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.