a new role in midfield and has returned to form and has scored four goals in the last five matches.
Youngsters doing well include the central defensive pairing of Alan Giltinan (ex Avondale) and Peter Prout (who came up through the Hibs underage ranks). Gary Prout had been a revelation on the left wing while young striker Stephen Kidney is proving a handful for defenders.
McAuliffe's hand had been strengthened by the recent return to Shanbally of Arthur O'Mahony and Danny Lucey, Arthur just back after a 12 month world tour, Danny after a similar spell in Australia. "It is great to have them back, said McAuliffe, " it adds to the competition for places. I even have two keepers battling for the number one jersey."
Hibs lost their opening two games but the manager is delighted with the way things have worked out since: "We meet early on match days and the camaraderie is building up nicely, the morale boosted by a five game unbeaten streak as we head for Ballincollig on Saturday".
Ballincollig are not exactly setting the world on fire this season but you can be sure that Martin O'Neill's team will put on a determined performance. They put Evergreen in their place in the AOH last week and if Philip Brady, Terry Kelly, and Noel Hogan, reproduce that form then McAuliffe's impressive away statistics will be at risk.
HIBERNIANS NOV 2000
HIBERNIANS
Jimmy Cowhig could well be the man to lead Hibernians back to the AUL Premier League. In his previous spell of management he brought his Hibs charges from the third division to Premier A in just three seasons.
Jimmy, a former and formidable performer with the Shanbally men, takes over this season from Pat McAuliffe who, after 17 years of service and one as manager, has decided to try his hand at Killumney. Cowhig is working off a squad of twenty players. His captain is Jed Flaherty who is also the leading goal scorer. Three of the players have represented the Cork AUL in recent years. They are Ritchie Drivers, Stephen Kidney, and Jed Flaherty.
Michael Prout is one of the new players that Cowhig has introduced this season. Seventeen year old Prout plays in goal for the Premier A team. Earlier this year, he played on the Ireland side that took on Australia in the Under 17 Compromise Rules series in Croke Park and indeed won the Man of the Match Award in the first game. Other new players in the panel are David Murphy and Trevor Murphy.
The full panel is Michael Prout, Peter Prout, Gary Prout, David Murphy, Trevor Murphy, Noel Jordan, Kieran Hegarty, Darren Roche, Ken Fitzgerald, Ian Casey, Stephen Jordan, Martin Giltinan. Ger Flaherty, Dave Flaherty, Ritchie Drivers, Michael Lannon, Danny Lucey, Stephen Kidney, Arthur O'Mahony, Kieran Burns.
Hibernians have a second team playing in AUL 2, jointly managed by John Horgan and Shane Fitzgerald. Donald Turner captains this team and the leading scorer is Declan Sheehan. The aim for this year is to consolidate their league position while at the same time introducing some younger players. After a shaky start, Hibs B are improving with every game.
Indeed, both teams, who train twice a week, are in the top half of their respective leagues. Even though the club has excellent facilities at Shanbally, Hibs lack a training area and currently have the use of Pfizer's. The long-term ambition is to purchase some land and develop an all weather pitch, which would be available all in the locality.
The Shanbally club readily acknowledges the people of the area who continually support Hibs in the weekly lotto. John Collins of the Shamrock Bar, Robert Young of the Loughbeg Tavern, Smith Kline Beecham, and Pfizer's, are also very good friends of the club.
Hibernians moved to their splendid home in Shanbally in 1987 and are acknowledged as one of the best clubs in Cork. Secretary Brendan Hayes puts this down to continuity: "It is the same committee for the past ten years with rotating roles been performed by the members. The one newcomer to the committee is Larry Hickey who joined us from Glencairn. The name missing from the above list is former chairman and first team manager Dan Cullinane who is on a break at present".
Hayes says that most of the success for this period goes down to Dan and the squad that he built up (he never missed a night's training in twelve years), also the club captain Mick O'Grady who gave him great support. "We in the committee are all hopeful that Dan will be rejoining the club in the near future."
The current committee is: Chairman, Frank Roche; Vice chairman, Larry Hickey; Hon. Secretary, Brendan Hayes; Hon. Treasurer, Paddy O'Mahony; committee members - Paul O'Sullivan, John Fitzgerald, Mick O'Grady, John Horgan, Niall Coakley, and Jimmy Cowhig.
Cowhig's ambition of a long run in the FAI Junior Cup was ruined by an extra time Buttevant goal last Sunday. Hibs are off to North Cork again this coming Sunday and should be good enough to beat third division Celtic Utd in the third round of the Murphy's Stout AOH Cup, a trophy that Hibs have yet to win.
Jimmy Cowhig could well be the man to lead Hibernians back to the AUL Premier League. In his previous spell of management he brought his Hibs charges from the third division to Premier A in just three seasons.
Jimmy, a former and formidable performer with the Shanbally men, takes over this season from Pat McAuliffe who, after 17 years of service and one as manager, has decided to try his hand at Killumney. Cowhig is working off a squad of twenty players. His captain is Jed Flaherty who is also the leading goal scorer. Three of the players have represented the Cork AUL in recent years. They are Ritchie Drivers, Stephen Kidney, and Jed Flaherty.
Michael Prout is one of the new players that Cowhig has introduced this season. Seventeen year old Prout plays in goal for the Premier A team. Earlier this year, he played on the Ireland side that took on Australia in the Under 17 Compromise Rules series in Croke Park and indeed won the Man of the Match Award in the first game. Other new players in the panel are David Murphy and Trevor Murphy.
The full panel is Michael Prout, Peter Prout, Gary Prout, David Murphy, Trevor Murphy, Noel Jordan, Kieran Hegarty, Darren Roche, Ken Fitzgerald, Ian Casey, Stephen Jordan, Martin Giltinan. Ger Flaherty, Dave Flaherty, Ritchie Drivers, Michael Lannon, Danny Lucey, Stephen Kidney, Arthur O'Mahony, Kieran Burns.
Hibernians have a second team playing in AUL 2, jointly managed by John Horgan and Shane Fitzgerald. Donald Turner captains this team and the leading scorer is Declan Sheehan. The aim for this year is to consolidate their league position while at the same time introducing some younger players. After a shaky start, Hibs B are improving with every game.
Indeed, both teams, who train twice a week, are in the top half of their respective leagues. Even though the club has excellent facilities at Shanbally, Hibs lack a training area and currently have the use of Pfizer's. The long-term ambition is to purchase some land and develop an all weather pitch, which would be available all in the locality.
The Shanbally club readily acknowledges the people of the area who continually support Hibs in the weekly lotto. John Collins of the Shamrock Bar, Robert Young of the Loughbeg Tavern, Smith Kline Beecham, and Pfizer's, are also very good friends of the club.
Hibernians moved to their splendid home in Shanbally in 1987 and are acknowledged as one of the best clubs in Cork. Secretary Brendan Hayes puts this down to continuity: "It is the same committee for the past ten years with rotating roles been performed by the members. The one newcomer to the committee is Larry Hickey who joined us from Glencairn. The name missing from the above list is former chairman and first team manager Dan Cullinane who is on a break at present".
Hayes says that most of the success for this period goes down to Dan and the squad that he built up (he never missed a night's training in twelve years), also the club captain Mick O'Grady who gave him great support. "We in the committee are all hopeful that Dan will be rejoining the club in the near future."
The current committee is: Chairman, Frank Roche; Vice chairman, Larry Hickey; Hon. Secretary, Brendan Hayes; Hon. Treasurer, Paddy O'Mahony; committee members - Paul O'Sullivan, John Fitzgerald, Mick O'Grady, John Horgan, Niall Coakley, and Jimmy Cowhig.
Cowhig's ambition of a long run in the FAI Junior Cup was ruined by an extra time Buttevant goal last Sunday. Hibs are off to North Cork again this coming Sunday and should be good enough to beat third division Celtic Utd in the third round of the Murphy's Stout AOH Cup, a trophy that Hibs have yet to win.
AUL NOV 1994
__________________________________________________________
AUL MANAGER:
Martin Heffernan, the manager of the Cork AUL juniors, has had a
distinguished career as a player since he started as a schoolboy
with St Mary's.
Heffernan returned from a spell in England to join Cork
Hibernians during their glory days at Flower Lodge and was there
from 1970 to 75. He has great memories of that fantastic spell
and of the great players around him. The highlight for Martin
was a trip to Czeckoslovakia to take on Banik Ostrava in the Cup
Winners Cup competition.
He then spent a few months with Wembley before going on to play
for Rockmount, with whom he finished his career last year. He
is now involved in coaching in four local schools, has been
successful in the Preliminary examination and is now waiting on
the result of the Intermediate examination which he took last
August.
AUL MANAGER:
Martin Heffernan, the manager of the Cork AUL juniors, has had a
distinguished career as a player since he started as a schoolboy
with St Mary's.
Heffernan returned from a spell in England to join Cork
Hibernians during their glory days at Flower Lodge and was there
from 1970 to 75. He has great memories of that fantastic spell
and of the great players around him. The highlight for Martin
was a trip to Czeckoslovakia to take on Banik Ostrava in the Cup
Winners Cup competition.
He then spent a few months with Wembley before going on to play
for Rockmount, with whom he finished his career last year. He
is now involved in coaching in four local schools, has been
successful in the Preliminary examination and is now waiting on
the result of the Intermediate examination which he took last
August.
HARP UTD APRIL 2000
Harp United
Harp United are not going to win the title in 2A but the season is already a success, according to club secretary Sean Madden.
Relegated on the last day of the previous season, Harp looked all set for the plunge during the first half of this term. Madden recalls: "At the start of the season, our new dressing rooms were vandalized; we were short on numbers and won just one of our opening ten games and were relegation favourites".
Manager Finbarr O'Connor is credited with turning the tide. New signings were made and that plus tactical changes saw Harp go on a run that saw them lose just once in eleven outings and dramatically improve their league position.
That run was sparked by a 4 - 1 victory over Glenthorn, described as the best win of the season by Madden and they rose from second last to third from top in the table as they took points off leading sides Rathcoole and Donoughmore. The goal scoring form of Mark Erangie (9), skipper Mark Depuis (8), and Niall Farrell (5), helped enormously.
"Our ambition now is to finish as high as we can", says Madden, a feisty defender. "If we can get a good start next season, we'll be hoping to get back to the first division. Our home pitch is in Monard and we hope to have the dressing rooms completely refurbished for the start of the season."
"This season, though it started so badly, could yet be a stepping stone to success and for that I would like to thank the members of the committee, especially Pierce Clinton and John Hull, and the players of course. Also a big thank you to the Harp Bar."
The full committee is: Pierce Clinton (chairman), newly wed Neil Dorney (treasurer), Sean Madden (secretary), Finbarr O'Connor (manager), Neilus Harrington, Mark Depuis, Noel Sugrue, and John Hull.
The squad, which trains twice a week, consists of Ian Coughlan, Colm Fitzgerald, Neilus Harrington, Paul McCarthy, Ian Salter, Dermot Crowley, Sean Madden, Niall Farrell, Neil Dorney, Colm Dorney, Paul Kent, Brian O'Sullivan, John O'Sullivan, Mark Depuis (current player of the year), Niall Tobin, Mark Erangie, Philip Moore, James Collins, and Willie Falvey.
Harp United are not going to win the title in 2A but the season is already a success, according to club secretary Sean Madden.
Relegated on the last day of the previous season, Harp looked all set for the plunge during the first half of this term. Madden recalls: "At the start of the season, our new dressing rooms were vandalized; we were short on numbers and won just one of our opening ten games and were relegation favourites".
Manager Finbarr O'Connor is credited with turning the tide. New signings were made and that plus tactical changes saw Harp go on a run that saw them lose just once in eleven outings and dramatically improve their league position.
That run was sparked by a 4 - 1 victory over Glenthorn, described as the best win of the season by Madden and they rose from second last to third from top in the table as they took points off leading sides Rathcoole and Donoughmore. The goal scoring form of Mark Erangie (9), skipper Mark Depuis (8), and Niall Farrell (5), helped enormously.
"Our ambition now is to finish as high as we can", says Madden, a feisty defender. "If we can get a good start next season, we'll be hoping to get back to the first division. Our home pitch is in Monard and we hope to have the dressing rooms completely refurbished for the start of the season."
"This season, though it started so badly, could yet be a stepping stone to success and for that I would like to thank the members of the committee, especially Pierce Clinton and John Hull, and the players of course. Also a big thank you to the Harp Bar."
The full committee is: Pierce Clinton (chairman), newly wed Neil Dorney (treasurer), Sean Madden (secretary), Finbarr O'Connor (manager), Neilus Harrington, Mark Depuis, Noel Sugrue, and John Hull.
The squad, which trains twice a week, consists of Ian Coughlan, Colm Fitzgerald, Neilus Harrington, Paul McCarthy, Ian Salter, Dermot Crowley, Sean Madden, Niall Farrell, Neil Dorney, Colm Dorney, Paul Kent, Brian O'Sullivan, John O'Sullivan, Mark Depuis (current player of the year), Niall Tobin, Mark Erangie, Philip Moore, James Collins, and Willie Falvey.
GREENWOOD MARCH 2001
GREENWOOD
Greenwood, currently celebrating 25 years in football, are a family club. In the junior panel alone, there are four sets of brothers: two O'Riordans, two Ryans, three Sweeneys, and, wait for it, four McCarthys (all sons of long serving secretary Niall).
The juniors, who play in a competitive AUL 1B, at present occupy a mid table spot in the league but McCarthy is hopeful that the position "will hopefully improve when more of our experienced players return from injury. Too many draws is hindering progress at the moment."
The present management of the junior side consists of team manager Liam O'Brien and assistant manager Dave Ryan. Liam, who is a valued member of the Cork Soccer Honours Committee, has given great service to the club over the years, having served several terms as chairman. At present, he combines his role as manager with that of board delegate. Dave is in his second year as assistant, having had to curtail his playing activities due to injury. However he still brings his boots, just in case.
The club is located in the parish of Togher and play their home games in the Togher community pitch (formerly known as Coffey's Field). Training during the winter is conducted on the Douglas all-weather pitch and in the summer in the community pitch.
Just two new signings this season. Seamus Sweeney rejoined the club and Eoin Sweeney signed for the first time, both linking up with brother Martin. Captain is another long serving player Damien Crowe and the leading goal scorer is Alan Morley. Player of the Year is Eric O'Mahony who has played with the club since U8 level.
The panel this season consists of: Brendan McCarthy, Barry Keane, Paul Ryan, Eric O'Mahony, Anthony Boyle, Damien Crowe(captain), Dan O'Riordan, Martin Sweeney, Eoin Sweeney, Seamus Sweeney, Alan Kelleher, Coleman McCarthy, Aidan McCarthy, Daniel McCarthy, Alan Morley, Sean Dennehy, Ted O'Riordan, and Dave Ryan.
The present committee is comprised of Chairman and founder member Pat O'Connor,
Vice Chairman Con Luxford, Treasurer Ken Budden, Hon. Secretary Niall McCarthy,
Martin Sweeney, Dan McCarthy, Liam O'Brien, and Dave Ryan. The committee acknowledge the regular support received from Ardmanning Bar, Doughcloyne Hotel,
Peter Cunneen Locksmiths, and the Deanrock Bar.
Greenwood, currently celebrating 25 years in football, are a family club. In the junior panel alone, there are four sets of brothers: two O'Riordans, two Ryans, three Sweeneys, and, wait for it, four McCarthys (all sons of long serving secretary Niall).
The juniors, who play in a competitive AUL 1B, at present occupy a mid table spot in the league but McCarthy is hopeful that the position "will hopefully improve when more of our experienced players return from injury. Too many draws is hindering progress at the moment."
The present management of the junior side consists of team manager Liam O'Brien and assistant manager Dave Ryan. Liam, who is a valued member of the Cork Soccer Honours Committee, has given great service to the club over the years, having served several terms as chairman. At present, he combines his role as manager with that of board delegate. Dave is in his second year as assistant, having had to curtail his playing activities due to injury. However he still brings his boots, just in case.
The club is located in the parish of Togher and play their home games in the Togher community pitch (formerly known as Coffey's Field). Training during the winter is conducted on the Douglas all-weather pitch and in the summer in the community pitch.
Just two new signings this season. Seamus Sweeney rejoined the club and Eoin Sweeney signed for the first time, both linking up with brother Martin. Captain is another long serving player Damien Crowe and the leading goal scorer is Alan Morley. Player of the Year is Eric O'Mahony who has played with the club since U8 level.
The panel this season consists of: Brendan McCarthy, Barry Keane, Paul Ryan, Eric O'Mahony, Anthony Boyle, Damien Crowe(captain), Dan O'Riordan, Martin Sweeney, Eoin Sweeney, Seamus Sweeney, Alan Kelleher, Coleman McCarthy, Aidan McCarthy, Daniel McCarthy, Alan Morley, Sean Dennehy, Ted O'Riordan, and Dave Ryan.
The present committee is comprised of Chairman and founder member Pat O'Connor,
Vice Chairman Con Luxford, Treasurer Ken Budden, Hon. Secretary Niall McCarthy,
Martin Sweeney, Dan McCarthy, Liam O'Brien, and Dave Ryan. The committee acknowledge the regular support received from Ardmanning Bar, Doughcloyne Hotel,
Peter Cunneen Locksmiths, and the Deanrock Bar.
GREENWOOD JUNE 1993
YEAR OF THE GREENS:
It was a memorable year for the third division juniors of Greenwood, the
lively Togher based outfit bringing off a great double by winning the title in
Murphy's Stout AUL 3 and by beating higher ranked Castle Celtic in the final
of the Saxone Cup at Turner's Cross.
Captain Dan McCarthy played a leading role, particularly in the goal scoring
area. The team played 38 games in cup and league and McCarthy ended up with a
grand total of 31 goals.
Greenwood were drawn away in the opening three rounds and emerged with wins
over Kingston Rangers (3 - 2), Dosco Villa (5 - 0), and Boher Albion (4 - 2).
Their first home game was against Southend and here they gained a 1 - 0 win.
In the semi-final, at the ESB Grounds, they defeated West End Utd 2 - 1 and,
after a scoreless final, beat Castle 9 - 8 on penalties.
The league was also something of a nailbiter, Greenwood winning their last
game away to Dripsey Celtic to pip Innishannon by just one point. The top two
had met and played a scoreless draw; it was Innishannon's last game,
Greenwood had three to go and needed to win all three and this they duly did.
They beat Strand 5 - 0 and College Corinthians 3 - 0. Dripsey gave them a
fright and Greenwood had to come from behind. Aidan McCarthy, Dan's brother,
equalised, and Martin Sweeney (the veteran of the side) provided the winner.
The regular panel members were: Finbarr Lynch (keeper), Mick Grainger,
Diarmuid Gillane, Eric O'Mahony, Damien Crowe and his brother Leonard, Peter
Lynch, Martin Sweeney, Brian Mohally, the McCarthys (Dan and Aidan), Tony
O'Leary, Christy O'Callaghan, Steve O'Leary, and Elton Lenihan.
The club were founded in 1976 by Gerard Cronin, Paddy Coen, Denis Linehan
(President), and Pat O'Connor (the current chairman). They started with teams
in the Cork Schoolboys League and the Southside League.
Greenwood first entered the AUL in 1983 with a youths team, following up with
a junior side two years later. The club's first big trophy win was in 1986
when the youths won their Second Division League. The juniors were promoted
from the third division in 1987 and, three years later, won the championship
in League 2.
They spent one year in Division One and then entered the Intermediate league
where they still compete. This season, Greenwood fielded no less than eight
teams: six schoolboys, one intermediate, and one junior.
Liam O'Brien was their well know intermediate manager but he stepped down at
the recent annual general meeting. Liam deserves his break after 32 years in
football, ten of them with Greenwood. But all associated with the club will
welcome him back whenever he decides he has had enough of the quiet life.
The current committee is: Pat O'Connor, chairman; Niall McCarthy, secretary;
Bernard Hughes, treasurer; Neilus Fitzpatrick, Seamus O'Callaghan, Michael
Grainger, Dan McCarthy, Martin Sweeney, Damien Budden, Aidan McCarthy, and
John Budden.
It was a memorable year for the third division juniors of Greenwood, the
lively Togher based outfit bringing off a great double by winning the title in
Murphy's Stout AUL 3 and by beating higher ranked Castle Celtic in the final
of the Saxone Cup at Turner's Cross.
Captain Dan McCarthy played a leading role, particularly in the goal scoring
area. The team played 38 games in cup and league and McCarthy ended up with a
grand total of 31 goals.
Greenwood were drawn away in the opening three rounds and emerged with wins
over Kingston Rangers (3 - 2), Dosco Villa (5 - 0), and Boher Albion (4 - 2).
Their first home game was against Southend and here they gained a 1 - 0 win.
In the semi-final, at the ESB Grounds, they defeated West End Utd 2 - 1 and,
after a scoreless final, beat Castle 9 - 8 on penalties.
The league was also something of a nailbiter, Greenwood winning their last
game away to Dripsey Celtic to pip Innishannon by just one point. The top two
had met and played a scoreless draw; it was Innishannon's last game,
Greenwood had three to go and needed to win all three and this they duly did.
They beat Strand 5 - 0 and College Corinthians 3 - 0. Dripsey gave them a
fright and Greenwood had to come from behind. Aidan McCarthy, Dan's brother,
equalised, and Martin Sweeney (the veteran of the side) provided the winner.
The regular panel members were: Finbarr Lynch (keeper), Mick Grainger,
Diarmuid Gillane, Eric O'Mahony, Damien Crowe and his brother Leonard, Peter
Lynch, Martin Sweeney, Brian Mohally, the McCarthys (Dan and Aidan), Tony
O'Leary, Christy O'Callaghan, Steve O'Leary, and Elton Lenihan.
The club were founded in 1976 by Gerard Cronin, Paddy Coen, Denis Linehan
(President), and Pat O'Connor (the current chairman). They started with teams
in the Cork Schoolboys League and the Southside League.
Greenwood first entered the AUL in 1983 with a youths team, following up with
a junior side two years later. The club's first big trophy win was in 1986
when the youths won their Second Division League. The juniors were promoted
from the third division in 1987 and, three years later, won the championship
in League 2.
They spent one year in Division One and then entered the Intermediate league
where they still compete. This season, Greenwood fielded no less than eight
teams: six schoolboys, one intermediate, and one junior.
Liam O'Brien was their well know intermediate manager but he stepped down at
the recent annual general meeting. Liam deserves his break after 32 years in
football, ten of them with Greenwood. But all associated with the club will
welcome him back whenever he decides he has had enough of the quiet life.
The current committee is: Pat O'Connor, chairman; Niall McCarthy, secretary;
Bernard Hughes, treasurer; Neilus Fitzpatrick, Seamus O'Callaghan, Michael
Grainger, Dan McCarthy, Martin Sweeney, Damien Budden, Aidan McCarthy, and
John Budden.
GREENMOUNT RANGERS 84-85
GREENMOUNT RANGERS 1984/85
Greenmount Rangers have had many great season but 1984/85 wasn't one of them. Indeed, Rangers were relegated at the end of it but that says as much about the high standard of the AUL Premier League at the time as it does about Greenmount’s weaknesses that particular year. Midleton and AOH joined Greenmount in the drop.
Temple United won the league, with their great rivals St Mary’s in second place. That rivalry had boiled over earlier in the season during the area final of the FAI Junior Cup at Flower Lodge where referee Joe O'Keeffe sent off three players. Ten man Mary’s scored twice in extra time against their nine man opponents to reach the last sixteen on a 3-1 scoreline.
Despite their poor league form, Greenmount came very close to making that FAI decider. They played a dreary scoreless draw with Mary's in the semi-final but surrendered an early goal to lose the hard fought Kilcully replay 1-0.
Plunket Carter was one of the three selectors of the Greenmount team and recalls: “The panel was large. There was regular chopping and changing and much transferring. The league was ultra competitive and Temple won it for the first time.”
“Bernie Browne and Pat Mulcahy were the other selectors. We had some handy players. Sean Cotter, for instance, scored a hat trick for Crofton Celtic in the FAI intermediate cup final of the following year. John Crowley was a tricky winger and Ger O’Brien had skill to burn.”
Greenmount skipper that year was Harry Speight, a top class defender. Pat Cahill is still involved with the club while Alan Ramsell was another who gave long service to Greenmount. John Lyne, now a referee, managed Greenmount in the mid nineties.
Keeper Ger McGreevey, who you'll find nowadays looking after Greenwood schoolboy teams, played with quite a few clubs while Neil Hannigan, Ber Tobin and Timmy Hewitt all became involved with neighbours Dunbar Celtic in the following years. Speight, Cahill, Ramsell and Mulcahy had all played for Rangers when they lost the 1980 AOH final to Bosco's.
Our photo, from January 1985, was taken before Greenmount’s 2-0 loss to Ballincollig in the Munster Junior Cup. Paul Coomey scored a smashing opener for the winners and Anthony Hogan converted a spotter midway through the second half to send Ballincollig into the fifth round.
The photograph (back row, l to r): Bernie Browne (RIP) selector, Harry Speight Captain, Pat Cahill, Ger McGreevey, Neil Hannigan, Alan Ramsell, Pat Fitzgibbon, Ber Tobin and Timmy Hewitt. Front row: John Crowley, Ger O'Brien, Richie Kenny, Sean Cotter, John Lyne and Pa Mulcahy.
Greenmount Rangers have had many great season but 1984/85 wasn't one of them. Indeed, Rangers were relegated at the end of it but that says as much about the high standard of the AUL Premier League at the time as it does about Greenmount’s weaknesses that particular year. Midleton and AOH joined Greenmount in the drop.
Temple United won the league, with their great rivals St Mary’s in second place. That rivalry had boiled over earlier in the season during the area final of the FAI Junior Cup at Flower Lodge where referee Joe O'Keeffe sent off three players. Ten man Mary’s scored twice in extra time against their nine man opponents to reach the last sixteen on a 3-1 scoreline.
Despite their poor league form, Greenmount came very close to making that FAI decider. They played a dreary scoreless draw with Mary's in the semi-final but surrendered an early goal to lose the hard fought Kilcully replay 1-0.
Plunket Carter was one of the three selectors of the Greenmount team and recalls: “The panel was large. There was regular chopping and changing and much transferring. The league was ultra competitive and Temple won it for the first time.”
“Bernie Browne and Pat Mulcahy were the other selectors. We had some handy players. Sean Cotter, for instance, scored a hat trick for Crofton Celtic in the FAI intermediate cup final of the following year. John Crowley was a tricky winger and Ger O’Brien had skill to burn.”
Greenmount skipper that year was Harry Speight, a top class defender. Pat Cahill is still involved with the club while Alan Ramsell was another who gave long service to Greenmount. John Lyne, now a referee, managed Greenmount in the mid nineties.
Keeper Ger McGreevey, who you'll find nowadays looking after Greenwood schoolboy teams, played with quite a few clubs while Neil Hannigan, Ber Tobin and Timmy Hewitt all became involved with neighbours Dunbar Celtic in the following years. Speight, Cahill, Ramsell and Mulcahy had all played for Rangers when they lost the 1980 AOH final to Bosco's.
Our photo, from January 1985, was taken before Greenmount’s 2-0 loss to Ballincollig in the Munster Junior Cup. Paul Coomey scored a smashing opener for the winners and Anthony Hogan converted a spotter midway through the second half to send Ballincollig into the fifth round.
The photograph (back row, l to r): Bernie Browne (RIP) selector, Harry Speight Captain, Pat Cahill, Ger McGreevey, Neil Hannigan, Alan Ramsell, Pat Fitzgibbon, Ber Tobin and Timmy Hewitt. Front row: John Crowley, Ger O'Brien, Richie Kenny, Sean Cotter, John Lyne and Pa Mulcahy.
GREENMOUNT RANGERS FEB 1996
TEAM OF THE MONTH (PHOTO):
The sensational performance by Greenmount Rangers in crushing
Kinsale in the final of the Murphy's Stout AUL Shield on December
31st was a major factor in the southside team being voted the AUL
Team of the Month. They had been in top scoring form also in the
semi-final when Cobh Town were demolished 7 - 1.
Other teams in the running for this much sought after honour were
Blarney Street Athletic, Millstreet Celtic, Togher Rovers, and
Albert Utd.
So well done to manager John Lyne and to skipper Davy Cooke.
Dave is a member of a feared midfield triangle that also includes
Shane McSweeney and action man Dougie Browne.
Danger too on the flanks whenever Conor Fitzgerald or Mick
O'Leary get the ball at their feet and start a run and red alert
flashes in all opposing defences when the midfielders or flankers
find goal ace Greg Cooney.
Bertie Lane is one fo the bravest and best keepers around playing
behind a solid back-four that normally consists of Pat Tynan,
Eddie Cotter, the long serving Alan Ramsell, and the recently
signed Anthony O'Brien (ex Crofton).
Brendan Cronin (ex Mayfield Utd) is another relative newcomer to
the squad, a fairly settled one, that also includes Conor Bird,
Ian Mulcahy, Dave Linehan, Niall Greaney, and Don Collins.
Manager Lyne is another long serving Greenmount man and he has
matchday assistance from his brother Denis and Pat Mulcahy.
Mulcahy is also the club chairman and the other officers are
Brendan Black (secretary), Thos Cahill (Treasurer), and Leonard
Corcoran (vice chairman). Other committee members are Eamonn
Corcoran, Paddy O'Callaghan, Denis Lyne, Billy Montgomery, and
Plunkett Carter.
Up to this season, Greenmount Rangers were leading members of the
AUL Intermediate league. They had their success at this level,
winning the Shield in 1991, the Corinthians Cup in 1995.
Their biggest success at junior grade was winning the coveted AOH
Cup in 1970. The 1982/83 season was also a good one with success
both in AUL 1B and the City Challenge Cup. 1989/90 was even
better: a treble was achieved with triumphs in the Premier
League, the St Michael's Cup, and the Champions Cup.
The sensational performance by Greenmount Rangers in crushing
Kinsale in the final of the Murphy's Stout AUL Shield on December
31st was a major factor in the southside team being voted the AUL
Team of the Month. They had been in top scoring form also in the
semi-final when Cobh Town were demolished 7 - 1.
Other teams in the running for this much sought after honour were
Blarney Street Athletic, Millstreet Celtic, Togher Rovers, and
Albert Utd.
So well done to manager John Lyne and to skipper Davy Cooke.
Dave is a member of a feared midfield triangle that also includes
Shane McSweeney and action man Dougie Browne.
Danger too on the flanks whenever Conor Fitzgerald or Mick
O'Leary get the ball at their feet and start a run and red alert
flashes in all opposing defences when the midfielders or flankers
find goal ace Greg Cooney.
Bertie Lane is one fo the bravest and best keepers around playing
behind a solid back-four that normally consists of Pat Tynan,
Eddie Cotter, the long serving Alan Ramsell, and the recently
signed Anthony O'Brien (ex Crofton).
Brendan Cronin (ex Mayfield Utd) is another relative newcomer to
the squad, a fairly settled one, that also includes Conor Bird,
Ian Mulcahy, Dave Linehan, Niall Greaney, and Don Collins.
Manager Lyne is another long serving Greenmount man and he has
matchday assistance from his brother Denis and Pat Mulcahy.
Mulcahy is also the club chairman and the other officers are
Brendan Black (secretary), Thos Cahill (Treasurer), and Leonard
Corcoran (vice chairman). Other committee members are Eamonn
Corcoran, Paddy O'Callaghan, Denis Lyne, Billy Montgomery, and
Plunkett Carter.
Up to this season, Greenmount Rangers were leading members of the
AUL Intermediate league. They had their success at this level,
winning the Shield in 1991, the Corinthians Cup in 1995.
Their biggest success at junior grade was winning the coveted AOH
Cup in 1970. The 1982/83 season was also a good one with success
both in AUL 1B and the City Challenge Cup. 1989/90 was even
better: a treble was achieved with triumphs in the Premier
League, the St Michael's Cup, and the Champions Cup.
GREENMOUNT RANGERS 03/04
GREENMOUNT RANGERS:
Greenmount Rangers are wondering if a good start is really half the
battle. They were very impressive in the opening weeks of the season,
made progress in all competitions, and won the September Team of the
Month Award.
Things haven't been going so well since, their latest setback a defeat
in the semi-final of the Shield. But they are well placed in the
Intermediate League and looking forward to the Corinthians and Linnane
Cup competitions.
This season's squad is managed by Denis Lyne, a man with a long record
with the club both as player and manager and back in charge after a
one year stint as manager with Everton juniors.
Rangers, one of the oldest clubs in Cork football, have been playing
intermediate since 1990/91. They enjoyed quite a good debut season at
the higher grade, winning the Shield and coming second to Ballincollig
in the league. That followed their best ever season at junior when
they triumphed in three competitions: Premier League, St Michael's
Cup, and Champions Cup. Lyne was coach to that side and had Pat Cahill
and Pat Mulcahy as fellow selectors.
A new look forward unit was been a major factor in Greenmount's early
season success. Centre forward Eric Goulding (ex Everton) is a
regular marksman. Conor Fitzgerald, captain of last season's Casement
minors, has been a spectacular success on the right while Barry
O'Leary (ex Ballyphehane) is enjoying a new lease of life on the left.
Kieran Horgan is another man with an eye for goal.
Don Collins showed in the Shield loss to Castleview that he is
progressing as a keeper. Long serving Mick McGregor and team captain
Eddie Cotter are the full backs while manning the centre are Peter
Kiely (another new signing) and sweeper Davy Cooke. John Lyne, the
assistant manager, is ready to step into any defensive vacancy.
Basketball international Mark Scannell, Dougie Browne, Martin Murphy,
and new signing Dessie Murray, contest the midfield positions.
Greenmount juniors, who play in Two B, are skippered by Sean Long and
the selection committee consists of Niall O'Shea, Brendan Black, and
Eamonn Corcoran.
Black is current secretary of the club; Pat Mulcahy is chairman and
Thos Cahill is treasurer. Eamonn Corcoran and Noel Cahill are AUL
delegates while the general committee consists of John Lyne, Alan
Ramsell, Maurice Barry, Niall O'Shea, and Billy Montgomery.
end of story
Greenmount Rangers are wondering if a good start is really half the
battle. They were very impressive in the opening weeks of the season,
made progress in all competitions, and won the September Team of the
Month Award.
Things haven't been going so well since, their latest setback a defeat
in the semi-final of the Shield. But they are well placed in the
Intermediate League and looking forward to the Corinthians and Linnane
Cup competitions.
This season's squad is managed by Denis Lyne, a man with a long record
with the club both as player and manager and back in charge after a
one year stint as manager with Everton juniors.
Rangers, one of the oldest clubs in Cork football, have been playing
intermediate since 1990/91. They enjoyed quite a good debut season at
the higher grade, winning the Shield and coming second to Ballincollig
in the league. That followed their best ever season at junior when
they triumphed in three competitions: Premier League, St Michael's
Cup, and Champions Cup. Lyne was coach to that side and had Pat Cahill
and Pat Mulcahy as fellow selectors.
A new look forward unit was been a major factor in Greenmount's early
season success. Centre forward Eric Goulding (ex Everton) is a
regular marksman. Conor Fitzgerald, captain of last season's Casement
minors, has been a spectacular success on the right while Barry
O'Leary (ex Ballyphehane) is enjoying a new lease of life on the left.
Kieran Horgan is another man with an eye for goal.
Don Collins showed in the Shield loss to Castleview that he is
progressing as a keeper. Long serving Mick McGregor and team captain
Eddie Cotter are the full backs while manning the centre are Peter
Kiely (another new signing) and sweeper Davy Cooke. John Lyne, the
assistant manager, is ready to step into any defensive vacancy.
Basketball international Mark Scannell, Dougie Browne, Martin Murphy,
and new signing Dessie Murray, contest the midfield positions.
Greenmount juniors, who play in Two B, are skippered by Sean Long and
the selection committee consists of Niall O'Shea, Brendan Black, and
Eamonn Corcoran.
Black is current secretary of the club; Pat Mulcahy is chairman and
Thos Cahill is treasurer. Eamonn Corcoran and Noel Cahill are AUL
delegates while the general committee consists of John Lyne, Alan
Ramsell, Maurice Barry, Niall O'Shea, and Billy Montgomery.
end of story
GRATTAN UTD MAY 2000
GRATTAN UNITED
Grattan United youths, who take on Casement Celtic in this evening's Youths One League Cup at Turner's Cross (7.00pm), are following in a proud tradition: next season, Grattan will celebrate their 75th anniversary.
The current youths squad has come from Grattan's close working relationship with Nu-Farm Schoolboys Club and is managed by Martin Cambridge and Martin O'Leary.
Grattan's treasurer Don O'Leary is delighted with the progression of the relationship over the past couple of seasons: "It is our intention to keep the arrangement going as it benefits both clubs. It certainly provides us with a great source of talent and two of the current team, Timmy Long and Eoin Kiely, have been selected by the AUL Inter-league manager this season".
Casement, already crowned first division champions, will probably start as favourites this evening but Grattan, though they may lack experience of Turner's Cross, are a big game team. They have already beaten Casement in a crunch league tie and have registered a great cup win over Temple Utd, the premier champions.
O'Leary also reports that developments are continuing on their grounds: "As you know, O'Neill Park is named after our president Denis O'Neill and we have made great strides there recently. Just three years back it was wasteland. Now we have developed a reasonable playing surface, provided temporary dressing rooms, and erected perimeter fencing".
He says the bulk of their finance comes from the weekly Lotto draw. It is held every Monday night at Pat O'Sullivan's Bar where Frances and Michael Byrnes are great supporters. The youths benefit from support by Duggan's Glass.
The work of fund-raising never stops according to the busy treasurer: "We presently have an application for funding from the Dept. of Sports under the Sport Capital Programme 2000. The outcome of this will dictate the pace of future developments at O'Neill Park where the completion of the fencing and the erection of permanent dressing rooms are our main targets. We would also like to give credit to our local TDs who have been very supportive of the development".
Grattan Utd also run a junior team and had their biggest taste of success in 1996 when they defeated Togher Rovers in the final of the AOH Cup. This season, joint managers Pat Caulfield and Derry Barrett have been building a handy side in One A and one that will be challenging for the title next season.
Denis "Dinny Pop" O'Neill is the current president and Tony Hyde is vice president. The current committee consists of George Murphy (chairman), Joe Lynch (secretary), Don O'Leary (treasurer), Eddie O'Riordan, Frank Geaney, Gerry Moynihan, John Chambers, Kevin Moynihan, and Mick Murphy.
Grattan United youths, who take on Casement Celtic in this evening's Youths One League Cup at Turner's Cross (7.00pm), are following in a proud tradition: next season, Grattan will celebrate their 75th anniversary.
The current youths squad has come from Grattan's close working relationship with Nu-Farm Schoolboys Club and is managed by Martin Cambridge and Martin O'Leary.
Grattan's treasurer Don O'Leary is delighted with the progression of the relationship over the past couple of seasons: "It is our intention to keep the arrangement going as it benefits both clubs. It certainly provides us with a great source of talent and two of the current team, Timmy Long and Eoin Kiely, have been selected by the AUL Inter-league manager this season".
Casement, already crowned first division champions, will probably start as favourites this evening but Grattan, though they may lack experience of Turner's Cross, are a big game team. They have already beaten Casement in a crunch league tie and have registered a great cup win over Temple Utd, the premier champions.
O'Leary also reports that developments are continuing on their grounds: "As you know, O'Neill Park is named after our president Denis O'Neill and we have made great strides there recently. Just three years back it was wasteland. Now we have developed a reasonable playing surface, provided temporary dressing rooms, and erected perimeter fencing".
He says the bulk of their finance comes from the weekly Lotto draw. It is held every Monday night at Pat O'Sullivan's Bar where Frances and Michael Byrnes are great supporters. The youths benefit from support by Duggan's Glass.
The work of fund-raising never stops according to the busy treasurer: "We presently have an application for funding from the Dept. of Sports under the Sport Capital Programme 2000. The outcome of this will dictate the pace of future developments at O'Neill Park where the completion of the fencing and the erection of permanent dressing rooms are our main targets. We would also like to give credit to our local TDs who have been very supportive of the development".
Grattan Utd also run a junior team and had their biggest taste of success in 1996 when they defeated Togher Rovers in the final of the AOH Cup. This season, joint managers Pat Caulfield and Derry Barrett have been building a handy side in One A and one that will be challenging for the title next season.
Denis "Dinny Pop" O'Neill is the current president and Tony Hyde is vice president. The current committee consists of George Murphy (chairman), Joe Lynch (secretary), Don O'Leary (treasurer), Eddie O'Riordan, Frank Geaney, Gerry Moynihan, John Chambers, Kevin Moynihan, and Mick Murphy.
GRATTAN UTD 2006
Grattan Utd 2006
Denis Pop O'Neill was honoured at Grattan United’s 80th anniversary function in the Kiln last evening.
Grattan United PRO Joe Lynch, like everyone else in the Northside club, has the greatest respect for O'Neill, their long serving president: “He is an icon of local football, a pioneer. The likes of himself and the late Christy McGrath are among the unsung heroes, now almost a lost generation.”
“I honestly don't think that Denis O'Neill has got the credit he deserves. He is a stalwart, a legend down the years. Remember him taking the gear down to Church Road on the bar of the bike and a couple of extra pairs of boots there too. There is not much of that kind of loyalty and commitment around anymore.”
Grattan won the coveted Murphy’s Stout AOH Cup ten years back and last evening’s function served as a reunion for the successful team. PRO Lynch thanked Murphy's for their hospitality saying that they provide a great deal of support for local sport.
The club’s plans for their base, O'Neill Park, are proceeding well and proposals for Phase Two are close to the planning application stage. Lynch says that this will include dressing rooms, showers and meeting facilities to replace the temporary structures that have served them so well for the past few years.
“We are getting a great feedback in the area. City Hall have been very helpful, recognizing the value of what we do. We put in much work ourselves to meet the right criteria and that puts us in a good position to avail of the various sports grants schemes.”
Roll of Honour:
1976: AUL Third Division Shield.
1980: City (O’Keeffe) Cup.
1981: City Cup.
1981: Youths 1 League Cup.
1982: AUL 1B
1982: Youths 2A.
1989: City Cup.
1996: AOH Cup.
2000: Youths 1 League Cup.
2001: AUL 1A
2002: Youths League Cup.
2004: Linnane League Cup
2004: Murphy Youth Cup
2006: Premier A.
Denis Pop O'Neill was honoured at Grattan United’s 80th anniversary function in the Kiln last evening.
Grattan United PRO Joe Lynch, like everyone else in the Northside club, has the greatest respect for O'Neill, their long serving president: “He is an icon of local football, a pioneer. The likes of himself and the late Christy McGrath are among the unsung heroes, now almost a lost generation.”
“I honestly don't think that Denis O'Neill has got the credit he deserves. He is a stalwart, a legend down the years. Remember him taking the gear down to Church Road on the bar of the bike and a couple of extra pairs of boots there too. There is not much of that kind of loyalty and commitment around anymore.”
Grattan won the coveted Murphy’s Stout AOH Cup ten years back and last evening’s function served as a reunion for the successful team. PRO Lynch thanked Murphy's for their hospitality saying that they provide a great deal of support for local sport.
The club’s plans for their base, O'Neill Park, are proceeding well and proposals for Phase Two are close to the planning application stage. Lynch says that this will include dressing rooms, showers and meeting facilities to replace the temporary structures that have served them so well for the past few years.
“We are getting a great feedback in the area. City Hall have been very helpful, recognizing the value of what we do. We put in much work ourselves to meet the right criteria and that puts us in a good position to avail of the various sports grants schemes.”
Roll of Honour:
1976: AUL Third Division Shield.
1980: City (O’Keeffe) Cup.
1981: City Cup.
1981: Youths 1 League Cup.
1982: AUL 1B
1982: Youths 2A.
1989: City Cup.
1996: AOH Cup.
2000: Youths 1 League Cup.
2001: AUL 1A
2002: Youths League Cup.
2004: Linnane League Cup
2004: Murphy Youth Cup
2006: Premier A.
GRATTAN UTD DEC 1994
Grattan Utd 8/12/94
Grattan United, founded in 1926, are one of the oldest clubs in Cork soccer
but the emphasis is very much on youth at present.
The committee has received a reviving injection of new blood in recent years;
their youthful team won promotion to the AUL Premier Division at the end of
last season and there is a strong ambition to field an Under 17 team next
season.
The club's pride in its long tradition was underlined at a recent reception in
Pat O'Sullivan's when chairman Joe Lynch, for so their distinguished
goalkeeper, announced that they were returning to their original colours and
crest. Top supporters, Mick and Frances Byrne, presented two sets of gear,
one for home use, the other for away games. The new home strip features the
original blue and white vertical stripes.
About three years ago, the club was on a downward slide but Lynch and company
put new life into the committee. Last season was one of their best and
included a Murphy's Stout Tema of the Month Award.
They were regular visitors to Turner's Cross. They surprised Ballincollig in
the AOH semi-final but lost the final to Passage. They also lost the One A
League play-off to Village Utd. In a hectic end of season campaign, they also
reached the St Michael's semi-final but went out at the ESB Grounds.
However, the team's improvement was recognised when the AUL management
committee promoted them to the newly formed Premier "A". While they are in
with some much more experienced teams, they are more than holding their own.
Longest serving member Dinny "Pop" O'Neill is Grattan's life President. Joe
Lynch is chairman and the other officers are George Murphy (vice chairman),
Paul Lynch (secretary), and Tony Hyde, another long serving member with 28
years to his credit, is treasurer. Pat Caulfield, Martin Doocey, and Frank
Geaney, also serve on the committee.
Noel Harris is the Grattan skipper and the rest of the panel is: Paul Cleary
(goalkeeper), Paul Lynch, Martin Doocey, Robert O'Callaghan, Terry Murphy,
Jason Kerins, Pat Caulfield, John Caulfield, Paul O'Reilly, Eddie O'Riordan,
Mick Murphy, Jim Walsh, Frank Geaney, Joe Galway, Paul Sloan, and Michael
Greene. Joe Lynch is the team manager and his assistant is George Murphy.
Grattan United, founded in 1926, are one of the oldest clubs in Cork soccer
but the emphasis is very much on youth at present.
The committee has received a reviving injection of new blood in recent years;
their youthful team won promotion to the AUL Premier Division at the end of
last season and there is a strong ambition to field an Under 17 team next
season.
The club's pride in its long tradition was underlined at a recent reception in
Pat O'Sullivan's when chairman Joe Lynch, for so their distinguished
goalkeeper, announced that they were returning to their original colours and
crest. Top supporters, Mick and Frances Byrne, presented two sets of gear,
one for home use, the other for away games. The new home strip features the
original blue and white vertical stripes.
About three years ago, the club was on a downward slide but Lynch and company
put new life into the committee. Last season was one of their best and
included a Murphy's Stout Tema of the Month Award.
They were regular visitors to Turner's Cross. They surprised Ballincollig in
the AOH semi-final but lost the final to Passage. They also lost the One A
League play-off to Village Utd. In a hectic end of season campaign, they also
reached the St Michael's semi-final but went out at the ESB Grounds.
However, the team's improvement was recognised when the AUL management
committee promoted them to the newly formed Premier "A". While they are in
with some much more experienced teams, they are more than holding their own.
Longest serving member Dinny "Pop" O'Neill is Grattan's life President. Joe
Lynch is chairman and the other officers are George Murphy (vice chairman),
Paul Lynch (secretary), and Tony Hyde, another long serving member with 28
years to his credit, is treasurer. Pat Caulfield, Martin Doocey, and Frank
Geaney, also serve on the committee.
Noel Harris is the Grattan skipper and the rest of the panel is: Paul Cleary
(goalkeeper), Paul Lynch, Martin Doocey, Robert O'Callaghan, Terry Murphy,
Jason Kerins, Pat Caulfield, John Caulfield, Paul O'Reilly, Eddie O'Riordan,
Mick Murphy, Jim Walsh, Frank Geaney, Joe Galway, Paul Sloan, and Michael
Greene. Joe Lynch is the team manager and his assistant is George Murphy.
GRANGEVALE 1997
TEAM OF THE MONTH - GRANGEVALE:
Founder-member Donie Cronin was a teenager when he made his debut for
Grangevale in their first ever game against Blackrock in the Douglas Festival
Cup in 1944. Donie is as enthusiastic as ever and was in great form as
Grangevale received the Murphy's Stout Team of the Month Award at The Grange
last week.
Donie reckons that referees were better in the old days, claiming they did it
all "without red or yellow cards". "Nedser Cotter was a great character and
had the style and gestures to express it, " said Donie.
Davy Williamson, recent winner of a Distinguished Service Award, is another
long-term Grangevale stalwart and is current chairman. Donie is President.
Richie O'Sullivan is treasurer while Sean Molloy is vice-chairman. The other
members of the committee are Davy Hayes, Ciaran Martin, Charlie Hegarty, and
James Murray.
Hayes is perhaps better known as being the first player to score a hat trick
in an AOH Cup final. That came in 1979 when Grangevale outclassed Northvilla
at Turner's Cross.
The current team is on quite a good run at present and in their five games
prior to the award had scored 23 and conceded just two in an unbeaten run and
have made progress in the FAI and AOH. They won't want to draw Leeside in the
AOH as the Little Island club have recorded an unusual double over them this
season. Leeside B beat Grange in the St Michael's semi-final while Leeside A
pipped them in the Munster Junior Cup.
The organisational skills of player-manager Tommy Morrissey are paying
dividends this season. Grangevale captain is James O'Callaghan and the other
members of the panel are: Alan Hegarty, Barry Twomey, Peter Noonan, Roy
O'Mahony, John Foley, Robbie Birmingham, Richie O'Sullivan, Liam Murphy, Terry
O'Mahony, Jason Martin, Ray Horan, Ciaran Martin, Brian Farrell, Kevin
Birmingham, Cathal Daly, Colin Corkery, and Jason Corkery.
Founder-member Donie Cronin was a teenager when he made his debut for
Grangevale in their first ever game against Blackrock in the Douglas Festival
Cup in 1944. Donie is as enthusiastic as ever and was in great form as
Grangevale received the Murphy's Stout Team of the Month Award at The Grange
last week.
Donie reckons that referees were better in the old days, claiming they did it
all "without red or yellow cards". "Nedser Cotter was a great character and
had the style and gestures to express it, " said Donie.
Davy Williamson, recent winner of a Distinguished Service Award, is another
long-term Grangevale stalwart and is current chairman. Donie is President.
Richie O'Sullivan is treasurer while Sean Molloy is vice-chairman. The other
members of the committee are Davy Hayes, Ciaran Martin, Charlie Hegarty, and
James Murray.
Hayes is perhaps better known as being the first player to score a hat trick
in an AOH Cup final. That came in 1979 when Grangevale outclassed Northvilla
at Turner's Cross.
The current team is on quite a good run at present and in their five games
prior to the award had scored 23 and conceded just two in an unbeaten run and
have made progress in the FAI and AOH. They won't want to draw Leeside in the
AOH as the Little Island club have recorded an unusual double over them this
season. Leeside B beat Grange in the St Michael's semi-final while Leeside A
pipped them in the Munster Junior Cup.
The organisational skills of player-manager Tommy Morrissey are paying
dividends this season. Grangevale captain is James O'Callaghan and the other
members of the panel are: Alan Hegarty, Barry Twomey, Peter Noonan, Roy
O'Mahony, John Foley, Robbie Birmingham, Richie O'Sullivan, Liam Murphy, Terry
O'Mahony, Jason Martin, Ray Horan, Ciaran Martin, Brian Farrell, Kevin
Birmingham, Cathal Daly, Colin Corkery, and Jason Corkery.
GLENVIEW NOV 1994
16/11/94
Glenview:
Glenview's turn must come soon; they were founded in 1972 but have yet to win
a trophy. They are currently in one of the top positions in AUL 3B and are
strongly hoping that this will be their lucky year.
In the 22 years since their founding, they have contested no less than ten cup
finals but have always come out second best. The season of 1976/77 was doubly
frustrating: they were runners up to Sunbeam in the Third Division League and
lost the final of the Third Division League Cup to Mayfield.
In the early years, Glenview consistently finished high up in their leagues
and rapid progress was made from the third to the first division. For a while
the club fielded two sides, the second known as Glenview Utd but, since 1985,
has been represented by just one team which plays its home games at
Knocknaheeny 3, sharing the pitch with Central Rovers and Blarney Street
Athletic.
This season's title contenders are captained by Declan McCarthy and the rest
of the northsiders' panel is: Darren Ahern, Glen Ahern, Philip O'Donovan,
Maurice Scanlon, Dave Broderick, Aidan Byrne, John Byrne, Tommy Byrne (leading
scorer, 12 goals to date), Ger Brady, Cormac Daly (10 goals), Paul Farmer, Pat
Kelleher, Paul Taffy Lockyer (keeper), Conrad Lynch, Tom Lynch, Eric Mannix,
Richard Mannix, and Don O'Sullivan.
The founders of the club were Frank O'Flynn, Cormac O'Connor, and Sean
O'Connor, and the current committee is: Vince Murray (chairman), founder
Sean O'Connor (secretary), Declan McCarthy (treasurer), and Robin Frawley.
Frawley fills a traditional role in Glenview; club captain is his title and
his function is to liase between the committee and the players. The selection
committee is Leslie Hill, Seamus Mannix, and Tom Broe.
Glenview:
Glenview's turn must come soon; they were founded in 1972 but have yet to win
a trophy. They are currently in one of the top positions in AUL 3B and are
strongly hoping that this will be their lucky year.
In the 22 years since their founding, they have contested no less than ten cup
finals but have always come out second best. The season of 1976/77 was doubly
frustrating: they were runners up to Sunbeam in the Third Division League and
lost the final of the Third Division League Cup to Mayfield.
In the early years, Glenview consistently finished high up in their leagues
and rapid progress was made from the third to the first division. For a while
the club fielded two sides, the second known as Glenview Utd but, since 1985,
has been represented by just one team which plays its home games at
Knocknaheeny 3, sharing the pitch with Central Rovers and Blarney Street
Athletic.
This season's title contenders are captained by Declan McCarthy and the rest
of the northsiders' panel is: Darren Ahern, Glen Ahern, Philip O'Donovan,
Maurice Scanlon, Dave Broderick, Aidan Byrne, John Byrne, Tommy Byrne (leading
scorer, 12 goals to date), Ger Brady, Cormac Daly (10 goals), Paul Farmer, Pat
Kelleher, Paul Taffy Lockyer (keeper), Conrad Lynch, Tom Lynch, Eric Mannix,
Richard Mannix, and Don O'Sullivan.
The founders of the club were Frank O'Flynn, Cormac O'Connor, and Sean
O'Connor, and the current committee is: Vince Murray (chairman), founder
Sean O'Connor (secretary), Declan McCarthy (treasurer), and Robin Frawley.
Frawley fills a traditional role in Glenview; club captain is his title and
his function is to liase between the committee and the players. The selection
committee is Leslie Hill, Seamus Mannix, and Tom Broe.
GLENVALE JAN 2000
Glenvale AFC
When Glenvale take on North End in next Sunday's Premier A match, it will be the 'Vale's first league outing since September 26th and secretary Shay Pidgeon is wary: "We will be hoping for a victory but we usually find it difficult playing them".
Glenvale have played just five league games to date and Pidgeon knows it will be hard to get into the two automatic promotion places, currently held by Bosco's and Hillington: "But we have a useful squad and are capable of causing a shock or two".
That squad has been hugely reinforced since last season by the new management pairing of Ger Rennie and John Joe O'Sullivan. O'Sullivan is the new half of the duo as Rennie has been looking after the side for the past four seasons.
Graham Shortt was Player of the Year last season while keeper Derek Barnes took the Clubman of the Year Award. Fintan Forde is the team captain and new signings include Dave Barrett, Conor Quinlan, and Terry O'Callaghan.
Their league backlog has been built up largely because of doing quite well in the cups, as Shay explains: "We had good runs in the FAI and Munster Junior Cups but are out of both now. Our last game was against Skyvalley Rovers of Roscommon in the FAI and they pipped us on penalties after a 2 - 2 draw at the Regional Park".
The Regional Park in Ballincollig is a new venue for the club and they are happy enough with it as a pitch but acknowledge that the lack of dressing rooms is a problem. No problems with training though. Rennie and O'Sullivan have the lads out twice a week: on Tuesdays s they use the all weather pitch in Mayfield (this is their 15th year there) and on Thursday they avail of the Sam Allen five-a-side complex on the northside.
Glenvale, who are based in Liam Daly's (where their number one supporter is Paddy Hussey), also get valuable support from builders Cullinane and Sons, Munster Joinery and Brannigans Bar.
Indeed John Cullinane, the chairman, has been with the club since its foundation thirty years ago. Davy Power is another with the same service and he is now vice chairman.
"Winning the AOH would be a fitting end to our season", wishes secretary Pidgeon. It would also be a good way to celebrate the 30th anniversary. Perhaps their name is on the coveted trophy this season. In round three, they were two goals down to local rivals Villa Utd and defeat was staring them in the face. But new signing Brian Walsh came to the rescue with a hat trick.
The full committee is: John Cullinane (chairman), Davy Power (vice Chairman), Liam Crowley (Treasurer), Shay Pidgeon (Secretary), Mick Atkins, Tony O'Donovan, Derek Barnes, Joe O'Flynn, Paul Lynch, and William Butt.
Glenvale have one of the biggest panels in the league and it is: Derek Barnes, Dermot Moone, Joe O'Flynn, Kevin Goulding (5 goals), Michael Walsh, Graham Shortt, Fintan Forde (8 goals), Kevin O'Donovan, Shane Power, Noel Coughlan, Darren Kennefick (8 goals), Kevin Butterworth, Brian Walsh (8 goals), Dave Barrett, Jimmy Foley, Jason Cronin, Terry O'Callaghan, William Singleton, Paul O'Donovan, Conor Quinlan, and Mark O'Connor.
When Glenvale take on North End in next Sunday's Premier A match, it will be the 'Vale's first league outing since September 26th and secretary Shay Pidgeon is wary: "We will be hoping for a victory but we usually find it difficult playing them".
Glenvale have played just five league games to date and Pidgeon knows it will be hard to get into the two automatic promotion places, currently held by Bosco's and Hillington: "But we have a useful squad and are capable of causing a shock or two".
That squad has been hugely reinforced since last season by the new management pairing of Ger Rennie and John Joe O'Sullivan. O'Sullivan is the new half of the duo as Rennie has been looking after the side for the past four seasons.
Graham Shortt was Player of the Year last season while keeper Derek Barnes took the Clubman of the Year Award. Fintan Forde is the team captain and new signings include Dave Barrett, Conor Quinlan, and Terry O'Callaghan.
Their league backlog has been built up largely because of doing quite well in the cups, as Shay explains: "We had good runs in the FAI and Munster Junior Cups but are out of both now. Our last game was against Skyvalley Rovers of Roscommon in the FAI and they pipped us on penalties after a 2 - 2 draw at the Regional Park".
The Regional Park in Ballincollig is a new venue for the club and they are happy enough with it as a pitch but acknowledge that the lack of dressing rooms is a problem. No problems with training though. Rennie and O'Sullivan have the lads out twice a week: on Tuesdays s they use the all weather pitch in Mayfield (this is their 15th year there) and on Thursday they avail of the Sam Allen five-a-side complex on the northside.
Glenvale, who are based in Liam Daly's (where their number one supporter is Paddy Hussey), also get valuable support from builders Cullinane and Sons, Munster Joinery and Brannigans Bar.
Indeed John Cullinane, the chairman, has been with the club since its foundation thirty years ago. Davy Power is another with the same service and he is now vice chairman.
"Winning the AOH would be a fitting end to our season", wishes secretary Pidgeon. It would also be a good way to celebrate the 30th anniversary. Perhaps their name is on the coveted trophy this season. In round three, they were two goals down to local rivals Villa Utd and defeat was staring them in the face. But new signing Brian Walsh came to the rescue with a hat trick.
The full committee is: John Cullinane (chairman), Davy Power (vice Chairman), Liam Crowley (Treasurer), Shay Pidgeon (Secretary), Mick Atkins, Tony O'Donovan, Derek Barnes, Joe O'Flynn, Paul Lynch, and William Butt.
Glenvale have one of the biggest panels in the league and it is: Derek Barnes, Dermot Moone, Joe O'Flynn, Kevin Goulding (5 goals), Michael Walsh, Graham Shortt, Fintan Forde (8 goals), Kevin O'Donovan, Shane Power, Noel Coughlan, Darren Kennefick (8 goals), Kevin Butterworth, Brian Walsh (8 goals), Dave Barrett, Jimmy Foley, Jason Cronin, Terry O'Callaghan, William Singleton, Paul O'Donovan, Conor Quinlan, and Mark O'Connor.
GLENVALE 2003
GLENVALE AFC
Glenvale's Michael Atkins says the team is now showing good form after a slow start to the season: " We introduced many new players to the squad but now the team has at last found its form at both league and cup levels. The recent back to back victories over Mallow Celtic in the AOH Cup and Leeside in the One B would rate as our best victories to-date. We have just entered the top half of the league and are still involved in both the AOH Cup and City Challenge Cups. We are very pleased with the progress."
After the problems of last season, Kenneth Quinn, formerly of St Mary's and Midleton AFC in the MSL, was appointed player manager for the current season. Ken's wealth of experience and knowledge of the game at senior and junior level enabled him to adapt quite quickly to the job on hand.
The new signings have mixed in well and progress to date has been steady. The job of player manager can be fairly demanding both on and off the pitch but Ken is ably assisted by two very experienced mentors who have served the club well over the years: Atkins and Derek Barnes, who between them have chalked up many years in junior football.
John Cullinane, with the club for over thirty years, is the current chairman and has just taken over as secretary. Barnes is treasurer and the other committee members are Shay Pidgeon, Mick Atkins, Joe Flynn, Michael Walsh and Maurice Kenneally. They get great support from Darby O'Gills (Blackpool), McDonalds (Blackpool) and Munster Joinery.
While the committee are delighted with the progress to date this season, they want to move on up, back to Premier A for a start. The rapid drop from Premier has been a big disappointment but the corner has been turned this season.
Glenvale Facts and Figures
Leading Goal Scorer: Eighteen year old Steven Goulding is ahead with 11 goals. Steven is the youngest player in the squad and possesses great talent and ability.
Club Captain: Club captain for the current season is Alan (Bob) O'Driscoll who plays in the centre of defence.
Honours: Having lifted both Division 1A League and Premier A trophies in the last five years, Glenvale is presently undergoing a team building program and but expects to be in contention for trophies in the very near future.
Ground Situation: Glenvale are currently based at the Regional Park (Ballincollig) and training facilities are at the Glen Resource Centre.
Aims for the Season: As always, the aim is to finish as high up as possible in the league. But to lift the AOH Cup would be a dream come true for past and present members of the club. Atkins says next weekend's game is huge for the club "as we host Hibernians in the last 16 of the AOH Cup. After a good win at Leeside last week, the club is hoping to keep the good run going and confidence is very high going into this game".
Current Panel of Players: Thomas Corcoran, Derek Barnes, Paul O'Keeffe, Joe O'Flynn, Darren O'Mahony, Alan O'Driscoll, Ken Cullinane, Ken Quinn, Colin O'Sullivan, Brian Bowen, Colin Quinn, Steven Goulding, Gary Sheehan, Graham Casey, Keith O'Mahony, Gavin Byrne, Maurice Kennelly, John O'Flynn, Adrian O'Driscoll, Colin Lee, Steven Hackett, David Goggin, John Goggin, Sean O'Keeffe, Gavin O'Sullivan, David Quinn, Michael Walsh.
There are five sets of brothers: Ken and Colin Quinn, John and Joe O'Flynn, Darren and Keith O'Mahony, Alan and Adrian O'Driscoll, David and John Goggin.
Glenvale's Michael Atkins says the team is now showing good form after a slow start to the season: " We introduced many new players to the squad but now the team has at last found its form at both league and cup levels. The recent back to back victories over Mallow Celtic in the AOH Cup and Leeside in the One B would rate as our best victories to-date. We have just entered the top half of the league and are still involved in both the AOH Cup and City Challenge Cups. We are very pleased with the progress."
After the problems of last season, Kenneth Quinn, formerly of St Mary's and Midleton AFC in the MSL, was appointed player manager for the current season. Ken's wealth of experience and knowledge of the game at senior and junior level enabled him to adapt quite quickly to the job on hand.
The new signings have mixed in well and progress to date has been steady. The job of player manager can be fairly demanding both on and off the pitch but Ken is ably assisted by two very experienced mentors who have served the club well over the years: Atkins and Derek Barnes, who between them have chalked up many years in junior football.
John Cullinane, with the club for over thirty years, is the current chairman and has just taken over as secretary. Barnes is treasurer and the other committee members are Shay Pidgeon, Mick Atkins, Joe Flynn, Michael Walsh and Maurice Kenneally. They get great support from Darby O'Gills (Blackpool), McDonalds (Blackpool) and Munster Joinery.
While the committee are delighted with the progress to date this season, they want to move on up, back to Premier A for a start. The rapid drop from Premier has been a big disappointment but the corner has been turned this season.
Glenvale Facts and Figures
Leading Goal Scorer: Eighteen year old Steven Goulding is ahead with 11 goals. Steven is the youngest player in the squad and possesses great talent and ability.
Club Captain: Club captain for the current season is Alan (Bob) O'Driscoll who plays in the centre of defence.
Honours: Having lifted both Division 1A League and Premier A trophies in the last five years, Glenvale is presently undergoing a team building program and but expects to be in contention for trophies in the very near future.
Ground Situation: Glenvale are currently based at the Regional Park (Ballincollig) and training facilities are at the Glen Resource Centre.
Aims for the Season: As always, the aim is to finish as high up as possible in the league. But to lift the AOH Cup would be a dream come true for past and present members of the club. Atkins says next weekend's game is huge for the club "as we host Hibernians in the last 16 of the AOH Cup. After a good win at Leeside last week, the club is hoping to keep the good run going and confidence is very high going into this game".
Current Panel of Players: Thomas Corcoran, Derek Barnes, Paul O'Keeffe, Joe O'Flynn, Darren O'Mahony, Alan O'Driscoll, Ken Cullinane, Ken Quinn, Colin O'Sullivan, Brian Bowen, Colin Quinn, Steven Goulding, Gary Sheehan, Graham Casey, Keith O'Mahony, Gavin Byrne, Maurice Kennelly, John O'Flynn, Adrian O'Driscoll, Colin Lee, Steven Hackett, David Goggin, John Goggin, Sean O'Keeffe, Gavin O'Sullivan, David Quinn, Michael Walsh.
There are five sets of brothers: Ken and Colin Quinn, John and Joe O'Flynn, Darren and Keith O'Mahony, Alan and Adrian O'Driscoll, David and John Goggin.
GLENVALE 1998
TEAM OF THE MONTH - GLENVALE:
Glenvale, the Murphy's Stout AUL Team of the Month for February, have had some loyal members over the years. Trophies have not been exactly easy to come by but the likes of current committee members Johnny Cullinane (Chairman) and David power have been with the Blackpool side since the beginning in 1969.
Founder member David was there and his father Martin (a FAI junior Cup winner with Rockville) was also involved at the time. The Power line continues with Dave's son Shane now a regular marksmen for Glenvale.
Current secretary is Shay Pigeon, treasurer is Liam Crowley, and the other committee members are Power, Gene O'Callaghan, Tony Donovan, Mick Atkins, Paul Lynch, managers Ger Rennie and Pat Kelleher, and team captain Mark Dineen.
Mark received the Team of the Month Award last week in Liam Daly's from Johnny Crowley of Murphy's Stout who congratulated Glenvale on their one hundred percent record for February and wished them all the best in their hunt for league honours in 1A.
While most in football know that Glenvale are a northside outfit, the club itself is very proud of its strong roots in the Blackpool area. They are delighted with their recently commissioned club crest in which the main feature is Blackpool Church, along with the nearby bridge and stream, and very well it looks too on their new gear.
It is some twenty years since they won an AUL trophy, successful in the League 2 championship in 1978. Previously, they won the junior league in 1972 and the Saxone Cup (when it was open to all junior teams) in 1974. They are well in the frame in 1A this season and are hoping it will be their year.
Managers Rennie and Kelleher pick from: R. Bourke, M. Walsh, T. Coughlan, M. Dineen, L. Horgan, J. Flynn, R. Howard, D. Kennefick, K. Donovan, L. Mannix, F. Forde, J. Buckley, P. O'Keeffe, M. Donovan, K. Goulding, N. Coughlan, D. Moon, S. Power, D. O'Sullivan, C. Lee, G. Shortt, H. Cashman and M. Donovan.
Glenvale, the Murphy's Stout AUL Team of the Month for February, have had some loyal members over the years. Trophies have not been exactly easy to come by but the likes of current committee members Johnny Cullinane (Chairman) and David power have been with the Blackpool side since the beginning in 1969.
Founder member David was there and his father Martin (a FAI junior Cup winner with Rockville) was also involved at the time. The Power line continues with Dave's son Shane now a regular marksmen for Glenvale.
Current secretary is Shay Pigeon, treasurer is Liam Crowley, and the other committee members are Power, Gene O'Callaghan, Tony Donovan, Mick Atkins, Paul Lynch, managers Ger Rennie and Pat Kelleher, and team captain Mark Dineen.
Mark received the Team of the Month Award last week in Liam Daly's from Johnny Crowley of Murphy's Stout who congratulated Glenvale on their one hundred percent record for February and wished them all the best in their hunt for league honours in 1A.
While most in football know that Glenvale are a northside outfit, the club itself is very proud of its strong roots in the Blackpool area. They are delighted with their recently commissioned club crest in which the main feature is Blackpool Church, along with the nearby bridge and stream, and very well it looks too on their new gear.
It is some twenty years since they won an AUL trophy, successful in the League 2 championship in 1978. Previously, they won the junior league in 1972 and the Saxone Cup (when it was open to all junior teams) in 1974. They are well in the frame in 1A this season and are hoping it will be their year.
Managers Rennie and Kelleher pick from: R. Bourke, M. Walsh, T. Coughlan, M. Dineen, L. Horgan, J. Flynn, R. Howard, D. Kennefick, K. Donovan, L. Mannix, F. Forde, J. Buckley, P. O'Keeffe, M. Donovan, K. Goulding, N. Coughlan, D. Moon, S. Power, D. O'Sullivan, C. Lee, G. Shortt, H. Cashman and M. Donovan.
GLENTHORN CELTIC SEP 2002
GLENTHORN CELTIC
Glenthorn Celtic, founded in 1997, don't want to be one of the many short-lived clubs that has been seen over the years in Cork. The club, based on the area of the same name in Dublin Hill, have two teams in the AUL and, with an eye to the future, have just started an U14 team under the joint management of Jason Falvey and Anthony Kelleher, assisted by Graham O'Connor.
Troy Falvey is the manager of the A side that, after promotion last term, now play in AUL 1B. He has suffered a few start of season setbacks with the loss of leading striker Micky Forde (to Rockville), Eric Lynch (who has dropped down to a player-manager role with the B team) and Alan Falvey (who has returned to Rockmount seniors).
Besides, regular keeper Darren Walsh is out with damaged fingers. The good news comes in the shape of new signings such as midfielder Eric Dunlea (ex Everton and Mayfield), defender Mark O'Driscoll (ex Blackpool Celtic) and midfielder James Egan (up from the B side). In addition, Aidan O'Driscoll is proving an able deputy keeper.
Troy is in his fourth season as manager, having been "press-ganged" into the role towards the end of the 1999/2000 season. Glenthorn were then playing in 2A and living dangerously but Falvey made the best of his five weeks and they stayed up. The year after they finished third, behind Fairhill and Glanworth. Last season, they won promotion by finishing just two points behind league winners Castleview.
The panel: Darren Walsh, Paul Burke, Brian Carr, Mark O'Driscoll, Alan
Vaughan, Reggie O'Driscoll, Colin Dorney, Johnny McGrath, Mark O'Regan,
Darren Kennefick, Alan Kennefick, Eric Dunlea, James Egan, Graham
Kennefick, and Kenneth Hackett.
The aim for the season is simple enough: to win the division and go up to Premier. They also want a good run in cup football and would also like to make their mark in both the provincial and national competitions.
Glenthorn A have played in the semi-finals of the Saxone Cup in each of the last two seasons and got this season's St Michael's Cup campaign off to flier with their recent impressive 3-0 away win over Blarney Utd.
Current league form is not too bad either with early wins over St John Bosco's and Passage to their credit. The good run continued when two Darren Kennefick penalties earned them a 2-1 against Temple and they followed that up with an thrilling extra time Munster Junior Cup victory over league rivals Village Utd.
Last Sunday, it was back the league and a win/loss ....Glenvale.
Leading marksman Forde is enjoying pastures new and his role is now filled by Darren Kennefick. Mark O'Regan and last year's skipper Colin Dorney will also be expected to help out on the scoring front. The new team skipper is Brian Carr and he is showing great form.
The Glenthorn B side, who play in 3A, has joint managers in Donal O'Donovan and Eric Lynch (who also plays) and they look to last season's Golden Boot Colm Forde (5 goals from his first four games) to do the damage upfront.
The captain here is Colm Lane who spent the last three seasons with Temple Utd. He brings much needed experience to a relatively young side. The B squad are also on the promotion hunt but their President's Cup ambitions have had to be put on the back burner following their recent 3-2 first round loss to Killumney.
That early exit was something of a surprise as the B lads enjoyed a great AOH last term and indeed reached the last sixteen before losing a nine goal thriller to Fairhill who went on to contest the semi-finals. The highlight to date has, undoubtedly, been the thrilling league win in 3A over local rivals Ballyvolane. That ended 3-2 to Glenthorn.
The club, who train twice weekly at Churchfield Complex and the Glen Resource Centre, uses the pitch at St Aidan's community school. The playing area was fenced off by the school last year and that means less wear and tear and a better surface. Dressing rooms are also in the pipeline, help on this front coming from the local TDs and sports officers Larry O'Reilly and Stephen Scully. The helpful groundsman at St Aidan's are Christy, Eamonn and Donal and they are held in high regard by Glenthorn.
Glenthorn are very much a part of the local community and indeed get great support in the area particularly from Tony Garvin and the staff at The Groves, Alan Loftus in Dublin Hill, local scaffolding firm PC, Jameson's Bookmakers and long time backers the Blackpool Credit Union.
Current officers are Robbie Cronin (chairperson), Troy Falvey (vice-chairperson), Eric Lynch (secretary), Rory Owens (treasurer) and Mark Calnan (PRO). Cronin won the Clubman of the Year Award in the summer and others honoured included Colin Dorney (A team Player of the Year), Micky Forde (A team Golden Boot), Darren Kennefick (Goal of the Year), James Hickey (B team Player of the Year) Colm Forde (B team Golden Boot) and Timmy O'Regan (Supporter of the Year).
Next Sunday, last season's top scorer Micky Forde returns to St Aidan's in the colours of his new club when Rockville are the eagerly awaited visitors for an intriguing tie in the Statoil FAI Junior Cup. Premier hot shots Rockville would, no doubt, have preferred a home tie and will be up against it when they step out against Glenthorn (kick off 3.00).
Glenthorn B have an unfortunate clash of kick off times as they must travel to take on Maymount Celtic, one of the favourites to take the title in Murphy's Stout 3A. Glenthorn may not be going that well but are always ready to rise to the big occasion as they showed in that game against local rivals Ballyvolane.
Glenthorn Celtic, founded in 1997, don't want to be one of the many short-lived clubs that has been seen over the years in Cork. The club, based on the area of the same name in Dublin Hill, have two teams in the AUL and, with an eye to the future, have just started an U14 team under the joint management of Jason Falvey and Anthony Kelleher, assisted by Graham O'Connor.
Troy Falvey is the manager of the A side that, after promotion last term, now play in AUL 1B. He has suffered a few start of season setbacks with the loss of leading striker Micky Forde (to Rockville), Eric Lynch (who has dropped down to a player-manager role with the B team) and Alan Falvey (who has returned to Rockmount seniors).
Besides, regular keeper Darren Walsh is out with damaged fingers. The good news comes in the shape of new signings such as midfielder Eric Dunlea (ex Everton and Mayfield), defender Mark O'Driscoll (ex Blackpool Celtic) and midfielder James Egan (up from the B side). In addition, Aidan O'Driscoll is proving an able deputy keeper.
Troy is in his fourth season as manager, having been "press-ganged" into the role towards the end of the 1999/2000 season. Glenthorn were then playing in 2A and living dangerously but Falvey made the best of his five weeks and they stayed up. The year after they finished third, behind Fairhill and Glanworth. Last season, they won promotion by finishing just two points behind league winners Castleview.
The panel: Darren Walsh, Paul Burke, Brian Carr, Mark O'Driscoll, Alan
Vaughan, Reggie O'Driscoll, Colin Dorney, Johnny McGrath, Mark O'Regan,
Darren Kennefick, Alan Kennefick, Eric Dunlea, James Egan, Graham
Kennefick, and Kenneth Hackett.
The aim for the season is simple enough: to win the division and go up to Premier. They also want a good run in cup football and would also like to make their mark in both the provincial and national competitions.
Glenthorn A have played in the semi-finals of the Saxone Cup in each of the last two seasons and got this season's St Michael's Cup campaign off to flier with their recent impressive 3-0 away win over Blarney Utd.
Current league form is not too bad either with early wins over St John Bosco's and Passage to their credit. The good run continued when two Darren Kennefick penalties earned them a 2-1 against Temple and they followed that up with an thrilling extra time Munster Junior Cup victory over league rivals Village Utd.
Last Sunday, it was back the league and a win/loss ....Glenvale.
Leading marksman Forde is enjoying pastures new and his role is now filled by Darren Kennefick. Mark O'Regan and last year's skipper Colin Dorney will also be expected to help out on the scoring front. The new team skipper is Brian Carr and he is showing great form.
The Glenthorn B side, who play in 3A, has joint managers in Donal O'Donovan and Eric Lynch (who also plays) and they look to last season's Golden Boot Colm Forde (5 goals from his first four games) to do the damage upfront.
The captain here is Colm Lane who spent the last three seasons with Temple Utd. He brings much needed experience to a relatively young side. The B squad are also on the promotion hunt but their President's Cup ambitions have had to be put on the back burner following their recent 3-2 first round loss to Killumney.
That early exit was something of a surprise as the B lads enjoyed a great AOH last term and indeed reached the last sixteen before losing a nine goal thriller to Fairhill who went on to contest the semi-finals. The highlight to date has, undoubtedly, been the thrilling league win in 3A over local rivals Ballyvolane. That ended 3-2 to Glenthorn.
The club, who train twice weekly at Churchfield Complex and the Glen Resource Centre, uses the pitch at St Aidan's community school. The playing area was fenced off by the school last year and that means less wear and tear and a better surface. Dressing rooms are also in the pipeline, help on this front coming from the local TDs and sports officers Larry O'Reilly and Stephen Scully. The helpful groundsman at St Aidan's are Christy, Eamonn and Donal and they are held in high regard by Glenthorn.
Glenthorn are very much a part of the local community and indeed get great support in the area particularly from Tony Garvin and the staff at The Groves, Alan Loftus in Dublin Hill, local scaffolding firm PC, Jameson's Bookmakers and long time backers the Blackpool Credit Union.
Current officers are Robbie Cronin (chairperson), Troy Falvey (vice-chairperson), Eric Lynch (secretary), Rory Owens (treasurer) and Mark Calnan (PRO). Cronin won the Clubman of the Year Award in the summer and others honoured included Colin Dorney (A team Player of the Year), Micky Forde (A team Golden Boot), Darren Kennefick (Goal of the Year), James Hickey (B team Player of the Year) Colm Forde (B team Golden Boot) and Timmy O'Regan (Supporter of the Year).
Next Sunday, last season's top scorer Micky Forde returns to St Aidan's in the colours of his new club when Rockville are the eagerly awaited visitors for an intriguing tie in the Statoil FAI Junior Cup. Premier hot shots Rockville would, no doubt, have preferred a home tie and will be up against it when they step out against Glenthorn (kick off 3.00).
Glenthorn B have an unfortunate clash of kick off times as they must travel to take on Maymount Celtic, one of the favourites to take the title in Murphy's Stout 3A. Glenthorn may not be going that well but are always ready to rise to the big occasion as they showed in that game against local rivals Ballyvolane.
GLENTHORN CELTIC FEB 2002
GLENTHORN Celtic
Glenthorn Celtic's hopes of promotion from AUL 2A received a boost with the recent signing of Alan Falvey, the ex Rockmount captain and winner of an intermediate cup medal. Twenty seven year old Falvey, just back from a sojourn in Australia, was signed up by his older brother Troy, the Glenthorn manager. Troy is delighted the brother has signed for the season: "Hopefully Alan and club captain Colin Dorney and another few will do the business for us this year."
One guy already doing the business for Celtic is striker Micky Forde. Micky was top scorer last season with 26 and so far this season he has bagged an impressive 18. Darren Kennefick has assisted in quite a few of Forde's goals and has helped himself to eight. Secretary Eric Lynch is hoping that the strikers keep it up and that Glenthorn will be promoted at the end of the season having just missed out last term when they lost a play-off with Glanworth Utd.
Lynch says the priority this year is promotion to 1st division football: "The lead in 2A has changed hands four times so each of the leading sides has had a taste of what it is like. There are only a couple of points between first and fourth. The tussle between ourselves, Churchview, Castleview and Celtic United, from here to the end of the season should be very interesting."
Lynch is a key back with the side and was delighted to see fellow defenders Brian Carr and Kieran Evans back from injury. Recent signing Alan Vaughan is also doing his bit at the back.
The A team is picked from: Darren Walsh, Eric Lynch, Alan Vaughan, Adrian O'Driscoll, Paul Burke, Brian Carr, Kieran Evans, Alan Kennefick, Graham Kennefick, Johnny McGrath, Alan Falvey, Colin Dorney(captain),Kenneth Hackett, Dave Barrett, Mark O'Regan, Mickey Forde, Darren Kennefick.
Scoring seems to run in Forde family for Colm Forde, younger brother of Micky, is the top scorer with third division Glenthorn Celtic B; Coachford hot shot Fintan is another brother. Colm has netted 16 for Celtic this season. The B team, who are enjoying quite a run in the AOH, are managed by Gavin Mulcahy and trained by Donal O'Donovan (who also runs an underage hurling team for Glen Rovers).
Glenthorn, one of many clubs who gave the thumbs down to summer football in the recent AUL internet poll, are run by Mark Kanlin (chairman), Eric Lynch (secretary), Rory Owens (treasurer), Troy Falvey (vice-chairman), Robert Cronin (PRO).
Glenthorn Celtic's hopes of promotion from AUL 2A received a boost with the recent signing of Alan Falvey, the ex Rockmount captain and winner of an intermediate cup medal. Twenty seven year old Falvey, just back from a sojourn in Australia, was signed up by his older brother Troy, the Glenthorn manager. Troy is delighted the brother has signed for the season: "Hopefully Alan and club captain Colin Dorney and another few will do the business for us this year."
One guy already doing the business for Celtic is striker Micky Forde. Micky was top scorer last season with 26 and so far this season he has bagged an impressive 18. Darren Kennefick has assisted in quite a few of Forde's goals and has helped himself to eight. Secretary Eric Lynch is hoping that the strikers keep it up and that Glenthorn will be promoted at the end of the season having just missed out last term when they lost a play-off with Glanworth Utd.
Lynch says the priority this year is promotion to 1st division football: "The lead in 2A has changed hands four times so each of the leading sides has had a taste of what it is like. There are only a couple of points between first and fourth. The tussle between ourselves, Churchview, Castleview and Celtic United, from here to the end of the season should be very interesting."
Lynch is a key back with the side and was delighted to see fellow defenders Brian Carr and Kieran Evans back from injury. Recent signing Alan Vaughan is also doing his bit at the back.
The A team is picked from: Darren Walsh, Eric Lynch, Alan Vaughan, Adrian O'Driscoll, Paul Burke, Brian Carr, Kieran Evans, Alan Kennefick, Graham Kennefick, Johnny McGrath, Alan Falvey, Colin Dorney(captain),Kenneth Hackett, Dave Barrett, Mark O'Regan, Mickey Forde, Darren Kennefick.
Scoring seems to run in Forde family for Colm Forde, younger brother of Micky, is the top scorer with third division Glenthorn Celtic B; Coachford hot shot Fintan is another brother. Colm has netted 16 for Celtic this season. The B team, who are enjoying quite a run in the AOH, are managed by Gavin Mulcahy and trained by Donal O'Donovan (who also runs an underage hurling team for Glen Rovers).
Glenthorn, one of many clubs who gave the thumbs down to summer football in the recent AUL internet poll, are run by Mark Kanlin (chairman), Eric Lynch (secretary), Rory Owens (treasurer), Troy Falvey (vice-chairman), Robert Cronin (PRO).
GLENCAIRN CELTIC APRIL 04
GLENCAIRN CROWNED
Glencairn Celtic have been at the top of Murphy's Stout Premier A for so long, one could easily be forgiven for thinking that it was an easy championship for them. Nothing could be further from the truth. The very fact that they still needed a point from their final game of the 18 underlines that it was a close run thing.
And Glencairn showed true grit in quite a few of the contests and in three games at least Celtic scored vital goals in the dying minutes. Treasurer Seamus O'Leary recalls the exciting moments; “The important games this season included the two victories against Village 1-0 at home and 2-1 away and the home game against Springfield where three times Springfield drew level before we scored a late winner to win 4-3, also the away game against Park where we went 1-0 down with 5 minutes to go before forcing 3 corners in a row to equalize in the final minute to salvage a point.”
O’Leary sas full of praise for manager Pat Downey: “On behalf of the committee of Glencairn Celtic F.C. I want to pay tribute to Pat for his work this season in helping the club win the Premier A League. His reading of the game is superb and it is not unknown for him to spring from the bench when needed. He was ably assisted by Assistant Manager Fergal Giltinan and Fitness Coach Alex Gorobets.”
The squad consisted of goalkeepers Mark Smith and Michael Galvin, defenders Darragh Nolan, Fergal Giltinan, Alan McCarthy, Alex Gorobets, Ken Kelleher, Kieran Long and Paul Buckley, midfielders Kirill Burkhan, Kieran Duggan, Neil Duggan, Paul Keenan, Vadim Gorobets (Alex's son) and Trevor Ward and forwards Ian Harrington, Damien O'Leary and Robert Downing. Interestingly, tellingly, the three strikers all made the top five in the Murphy’s Stout Golden Boot and Downing holds the top spot and may not be overtaken.
All good treasurers and O'Leary is one knows that money makes the team go on: “Thanks to our main sponsor Charlie Dennehy of Dennehy's Bar, and to all the businesses who supported our race night in November and our current fundraising to contribute towards the building of dressing rooms in Murphy's Farm. “
Glencairn Celtic have been at the top of Murphy's Stout Premier A for so long, one could easily be forgiven for thinking that it was an easy championship for them. Nothing could be further from the truth. The very fact that they still needed a point from their final game of the 18 underlines that it was a close run thing.
And Glencairn showed true grit in quite a few of the contests and in three games at least Celtic scored vital goals in the dying minutes. Treasurer Seamus O'Leary recalls the exciting moments; “The important games this season included the two victories against Village 1-0 at home and 2-1 away and the home game against Springfield where three times Springfield drew level before we scored a late winner to win 4-3, also the away game against Park where we went 1-0 down with 5 minutes to go before forcing 3 corners in a row to equalize in the final minute to salvage a point.”
O’Leary sas full of praise for manager Pat Downey: “On behalf of the committee of Glencairn Celtic F.C. I want to pay tribute to Pat for his work this season in helping the club win the Premier A League. His reading of the game is superb and it is not unknown for him to spring from the bench when needed. He was ably assisted by Assistant Manager Fergal Giltinan and Fitness Coach Alex Gorobets.”
The squad consisted of goalkeepers Mark Smith and Michael Galvin, defenders Darragh Nolan, Fergal Giltinan, Alan McCarthy, Alex Gorobets, Ken Kelleher, Kieran Long and Paul Buckley, midfielders Kirill Burkhan, Kieran Duggan, Neil Duggan, Paul Keenan, Vadim Gorobets (Alex's son) and Trevor Ward and forwards Ian Harrington, Damien O'Leary and Robert Downing. Interestingly, tellingly, the three strikers all made the top five in the Murphy’s Stout Golden Boot and Downing holds the top spot and may not be overtaken.
All good treasurers and O'Leary is one knows that money makes the team go on: “Thanks to our main sponsor Charlie Dennehy of Dennehy's Bar, and to all the businesses who supported our race night in November and our current fundraising to contribute towards the building of dressing rooms in Murphy's Farm. “
GLENCAIRN CELTIC DEC 2000
GLENCAIRN CELTIC:
Glencairn Celtic are going for three promotions in a row. Secretary Liam O'Flynn knows there's a tough road ahead for the current AUL 1 leaders if they are to reach Premier A by the end of the season: "The division is wide open and keenly contested. I see Ballinhassig, Everton, Pearse Celtic, and Villa Utd, as the main dangers and they are all breathing down our necks".
Glencairn, founded by O'Flynn some five years ago, have grown from strength to strength since then, both on and off the pitch, and have made quite a name for themselves in the AOH Cup where they have reached the last eight in each of the previous two seasons.
But O'Flynn maintains the league is the number one target: "Cup runs are welcome but we hope to move up three divisions in three years. With great committee men such as Michael O'Driscoll, chairman John Marsh, and treasurer Seamus O'Leary, d steering Glencairn in the right direction, who would bet against us?"
Glencairn win the third division two years ago. They drew their first game at home to Bellmount and then, under the captaincy of Mark O'Mahony, went on to win the next twenty one. Stalwarts in that run included Greg Dermody, Darragh Nolan, and Tony Scott, all still with the team. Their great AOH run ended with a 2 - 1 quarter-final loss to eventual winners Greenmount Rangers.
It was tougher last season in AUL 2. Glencairn were neck and neck all the way with Ard-na-Laoi and lost the play-off in the Cross to the Leemount side. Leading performers that season were Paul Buckley, Eoin Griffin, and Alan McCarthy (this season's captain). In the AOH quarter-final they were up against Blarney Utd. They put up a great display before going down to the Blarney men who went on to win the cup.
Four wins and a draw, 27 goals for and just 7 against, have Glencairn sitting pretty at the top of AUL 1. The return of goal ace Ian Harrington from Greenmount Rangers has been a big help, not just in the league, but also on the run to the semi-final of the St Michael's Cup where they await the resolution of the Bandon, Grattan, and Villa triangle.
Again, thanks to impressive contributions from Fergal Giltinan (ex Cork City), and new signings Alex Gorobets and Igor Kashnir (both Ukrainians) and Robert Kelly, they rre going well in the AOH and have qualified for the fourth round where they'll be up against either Leeside (last season beaten finalists) or Rathcoole Rovers.
The team manager is Pat Downey and he has already guided them to the Murphy's Team of the Month Award for September. Pat was also in charge last term and this season his hand has been furthered strengthened by the signings of Alan Forde (ex UCC) and Stephen Casey. Club stalwarts such as the O'Regan brothers (David and Denis) ensure that competition for places is white hot as new left full Ian Gleeson will testify.
Downing, who is assisted by O'Flynn, has the side fit and focussed and the twice weekly training sessions are very enjoyable. O'Flynn says that the club has a sound financial base with the major support coming from Dennehy's Bar (thanks Charlie!) and the Bishopstown Credit Union.
Everything is looking rosy for the Glencairn men who play at the Bishopstown Community School and you can be sure that Downey will have them geared up to go all the way this time. He'll want his charges to prove that they men for all season, not just September soldiers.
Glencairn Celtic are going for three promotions in a row. Secretary Liam O'Flynn knows there's a tough road ahead for the current AUL 1 leaders if they are to reach Premier A by the end of the season: "The division is wide open and keenly contested. I see Ballinhassig, Everton, Pearse Celtic, and Villa Utd, as the main dangers and they are all breathing down our necks".
Glencairn, founded by O'Flynn some five years ago, have grown from strength to strength since then, both on and off the pitch, and have made quite a name for themselves in the AOH Cup where they have reached the last eight in each of the previous two seasons.
But O'Flynn maintains the league is the number one target: "Cup runs are welcome but we hope to move up three divisions in three years. With great committee men such as Michael O'Driscoll, chairman John Marsh, and treasurer Seamus O'Leary, d steering Glencairn in the right direction, who would bet against us?"
Glencairn win the third division two years ago. They drew their first game at home to Bellmount and then, under the captaincy of Mark O'Mahony, went on to win the next twenty one. Stalwarts in that run included Greg Dermody, Darragh Nolan, and Tony Scott, all still with the team. Their great AOH run ended with a 2 - 1 quarter-final loss to eventual winners Greenmount Rangers.
It was tougher last season in AUL 2. Glencairn were neck and neck all the way with Ard-na-Laoi and lost the play-off in the Cross to the Leemount side. Leading performers that season were Paul Buckley, Eoin Griffin, and Alan McCarthy (this season's captain). In the AOH quarter-final they were up against Blarney Utd. They put up a great display before going down to the Blarney men who went on to win the cup.
Four wins and a draw, 27 goals for and just 7 against, have Glencairn sitting pretty at the top of AUL 1. The return of goal ace Ian Harrington from Greenmount Rangers has been a big help, not just in the league, but also on the run to the semi-final of the St Michael's Cup where they await the resolution of the Bandon, Grattan, and Villa triangle.
Again, thanks to impressive contributions from Fergal Giltinan (ex Cork City), and new signings Alex Gorobets and Igor Kashnir (both Ukrainians) and Robert Kelly, they rre going well in the AOH and have qualified for the fourth round where they'll be up against either Leeside (last season beaten finalists) or Rathcoole Rovers.
The team manager is Pat Downey and he has already guided them to the Murphy's Team of the Month Award for September. Pat was also in charge last term and this season his hand has been furthered strengthened by the signings of Alan Forde (ex UCC) and Stephen Casey. Club stalwarts such as the O'Regan brothers (David and Denis) ensure that competition for places is white hot as new left full Ian Gleeson will testify.
Downing, who is assisted by O'Flynn, has the side fit and focussed and the twice weekly training sessions are very enjoyable. O'Flynn says that the club has a sound financial base with the major support coming from Dennehy's Bar (thanks Charlie!) and the Bishopstown Credit Union.
Everything is looking rosy for the Glencairn men who play at the Bishopstown Community School and you can be sure that Downey will have them geared up to go all the way this time. He'll want his charges to prove that they men for all season, not just September soldiers.
GLENCAIRN CELTIC APRIL 2000
GLENCAIRN CELTIC
Glencairn Celtic are top of Murphy's Stout AUL 2 and are sitting on a knife edge and an extra blade could well be added any day now: Celtic are tied with Ard-na-Laoi while Strand Utd, if they win their remaining three games, will join the pair in a three way round robin play-off.
Liam O'Flynn, a teacher from St Aidan's in Ballyvolane and well known for his involvement in schools soccer, founded Glencairn in 1997 and recalls: "Our first year was uneventful with a few short cup runs. We eventually ended up in mid-table in AUL3."
That all changed in the following season. Bolstered by the signing of Fergal Giltinan (ex Cork City) and the O'Mahony brothers (Alan and Mark), Glencairn opened with a draw but then went on to win 21 games in a row to wrap the title up early.
They also began to make a name for themselves outside of the third division by reaching the last eight of the AOH where they gave eventual champions Greenmount Rangers a great game before going down 2 - 1 in front of a large crowd.
Pat Downey manages this season's side and they had two notable cup runs. Again they got to the quarter-finals of the AOH but were pipped 2 - 1 by Blarney. Defeat was also their lot in the Corinthians semi-final where they lost to eventual champions Bandon.
The league was and remains the main target and they are at least guaranteed a once off play-off with Ard-na-Laoi, both having finished on 50 points. With players such as Eoin Griffin, hot shot Damien O'Leary, Alan McCarthy, Tony Scott, and Diarmuid O'Herlihy, in their ranks, they will have a decent chance. Colm O'Farrell, Alan McCarthy, and Darragh Nolan, have all been in good form lately.
Top scorers O'Leary and O'Farrell regularly take the spotlight but Celtic boast of a mean defence and have conceded fewer goals than any of their rivals and one of the major reasons for their record is the form of keeper Kevin McTieran, "our best signing ever" according to O'Flynn.
Liam is the club's secretary while John Marsh (chairman) and Paul Buckley (treasurer) are the other officers. Based in Bishopstown they get a lot of help and support locally and are delighted to be based at the Bishopstown Community School and send out a big thank you to Pat McDonnell, the principal. Glencairn also appreciate the support from Dennehy's Bar, Bishopstown Credit Union, and Brian Birmingham.
Glencairn Celtic are top of Murphy's Stout AUL 2 and are sitting on a knife edge and an extra blade could well be added any day now: Celtic are tied with Ard-na-Laoi while Strand Utd, if they win their remaining three games, will join the pair in a three way round robin play-off.
Liam O'Flynn, a teacher from St Aidan's in Ballyvolane and well known for his involvement in schools soccer, founded Glencairn in 1997 and recalls: "Our first year was uneventful with a few short cup runs. We eventually ended up in mid-table in AUL3."
That all changed in the following season. Bolstered by the signing of Fergal Giltinan (ex Cork City) and the O'Mahony brothers (Alan and Mark), Glencairn opened with a draw but then went on to win 21 games in a row to wrap the title up early.
They also began to make a name for themselves outside of the third division by reaching the last eight of the AOH where they gave eventual champions Greenmount Rangers a great game before going down 2 - 1 in front of a large crowd.
Pat Downey manages this season's side and they had two notable cup runs. Again they got to the quarter-finals of the AOH but were pipped 2 - 1 by Blarney. Defeat was also their lot in the Corinthians semi-final where they lost to eventual champions Bandon.
The league was and remains the main target and they are at least guaranteed a once off play-off with Ard-na-Laoi, both having finished on 50 points. With players such as Eoin Griffin, hot shot Damien O'Leary, Alan McCarthy, Tony Scott, and Diarmuid O'Herlihy, in their ranks, they will have a decent chance. Colm O'Farrell, Alan McCarthy, and Darragh Nolan, have all been in good form lately.
Top scorers O'Leary and O'Farrell regularly take the spotlight but Celtic boast of a mean defence and have conceded fewer goals than any of their rivals and one of the major reasons for their record is the form of keeper Kevin McTieran, "our best signing ever" according to O'Flynn.
Liam is the club's secretary while John Marsh (chairman) and Paul Buckley (treasurer) are the other officers. Based in Bishopstown they get a lot of help and support locally and are delighted to be based at the Bishopstown Community School and send out a big thank you to Pat McDonnell, the principal. Glencairn also appreciate the support from Dennehy's Bar, Bishopstown Credit Union, and Brian Birmingham.
GLEN CELTIC MAY 2005
GLEN CELTIC, CHAMPIONS IN AUL 2B
Bands of Brothers
Glen Celtic, recently crowned champions of Murphy’s Stout AUL 2B, are just packed with brothers, no less then four sets on the team that won the club it’s second league title since its formation ten years ago.
The families that play together are the Longs, Billy (player-manager) and John (ex Rockville, who joined during the season. And then there are their nephews, the bothers Brendan and Patrick Long, the O’Sheas (Jimmy and Garry) and the O’Donoghues (Stephen and David).
Chairperson Ann Long says it is a young team, the majority of players being under 25. “The team now has experience and youth within its ranks as the youngest player is 17 with the oldest player at 40. This has contributed greatly to the achievements of the team this year.”
Long is full of praise for the management team which consists of Billy Long and his assistant Timmy Kelleher, also a player: “This has worked well for the club as both individuals have provided the team with stability with regard to both training session and match day preparation and their commitment and dedication has led directly to the good results.”
Captain Brendan Long led by example and has played in a number of positions this year, including having to play in goal on a number of occasions due to injuries to both goalkeepers. His ability to score from both corner kicks and free kicks was crucial during the campaign. Vice–captain Jimmy O’Shea has also inspired the team this year; Jimmy was the Player Manager when the team last won the league.
Ann Long points to the first game of the season as producing their best victory this season: “The game was a local derby between Ballyvolane, who turned out to be our main rivals, and ourselves. It was an away game and we won 1-0, giving us a very good start to the season.”
Glen kept adding up the points but didn't really believe they were on course for the championship until early in January when they travelled to face an in-form Knockraha outfit. Chairperson Long again: “We won that one 3-0 and that set the team up to dedicate themselves to winning the league this season.”
On long term ambition, Ann Long says that they want to make it to the Premier division of the League. “We would also like to have a youth team playing again in the future as a number of young players on the present team came through to the junior team from previous youth and schoolboys team within the club. We hope to reactivate these teams, but this will only be possible with commitment from volunteers fro the area becoming more involved.”
Ann, who attends every game, has been chairperson for the past six years. Her fellow officers are Secretary Brendan Long, Treasurers Ross Harris and Daniel Kiely, PRO Timmy Kelleher, fund raising Billy Long and Jimmy O’Shea.
Ossie’s Bar is the main sponsor of Glen Celtic. Ossie’s is situated in Dillon’s Cross, only a goal kick away from the Glen Park. Regina and Adrian (Ossie) and their staff have been very good to Glen Celtic, very supportive in everything from fund-raising events to post match sandwiches.
Glen People, Facts And Figures
Evelyn Long is Glen Celtic's senior supporter. Mother of Billy and John and grandmother of Brendan and Patrick. At 72, she is the club’s oldest supporter and has attended every game this year, no matter what the weather was doing.
Thomas Kelleher, with twenty, is the leading scorer for the club this season. Michael Shaw has also played consistently and got 19. Following hard on their heels are regular marksmen Daniel Kiely and the brothers Brendan and Patrick Long.
The Player of the Year Awards will take place in June with a celebration night from sponsor Ossie’s Bar in Dillon’s Cross.
The Panel: Billy Long (Player Manager) Timmy Kelleher (Assistant Player Manager), Brendan Long (Captain), Jimmy O’Shea (Vice-Captain), Kenneth Kiely, Stephen O’Donoghue, Daniel Joyce, David O’Donoghue, Ross Harris, Patrick O’Leary, Daniel Kiely, John Long, Patrick Long, Thomas Kelleher, Michael Shaw, Martin Higgins, Garry O’Shea, Larry Mulcahy, Paul Monahan and Tony Daly.
Glen Celtic’s home pitch is in the Glen Park and they train two nights a week in the adjoining Glen Resource & Sports Centre which has magnificent facilities, including Astroturf pitches for outdoor work and also the use of indoors training facilities in a multi-purpose sports hall and is developing all the time.
Manager Roy Watson and his colleagues have give Glen Celtic great support and encouragement during the season. Ann Long has a big word of thanks for them and says that without the use of this local facility the club would not be in a position to have changing facilities for match day or training sessions.
end of story
Bands of Brothers
Glen Celtic, recently crowned champions of Murphy’s Stout AUL 2B, are just packed with brothers, no less then four sets on the team that won the club it’s second league title since its formation ten years ago.
The families that play together are the Longs, Billy (player-manager) and John (ex Rockville, who joined during the season. And then there are their nephews, the bothers Brendan and Patrick Long, the O’Sheas (Jimmy and Garry) and the O’Donoghues (Stephen and David).
Chairperson Ann Long says it is a young team, the majority of players being under 25. “The team now has experience and youth within its ranks as the youngest player is 17 with the oldest player at 40. This has contributed greatly to the achievements of the team this year.”
Long is full of praise for the management team which consists of Billy Long and his assistant Timmy Kelleher, also a player: “This has worked well for the club as both individuals have provided the team with stability with regard to both training session and match day preparation and their commitment and dedication has led directly to the good results.”
Captain Brendan Long led by example and has played in a number of positions this year, including having to play in goal on a number of occasions due to injuries to both goalkeepers. His ability to score from both corner kicks and free kicks was crucial during the campaign. Vice–captain Jimmy O’Shea has also inspired the team this year; Jimmy was the Player Manager when the team last won the league.
Ann Long points to the first game of the season as producing their best victory this season: “The game was a local derby between Ballyvolane, who turned out to be our main rivals, and ourselves. It was an away game and we won 1-0, giving us a very good start to the season.”
Glen kept adding up the points but didn't really believe they were on course for the championship until early in January when they travelled to face an in-form Knockraha outfit. Chairperson Long again: “We won that one 3-0 and that set the team up to dedicate themselves to winning the league this season.”
On long term ambition, Ann Long says that they want to make it to the Premier division of the League. “We would also like to have a youth team playing again in the future as a number of young players on the present team came through to the junior team from previous youth and schoolboys team within the club. We hope to reactivate these teams, but this will only be possible with commitment from volunteers fro the area becoming more involved.”
Ann, who attends every game, has been chairperson for the past six years. Her fellow officers are Secretary Brendan Long, Treasurers Ross Harris and Daniel Kiely, PRO Timmy Kelleher, fund raising Billy Long and Jimmy O’Shea.
Ossie’s Bar is the main sponsor of Glen Celtic. Ossie’s is situated in Dillon’s Cross, only a goal kick away from the Glen Park. Regina and Adrian (Ossie) and their staff have been very good to Glen Celtic, very supportive in everything from fund-raising events to post match sandwiches.
Glen People, Facts And Figures
Evelyn Long is Glen Celtic's senior supporter. Mother of Billy and John and grandmother of Brendan and Patrick. At 72, she is the club’s oldest supporter and has attended every game this year, no matter what the weather was doing.
Thomas Kelleher, with twenty, is the leading scorer for the club this season. Michael Shaw has also played consistently and got 19. Following hard on their heels are regular marksmen Daniel Kiely and the brothers Brendan and Patrick Long.
The Player of the Year Awards will take place in June with a celebration night from sponsor Ossie’s Bar in Dillon’s Cross.
The Panel: Billy Long (Player Manager) Timmy Kelleher (Assistant Player Manager), Brendan Long (Captain), Jimmy O’Shea (Vice-Captain), Kenneth Kiely, Stephen O’Donoghue, Daniel Joyce, David O’Donoghue, Ross Harris, Patrick O’Leary, Daniel Kiely, John Long, Patrick Long, Thomas Kelleher, Michael Shaw, Martin Higgins, Garry O’Shea, Larry Mulcahy, Paul Monahan and Tony Daly.
Glen Celtic’s home pitch is in the Glen Park and they train two nights a week in the adjoining Glen Resource & Sports Centre which has magnificent facilities, including Astroturf pitches for outdoor work and also the use of indoors training facilities in a multi-purpose sports hall and is developing all the time.
Manager Roy Watson and his colleagues have give Glen Celtic great support and encouragement during the season. Ann Long has a big word of thanks for them and says that without the use of this local facility the club would not be in a position to have changing facilities for match day or training sessions.
end of story
AUL DEC 2000
TONY FITZGERALD DEC 2000
Ballyphehane man Tony Fitzgerald is one of the busiest in football: he is chairman of the Cork AUL, chairman of the Munster Football Association, and also chairman of the FAI Youths Council. Though the FAI Youths Council was headed up by Munstermen in the past, Vince Cummins (Cork) and Maurice Cummins (Waterford) are two to have held the honour, Fitzgerald's hat trick of chairs is probably unique.
His FAI appointment, the most recent, came at the first meeting of the council in September but he had been a member of this body for much longer. The highlight in recent years was the EUFA Under 18 Finals triumph in 1998 and Tony was in Cyprus as the boys in green beat Germany in the decider.
Fitzgerald has a high regard for youth coach Brian Kerr: "He is an excellent coach. He is a great man to suss out the opposition and video studies of opposition games are one of his strengths. I have great time for him."
The setting up, over the past twelve months or so, of Regional Directors of Coaching is seen as a big step forward by Fitzgerald though he cautions that it will take some time to bear fruit. Fitzgerald is strongly of the opinion that all managers of underage teams should have coaching qualifications: "This is essential for the proper development of football."
Tony, who has already been in France, the Czech Republic, and Germany, with Kerr's youth teams, since his appointment, would dearly love to see the Irish again qualify for the EUFA finals, preferably before his two year term is up.
It was in Waterford last June that Tony began his two-year term as chairman of the MFA, following in the footsteps of other AUL members including John Barnes, Mossie Linnane, Vince Cummins, Paddy Barry, and John O'Sullivan.
Fitzgerald, not surprisingly, is delighted with the improvements in Turner's Cross over recent years under the aegis of the MFA: "It is a great boost. The development work is ongoing and progress to date has been very good. I look forward to seeing it completed".
Fitzgerald says that the Cross, once completed, will compare with anything in the country and he will be doing his bit to get competitive internationals, more likely at U18 or U21 level, at the venue and not just friendless.
His main ambition is to see facilities improve right across province, while acknowledging the improvements that have taken place over the last decade or so: "The clubs involved are to be congratulated, great credit is due to them," said the chairman as he went on to contrast the scene today with the lack of facilities when he started in the game.
He was elected to the AUL chair back in 1994 and his term here is open-ended. He is happy that teams from the league reached the closing stages of the FAI Youth and U17 Cups in recent seasons and the current inter-league youths side are still going strong in the championship.
Again he praised the clubs, from both city and county, who have developed grounds and facilities in the recent past. He would also like to see an AUL junior side go on and win that elusive FAI Junior Cup. "Even if they get to the semi-finals, they will qualify for the FAI Senior Cup and they should go for it. In recent seasons, junior sides, such as Fairview (Limerick) and St Michael's (Tipperary South) have done the junior ranks proud in open competitions."
No matter which hat he wears, Fitzy is a big supporter of Eircom Park: "Eircom Park is a must as far as I am concerned but I am disappointed by the short-sightedness of some legislators, particularly at National League level, who are looking at short term gain."
Chairman on the treble or not, Fitzgerald was quick to point out the valuable work of committees at all levels of football, men and women who do tremendous work, from schoolboys up, with very little by way of public acknowledgement though the AUL sponsored Cork Soccer Honours are now doing something to honour the voluntary work going on in football.
Tony first took to the football stage as a tiny tot mascot back in the late forties. That initiation came at Turner's Cross when Rock Rangers, of which his late father Thad was secretary, successfully contested the final of the Munster Junior Cup.
Tony went to Sullivan's Quay CBS where hurling and gaelic football were on the
menu. As soccer was more to his taste, he was frequently in trouble with the
Christians Brothers.
His first chance to play organised soccer came in the Ballyphehane Street
Leagues where he captained Upper Connolly Road and then went on to play in the
Schoolboys League with Ballyphehane City despite approaches from Tower Rovers
and Glasheen, the glamour underage teams of the period. As a schoolboy, he
played a few AUL games for the club's junior team.
Ballyphehane City went out of football and he joined a newly formed team
called Blues United. He played minor with them and, making his bow as an
administrator, was on the committee running the schoolboys section and was
Hon. Sec. of that section when one of their players, Timmy Murphy, was capped
at Under 15 level.
Out of football after his minor days, he was approached by Bridewell, then in
the second division of the Munster Junior League. He was delighted to sign
for them. He spent many happy years with Bridewell and was an automatic
choice with the Middle Parish team during the period when they won every
trophy in the Munster Junior League.
Then that Junior League went out of existence, the committee and players
decided to enter a team in the Munster Senior League. Success followed. They
won the Senior Shield, qualified for various cup finals, and qualified for the
1st round of the FAI Senior Cup in 1967.
At that time, just four intermediate teams could qualify for the senior
competition and Bridewell got through by virtue of a stirring win over a great
Cobh Ramblers team in the quarter-finals of the FAI Intermediate Cup.
Bridewell were drawn away to League of Ireland side Drogheda. Fitzy recalls:
"We were very apprehensive about the game. But on the day we excelled and
Drogheda were lucky to get away with a 1 - 1 draw. I remember Ronnie Whelan
(father of Ronnie of Liverpool and Ireland fame), scored the equaliser for
Drogheda".
Fitzy himself was up against the famous Jimmy Hasty, the one armed player well
known to Mardyke regulars. Hasty was a delightful player but Tony marked him so well that Hasty was dropped for the replay.
The replay went Drogheda's way and they advanced on a 3 - 0 scoreline. The game was played in Turner's Cross but so bad were the ground and weather conditions that many thought the game should not have gone ahead.
The Bridewell players had to pay three pounds for that away trip. And
Fitzgerald remembers: "The cost included the return coach journey, B. & B. in
a top class hotel in Lucan, Co. Dublin, and an evening meal on the Sunday
after the game."
Eventually Bridewell folded and he spent two seasons with Wembley in the AUL.
Then, in the late 60s and early 70s, he was secretary of the Ballyphehane
Street Leagues and then secretary of Casement Celtic Schoolboys Club. He was
instrumental in forming Casement juniors and played with them. He continued
as secretary of Casement youths and schoolboys and helped them to many a
success.
He first became involved with the AUL in the mid seventies when the late Christy
McGrath proposed him as a selector of the Oscar Traynor Cup team. Soon he was
co-opted onto the management committee and filled the role of fixtures
secretary for many years.
His administrative skills have long been noted outside the Cork area and in 1994, he played a leading role in helping the FAI stage the European Under 16
Tournament Finals. Tony was chairman of the Munster area organising
committee, a role he filled with distinction.
Ballyphehane man Tony Fitzgerald is one of the busiest in football: he is chairman of the Cork AUL, chairman of the Munster Football Association, and also chairman of the FAI Youths Council. Though the FAI Youths Council was headed up by Munstermen in the past, Vince Cummins (Cork) and Maurice Cummins (Waterford) are two to have held the honour, Fitzgerald's hat trick of chairs is probably unique.
His FAI appointment, the most recent, came at the first meeting of the council in September but he had been a member of this body for much longer. The highlight in recent years was the EUFA Under 18 Finals triumph in 1998 and Tony was in Cyprus as the boys in green beat Germany in the decider.
Fitzgerald has a high regard for youth coach Brian Kerr: "He is an excellent coach. He is a great man to suss out the opposition and video studies of opposition games are one of his strengths. I have great time for him."
The setting up, over the past twelve months or so, of Regional Directors of Coaching is seen as a big step forward by Fitzgerald though he cautions that it will take some time to bear fruit. Fitzgerald is strongly of the opinion that all managers of underage teams should have coaching qualifications: "This is essential for the proper development of football."
Tony, who has already been in France, the Czech Republic, and Germany, with Kerr's youth teams, since his appointment, would dearly love to see the Irish again qualify for the EUFA finals, preferably before his two year term is up.
It was in Waterford last June that Tony began his two-year term as chairman of the MFA, following in the footsteps of other AUL members including John Barnes, Mossie Linnane, Vince Cummins, Paddy Barry, and John O'Sullivan.
Fitzgerald, not surprisingly, is delighted with the improvements in Turner's Cross over recent years under the aegis of the MFA: "It is a great boost. The development work is ongoing and progress to date has been very good. I look forward to seeing it completed".
Fitzgerald says that the Cross, once completed, will compare with anything in the country and he will be doing his bit to get competitive internationals, more likely at U18 or U21 level, at the venue and not just friendless.
His main ambition is to see facilities improve right across province, while acknowledging the improvements that have taken place over the last decade or so: "The clubs involved are to be congratulated, great credit is due to them," said the chairman as he went on to contrast the scene today with the lack of facilities when he started in the game.
He was elected to the AUL chair back in 1994 and his term here is open-ended. He is happy that teams from the league reached the closing stages of the FAI Youth and U17 Cups in recent seasons and the current inter-league youths side are still going strong in the championship.
Again he praised the clubs, from both city and county, who have developed grounds and facilities in the recent past. He would also like to see an AUL junior side go on and win that elusive FAI Junior Cup. "Even if they get to the semi-finals, they will qualify for the FAI Senior Cup and they should go for it. In recent seasons, junior sides, such as Fairview (Limerick) and St Michael's (Tipperary South) have done the junior ranks proud in open competitions."
No matter which hat he wears, Fitzy is a big supporter of Eircom Park: "Eircom Park is a must as far as I am concerned but I am disappointed by the short-sightedness of some legislators, particularly at National League level, who are looking at short term gain."
Chairman on the treble or not, Fitzgerald was quick to point out the valuable work of committees at all levels of football, men and women who do tremendous work, from schoolboys up, with very little by way of public acknowledgement though the AUL sponsored Cork Soccer Honours are now doing something to honour the voluntary work going on in football.
Tony first took to the football stage as a tiny tot mascot back in the late forties. That initiation came at Turner's Cross when Rock Rangers, of which his late father Thad was secretary, successfully contested the final of the Munster Junior Cup.
Tony went to Sullivan's Quay CBS where hurling and gaelic football were on the
menu. As soccer was more to his taste, he was frequently in trouble with the
Christians Brothers.
His first chance to play organised soccer came in the Ballyphehane Street
Leagues where he captained Upper Connolly Road and then went on to play in the
Schoolboys League with Ballyphehane City despite approaches from Tower Rovers
and Glasheen, the glamour underage teams of the period. As a schoolboy, he
played a few AUL games for the club's junior team.
Ballyphehane City went out of football and he joined a newly formed team
called Blues United. He played minor with them and, making his bow as an
administrator, was on the committee running the schoolboys section and was
Hon. Sec. of that section when one of their players, Timmy Murphy, was capped
at Under 15 level.
Out of football after his minor days, he was approached by Bridewell, then in
the second division of the Munster Junior League. He was delighted to sign
for them. He spent many happy years with Bridewell and was an automatic
choice with the Middle Parish team during the period when they won every
trophy in the Munster Junior League.
Then that Junior League went out of existence, the committee and players
decided to enter a team in the Munster Senior League. Success followed. They
won the Senior Shield, qualified for various cup finals, and qualified for the
1st round of the FAI Senior Cup in 1967.
At that time, just four intermediate teams could qualify for the senior
competition and Bridewell got through by virtue of a stirring win over a great
Cobh Ramblers team in the quarter-finals of the FAI Intermediate Cup.
Bridewell were drawn away to League of Ireland side Drogheda. Fitzy recalls:
"We were very apprehensive about the game. But on the day we excelled and
Drogheda were lucky to get away with a 1 - 1 draw. I remember Ronnie Whelan
(father of Ronnie of Liverpool and Ireland fame), scored the equaliser for
Drogheda".
Fitzy himself was up against the famous Jimmy Hasty, the one armed player well
known to Mardyke regulars. Hasty was a delightful player but Tony marked him so well that Hasty was dropped for the replay.
The replay went Drogheda's way and they advanced on a 3 - 0 scoreline. The game was played in Turner's Cross but so bad were the ground and weather conditions that many thought the game should not have gone ahead.
The Bridewell players had to pay three pounds for that away trip. And
Fitzgerald remembers: "The cost included the return coach journey, B. & B. in
a top class hotel in Lucan, Co. Dublin, and an evening meal on the Sunday
after the game."
Eventually Bridewell folded and he spent two seasons with Wembley in the AUL.
Then, in the late 60s and early 70s, he was secretary of the Ballyphehane
Street Leagues and then secretary of Casement Celtic Schoolboys Club. He was
instrumental in forming Casement juniors and played with them. He continued
as secretary of Casement youths and schoolboys and helped them to many a
success.
He first became involved with the AUL in the mid seventies when the late Christy
McGrath proposed him as a selector of the Oscar Traynor Cup team. Soon he was
co-opted onto the management committee and filled the role of fixtures
secretary for many years.
His administrative skills have long been noted outside the Cork area and in 1994, he played a leading role in helping the FAI stage the European Under 16
Tournament Finals. Tony was chairman of the Munster area organising
committee, a role he filled with distinction.
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