CORK YOUTHS TAKE ON KERRY
The Cork AUL youths take on the Kerry District League at Turner's Cross on Sunday afternoon (2.00pm) in the opening round of the Snickers FAI Youths Inter-League championship. This competition has produced some thrilling games between the leagues in recent seasons and Sunday's encounter is expected to be close.
Both have been training hard and indeed each side has recorded a friendly win. Kerry pipped the Desmond League in terrible conditions while, on the October Bank Holiday, Cork manager Liam McCarthy guided his charges to a satisfactory away victory over the Tipperary and Southern District League. The goals in the 5 - 4 win were netted by Lee (2), Rose, Fitzgerald, and Dekkers.
McCarthy, who has a training session arranged for the Mardyke tomorrow, has been busy since the start of the season and has seen many of the league's youth sides in action. Douglas Hall, impressing at U18 level this season, have four players selected. Manager Pat Buckley is doing well with Kilreen Celtic in U17 competitions and they also have four on the twenty one man panel.
McCarthy will select from: Kevin Im, Willie Lee, David Bennett, and Gerry Kerins (all Kilreen Celtic); Brian Wilkinson, James O'Leary, Derek Bowen, and Paul Rose (all Douglas Hall); Niall O'Regan, Mick Mehigan, and Danny Lynch (Bandon); Oliver Lynch and Trevor Fitzgerald (Midleton); Killian Lordan and Thomas Dekkers (Ballincollig); Keith Kelleher (Leeds); Darragh O'Neill (Richmond); Alan Whalley (Springfield); Michael McBride (Rockmount); and Derek Peyton (College Corinthians).
The winners of Sunday's tie will be at home to either the Clare or Desmond League in round two while the winners of next Tuesday's match between the MSL and Waterford will travel to take on the TSDL or Limerick.
One of the Cork v Kerry games took place back in 1989 at St Mary's Park where a certain Roy Keane came on as substitute in a 4 - 1 win for the home side. Roy didn't get on the scoresheet but a Rockmount colleague, Eric Hogan, registered a classy hat trick.
Monday, October 5, 2009
AUL JAN 2001
NEW TREASURER
Paddy Byrne, the recently appointed treasurer of the Murphy's Stout Cork AUL, began playing football with Richmond Boys where one of his opponents was Johnny Giles, then catching the eye with Stella Maris.
Dubliner Paddy went on to play senior league football with St Patrick's, Bluebell United, and Johnson Mooney and O'Brien. Indeed, he played centrehalf with the LSL representative side in a game versus the MSL.
Paddy, who moved to Cork in 1975, is married to Dymphna and they have four children. He has worked with BSS for the past 32 years and is a keen golfer, being a member at the Killarney and Lee Valley clubs. He also enjoys the odd swim.
He joined Ballincollig as soon as he moved to Cork, beginning 23 years as a member, and played a few years with them. He soon joined the committee as assistant treasurer before going on to become treasurer and eventually chairman (a position he held for 14 years, up to his joining the AUL last season). He is now a vice President at Ballincollig.
Paddy Byrne, the recently appointed treasurer of the Murphy's Stout Cork AUL, began playing football with Richmond Boys where one of his opponents was Johnny Giles, then catching the eye with Stella Maris.
Dubliner Paddy went on to play senior league football with St Patrick's, Bluebell United, and Johnson Mooney and O'Brien. Indeed, he played centrehalf with the LSL representative side in a game versus the MSL.
Paddy, who moved to Cork in 1975, is married to Dymphna and they have four children. He has worked with BSS for the past 32 years and is a keen golfer, being a member at the Killarney and Lee Valley clubs. He also enjoys the odd swim.
He joined Ballincollig as soon as he moved to Cork, beginning 23 years as a member, and played a few years with them. He soon joined the committee as assistant treasurer before going on to become treasurer and eventually chairman (a position he held for 14 years, up to his joining the AUL last season). He is now a vice President at Ballincollig.
AUL JAN 01
CORK YOUTHS TAKE ON CLARE:
The Cork AUL youths take on the Clare District League at Midleton on Sunday afternoon (2.00pm) in the second round of the Snickers FAI Youths Inter-League championship. This competition has produced some thrilling games between the leagues in recent seasons and Sunday's encounter should be no exception.
The match has been transferred from Turner's Cross and the switch, forced by a decision of the MFA Grounds Committee last Monday that gave the Cross to regular tenants Cork City even though the AUL had it booked well in advance, will cause a good deal of inconvenience and expense to the local league, itself a great supporter of the Curragh Road venue where most if not all its finals are played.
Cork have been training hard under manager Liam McCarthy but his plans have been somewhat disrupted by the weather. Cork's first outing was a friendly against the Tipperary and Southern District League where goals by Lee (2), Rose, Fitzgerald, and captain Dekkers, earned the Cork visitors a 5 - 4 win.
The opening round of the championship came in November and, at Turner's Cross, the AUL pipped the Kerry District League 3 - 2, the Cork goals by Paul Rose (2) and Fitzgerald (who'll feel quite at home next Sunday afternoon).
Clare progressed with a victory over the Desmond League and here there is a line of form as Kerry just pipped the Desmond in a friendly. It looks as if Clare will be very bit as good as Kerry, perhaps even better, and that means a close encounter at Midleton's magnificent grounds in Knockgriffin.
Manager McCarthy has made one or two alterations to his panel but will be probably field most of the players that did duty against Kerry. Tramore's Ben Spicer kept a good goal that day. Lee of Kilreen was prominent in midfield while Douglas Hall's Rose was the ace upfront.
McCarthy's panel is: Willie Lee, Kevin Im, David Bennett, and Gerry Kerins (all Kilreen Celtic), Paul Rose, Derek Bowen, James O'Leary, and Brian Wilkinson (Douglas Hall), Ben Spicer and Mark Murphy (Tramore Ath.), Thomas Dekkers and Killian Lordan (Ballincollig), Trevor Fitzgerald, Aidan O'Driscoll, and Oliver Lynch (Midleton), Niall O'Regan (Bandon), Thomas Gettings (Leeside), Michael McBride (Rockmount), Jamie Cotter (Crosshaven), and Keith Kelleher (Leeds). The team bus will depart from St Patrick's Church at 12.15pm on Sunday.
* The remaining AUL game in the group stages of the Oscar Traynor Cup against the Red House League will take place in Tallow on January 28th (kick off 2.30pm).
The Cork AUL youths take on the Clare District League at Midleton on Sunday afternoon (2.00pm) in the second round of the Snickers FAI Youths Inter-League championship. This competition has produced some thrilling games between the leagues in recent seasons and Sunday's encounter should be no exception.
The match has been transferred from Turner's Cross and the switch, forced by a decision of the MFA Grounds Committee last Monday that gave the Cross to regular tenants Cork City even though the AUL had it booked well in advance, will cause a good deal of inconvenience and expense to the local league, itself a great supporter of the Curragh Road venue where most if not all its finals are played.
Cork have been training hard under manager Liam McCarthy but his plans have been somewhat disrupted by the weather. Cork's first outing was a friendly against the Tipperary and Southern District League where goals by Lee (2), Rose, Fitzgerald, and captain Dekkers, earned the Cork visitors a 5 - 4 win.
The opening round of the championship came in November and, at Turner's Cross, the AUL pipped the Kerry District League 3 - 2, the Cork goals by Paul Rose (2) and Fitzgerald (who'll feel quite at home next Sunday afternoon).
Clare progressed with a victory over the Desmond League and here there is a line of form as Kerry just pipped the Desmond in a friendly. It looks as if Clare will be very bit as good as Kerry, perhaps even better, and that means a close encounter at Midleton's magnificent grounds in Knockgriffin.
Manager McCarthy has made one or two alterations to his panel but will be probably field most of the players that did duty against Kerry. Tramore's Ben Spicer kept a good goal that day. Lee of Kilreen was prominent in midfield while Douglas Hall's Rose was the ace upfront.
McCarthy's panel is: Willie Lee, Kevin Im, David Bennett, and Gerry Kerins (all Kilreen Celtic), Paul Rose, Derek Bowen, James O'Leary, and Brian Wilkinson (Douglas Hall), Ben Spicer and Mark Murphy (Tramore Ath.), Thomas Dekkers and Killian Lordan (Ballincollig), Trevor Fitzgerald, Aidan O'Driscoll, and Oliver Lynch (Midleton), Niall O'Regan (Bandon), Thomas Gettings (Leeside), Michael McBride (Rockmount), Jamie Cotter (Crosshaven), and Keith Kelleher (Leeds). The team bus will depart from St Patrick's Church at 12.15pm on Sunday.
* The remaining AUL game in the group stages of the Oscar Traynor Cup against the Red House League will take place in Tallow on January 28th (kick off 2.30pm).
WILTON UTD 1995
WILTON UTD - UNDER 17 DIV 2 WINNERS 1994/95:
Quite a few managers of underage sides have mixed feelings about
parents attending matches but that is not the case with Denis
Budden: "Parents were a huge help to me this season, especially
in the provision of transport. They were always willing to help
whether the venue was near or far and saved the club a lot of
money."
Denis was the manager of the Wilton United team that won the
championship in Division Two of the Hurley Supermarket AUL Under
17 leagues and one parent singled out for special mention was
Michael Breen who helped out on the line on matchday.
In 1989/90, Wilton reached the national final of both the Under
17 and Youths Cups but lost the two. The current side is being
geared up to go one better and of the current bunch only skipper
David Spratt is overage for next season.
Their next date is coming up in July when they travel to play in
the Portsmouth Cup where Wilton sides have enjoyed success in the
past. The Under 17s will be one of four Wilton teams making the
trip.
The Under 17 title represents something of a change of luck for
this bunch who have been together since their Under 8 days.
Between cups and leagues, they have been runners up six times.
The bad luck spread into school competitions; nine of the Wilton
lads helped Colaiste an Spioraid Naomh to the national schools
final this season but they lost to St Mary's of Galway in the
final.
Noel McCabe, one of the people who put Roy Keane on the right
road, has been taking an interest in Budden's babes and already
one, Stuart Patterson, has been on trial at Liverpool. Ken
Bruton is due to visit Anfield once activities resume there next
month.
Budden's panel consists of: Eamonn Breen, Adrian Desmond, Kevin
O'Riordan, Brian Burke, Neil Horgan, David Spratt (captain,
Stuart Patterson, Ken Bruton, Martin English, Greg Fitzgerald,
Patrick Englihs, Colin O'Brien, Conor Buckley, Myles Lennon,
Stephen Daly, Patrick Clancy, and Fergus O'Donovan.
Quite a few managers of underage sides have mixed feelings about
parents attending matches but that is not the case with Denis
Budden: "Parents were a huge help to me this season, especially
in the provision of transport. They were always willing to help
whether the venue was near or far and saved the club a lot of
money."
Denis was the manager of the Wilton United team that won the
championship in Division Two of the Hurley Supermarket AUL Under
17 leagues and one parent singled out for special mention was
Michael Breen who helped out on the line on matchday.
In 1989/90, Wilton reached the national final of both the Under
17 and Youths Cups but lost the two. The current side is being
geared up to go one better and of the current bunch only skipper
David Spratt is overage for next season.
Their next date is coming up in July when they travel to play in
the Portsmouth Cup where Wilton sides have enjoyed success in the
past. The Under 17s will be one of four Wilton teams making the
trip.
The Under 17 title represents something of a change of luck for
this bunch who have been together since their Under 8 days.
Between cups and leagues, they have been runners up six times.
The bad luck spread into school competitions; nine of the Wilton
lads helped Colaiste an Spioraid Naomh to the national schools
final this season but they lost to St Mary's of Galway in the
final.
Noel McCabe, one of the people who put Roy Keane on the right
road, has been taking an interest in Budden's babes and already
one, Stuart Patterson, has been on trial at Liverpool. Ken
Bruton is due to visit Anfield once activities resume there next
month.
Budden's panel consists of: Eamonn Breen, Adrian Desmond, Kevin
O'Riordan, Brian Burke, Neil Horgan, David Spratt (captain,
Stuart Patterson, Ken Bruton, Martin English, Greg Fitzgerald,
Patrick Englihs, Colin O'Brien, Conor Buckley, Myles Lennon,
Stephen Daly, Patrick Clancy, and Fergus O'Donovan.
WHITETHORN 1993
These Whitethorn boys weren't so green after all: three months into their
first ever season, the rookies from the Douglas Road picked up the Murphy's
Stout AUL team of the Month Award for November. That was presented last week
at the Lion's Den, home of their top supporter Bill Flanagan.
The Whitethorn handle comes from the fact the "eighty per cent" of the squad
live in the estate of that name. They were founded in 1992 and, after a
series of friendlies, decided to enter the AUL this season. They didn't get
off to the best of starts in League 3A but are now impressing in all
competitions.
Chairman, and top scorer, is Neil O'Donovan. Eddie Thornhill is secretary,
Tony Creagh is treasurer, and the other committee members are Finbarr Hogan,
Charlie Thornhill, Aidan O'Neill, and Darren Kearney.
All the committee men are available to manager Christy O'Donovan and the rest
of the panel is: Stephen Murphy, Denis O'Donovan, Tom O'Brien, Patsy Lyons,
the Meehan brothers (Paudie, Liam, and Christy), Don O'Neill (the most
experienced player in what is a quite a young side), Abdul Kamara, Peter
Coughlan, James Martin, John Drennan, Denis Kenneally, Liam O'Neill, and John
O'Mahony (captain).
first ever season, the rookies from the Douglas Road picked up the Murphy's
Stout AUL team of the Month Award for November. That was presented last week
at the Lion's Den, home of their top supporter Bill Flanagan.
The Whitethorn handle comes from the fact the "eighty per cent" of the squad
live in the estate of that name. They were founded in 1992 and, after a
series of friendlies, decided to enter the AUL this season. They didn't get
off to the best of starts in League 3A but are now impressing in all
competitions.
Chairman, and top scorer, is Neil O'Donovan. Eddie Thornhill is secretary,
Tony Creagh is treasurer, and the other committee members are Finbarr Hogan,
Charlie Thornhill, Aidan O'Neill, and Darren Kearney.
All the committee men are available to manager Christy O'Donovan and the rest
of the panel is: Stephen Murphy, Denis O'Donovan, Tom O'Brien, Patsy Lyons,
the Meehan brothers (Paudie, Liam, and Christy), Don O'Neill (the most
experienced player in what is a quite a young side), Abdul Kamara, Peter
Coughlan, James Martin, John Drennan, Denis Kenneally, Liam O'Neill, and John
O'Mahony (captain).
WHITETHORN FEB 95
Whitethorn 9/2/95:
Whitethorn are just a couple of years on the go but are already looking to the
future. The lively southside club intends to enter an Under 12 side in the
Cork Schoolboys League next season.
Brother Cusack of Sullivan's Quay is helping them in organising the young
lads. He has already been a big help to the juniors who train weekly at
Sullivan's Quay's well equipped gym.
Whitethorn, founded by Eddie Thornhill and Neil O'Donovan, started off in
1992/93 and, according to current manager Christy O'Donovan, "played a load of
friendlies". They entered the AUL for the 1993/94 season and immediately made
an impact.
Three months into their first ever season, the then rookies picked up the
Murphy's Stout AUL Team of the Month Award for November. Their victories that
month had included a stunning AOH Cup win over first division Castleview. They
went on to finish third in their league and that gave them promotion to 2A.
Whitethorn are finding the going tough enough at the higher level but the
manager hopes to consolidate their mid table position. He is also hopeful of
causing an upset or two in the cups.
The Whitethorn name comes from the fact that most of the squad live in the
estate of that name off the Douglas Road or are related to people living
there. There is one northsider "allowed" and he is Michael O'Sullivan.
Manager O'Donovan confesses that he doesn't know whether Camerooni Abdul
Kamara is northside or southside.
The current committee are Neil O'Donovan (Chairman), Eddie Thornhill
(Secretary), Tony Creagh (Treasurer), Denis Kenneally, and Mick Byrne (Clubman
of the Year), Mick is also the team's first aid man. Michael Keating is
their President.
The current squad consists of: Patsy Lyons, Mark Kelleher, Eddie Thornhill,
Don O'Neill (the ex Grattan Utd performer), John O'Mahony (captain and Player
of the Year), Tomas O'Brien, Liam Meehan, Michael O'Sullivan, Barry O'Brien,
Neil O'Donovan, Ger Barriscale, Derek Walsh, Peter Coughlan, Denis O'Donovan,
Abdul Kamara, and Christy Meehan.
Whitethorn are just a couple of years on the go but are already looking to the
future. The lively southside club intends to enter an Under 12 side in the
Cork Schoolboys League next season.
Brother Cusack of Sullivan's Quay is helping them in organising the young
lads. He has already been a big help to the juniors who train weekly at
Sullivan's Quay's well equipped gym.
Whitethorn, founded by Eddie Thornhill and Neil O'Donovan, started off in
1992/93 and, according to current manager Christy O'Donovan, "played a load of
friendlies". They entered the AUL for the 1993/94 season and immediately made
an impact.
Three months into their first ever season, the then rookies picked up the
Murphy's Stout AUL Team of the Month Award for November. Their victories that
month had included a stunning AOH Cup win over first division Castleview. They
went on to finish third in their league and that gave them promotion to 2A.
Whitethorn are finding the going tough enough at the higher level but the
manager hopes to consolidate their mid table position. He is also hopeful of
causing an upset or two in the cups.
The Whitethorn name comes from the fact that most of the squad live in the
estate of that name off the Douglas Road or are related to people living
there. There is one northsider "allowed" and he is Michael O'Sullivan.
Manager O'Donovan confesses that he doesn't know whether Camerooni Abdul
Kamara is northside or southside.
The current committee are Neil O'Donovan (Chairman), Eddie Thornhill
(Secretary), Tony Creagh (Treasurer), Denis Kenneally, and Mick Byrne (Clubman
of the Year), Mick is also the team's first aid man. Michael Keating is
their President.
The current squad consists of: Patsy Lyons, Mark Kelleher, Eddie Thornhill,
Don O'Neill (the ex Grattan Utd performer), John O'Mahony (captain and Player
of the Year), Tomas O'Brien, Liam Meehan, Michael O'Sullivan, Barry O'Brien,
Neil O'Donovan, Ger Barriscale, Derek Walsh, Peter Coughlan, Denis O'Donovan,
Abdul Kamara, and Christy Meehan.
WESTERN ROVERS
File created Dec 2004
AUL NOSTALGIA
GOOD YEARS FOR WESTERN ROVERS
Western Rovers, after a few years of near misses, came good on the double in 1983-84 with triumphs in the league (Tom O'Kelly 2A) and in the Enterprise (nowadays the City) Cup.
The league title was the highlight. Here Buttevant took them to a play-off and then a replay. The first game ended scoreless and, two minutes from the end of the Buttevant replay, poacher supreme Frankie McCarthy scored the golden goal to give Western a 1-0 win and the championship.
McCarthy, with 28 goals, was the team's leading scorer while Hugh Cooney was next best with 26. Right back Mick McGregor played with the Cork AUL in the Tayto Cup win in Dunlin and, in the following season, John Horan played with Gerry Geaney's Munster team in an inter-provincial against Leinster. Tony Murphy was the manager and he had invaluable help from colleagues Tim O'Neill and Denis O'Driscoll (now with the AUL, MFA and FAI).
A goal by Sean Walsh, who later went on to a trophy laden career with Temple United and Greenmount Rangers (he is still involved at the ESB Grounds), put Western trough to the Enterprise Cup final, as it was enough to beat scoreless Ringmahon Rangers.
The final opposition was provided by first division Tramore Athletic but this southside derby failed to sizzle and the Rovers scored a surprisingly easy 3-0 victory, their goals by Coughlan, Crowley and McCarthy.
The Western Rovers panel that season was: L. Ryan, M. McGregor, B. Nagle, P. Crowley, A. O'Shea, B. O'Donovan (captain), S. Walsh, K. Ruddy, F. McCarthy, G. Coughlan, H. Cooney, J. Punch, N. Tobin, L. McKenzie, J. Horan and J. Geaney. The first eleven listed provided the starting line-up in the Enterprise final.
Western Rovers took their place in AUL 1A the following season. There was just one automatic promotion place available and that went to champions Ballinlough Rovers. Ballinlough, who had merged with Victoria Athletic before the season, had an instant reward. Donie O'Leary and Dan Cullinane (later to achieve so much with Hibernians) were the managers; Joe Hegarty was captain and John O'Brien the vice-caption.
It seemed that Western's bid for promotion for the second season running had failed. But then came news of a vacancy in the Premier because of the unexpected withdrawal of Cobh Ramblers, a withdrawal that meant 1984/5 was the first season since the founding of the league that Ramblers would not have a team in the AUL.
The vacancy triggered a three team play-off and that involved the three first division runners up: Ballyvolane, Waterloo and Western Rovers. Western played Ballyvolane in the semi-final and the southsiders won a good game 2-1. The final though was a bore. "There was more excitement in watching the grass grow at Turner's Cross than in watching the disappointing final" was one comment at the time. Western though weren't too bothered as they won promotion in the penalty kick shootout that followed the scoreless draw.
Our picture, taken on August 29th, 1984, shows the Western Rovers, starting their AUL 1A campaign in August 1984. Back row (l to r): Sean Walsh, Pat Crowley, Liam Ryan, Kieran Ruddy, John Horan and Aidan O'Shea. Front: Frank McCarthy, Barry Nagle, Ger Coughlan, Mick McGregor, Bernard O'Donovan and Liam McKenzie.
This particular game was against Hibernians, a game that Western deservedly won 3-2, even if one of their goals was hugely controversial. Scores by Liam McKenzie and Pat Crowley had Western 2-1 up against Hibs who had scored through Robert Smyth.
Then, much to the amazement of all present, the referee judged that a Sean Walsh shot had crossed the Hibs line. True, the keeper had been beaten all ends up but the ball hit both posts before bouncing back weakly infield. To add fuel to the fire, the next Hibs attack yielded a goal by sub Richard Jordan. It has to be said though that Western, who had Frankie McCarthy twice denied by the bar, deserved the two points.
And the good news continued for Western in their next game when they finished strongly to beat Kilreen 3-1. Walsh, McCarthy and Ruddy were in top form for the winners who were one down at the start of the final quarter.
Western Rovers were originally founded in 1941 but the unit featured here, based in the Togher and Glasheen areas, was re-formed in 1972 and, by 1981, was regarded as one of the most progressive underage clubs in the city, catering for all ages up to junior in the AUL.
Tony Murphy, now the chairman of the Munster Senior League, had been there since the 1972 start and, at the club's annual dinner in 1982, a special presentation was made by the club to Tony in appreciation of the work and dedication shown by the chairman since the re-forming of the club.
Western Rovers AUL honours: 1980/1, runners up to Castleview in Youths 2; 82/83, runners up to park Utd in junior 2A; 83/84, won 2A and the Enterprise (City) Cup; 84/85, second to Ballinlough Rovers in 1A, winners of play-off for place in Premier League.
AUL NOSTALGIA
GOOD YEARS FOR WESTERN ROVERS
Western Rovers, after a few years of near misses, came good on the double in 1983-84 with triumphs in the league (Tom O'Kelly 2A) and in the Enterprise (nowadays the City) Cup.
The league title was the highlight. Here Buttevant took them to a play-off and then a replay. The first game ended scoreless and, two minutes from the end of the Buttevant replay, poacher supreme Frankie McCarthy scored the golden goal to give Western a 1-0 win and the championship.
McCarthy, with 28 goals, was the team's leading scorer while Hugh Cooney was next best with 26. Right back Mick McGregor played with the Cork AUL in the Tayto Cup win in Dunlin and, in the following season, John Horan played with Gerry Geaney's Munster team in an inter-provincial against Leinster. Tony Murphy was the manager and he had invaluable help from colleagues Tim O'Neill and Denis O'Driscoll (now with the AUL, MFA and FAI).
A goal by Sean Walsh, who later went on to a trophy laden career with Temple United and Greenmount Rangers (he is still involved at the ESB Grounds), put Western trough to the Enterprise Cup final, as it was enough to beat scoreless Ringmahon Rangers.
The final opposition was provided by first division Tramore Athletic but this southside derby failed to sizzle and the Rovers scored a surprisingly easy 3-0 victory, their goals by Coughlan, Crowley and McCarthy.
The Western Rovers panel that season was: L. Ryan, M. McGregor, B. Nagle, P. Crowley, A. O'Shea, B. O'Donovan (captain), S. Walsh, K. Ruddy, F. McCarthy, G. Coughlan, H. Cooney, J. Punch, N. Tobin, L. McKenzie, J. Horan and J. Geaney. The first eleven listed provided the starting line-up in the Enterprise final.
Western Rovers took their place in AUL 1A the following season. There was just one automatic promotion place available and that went to champions Ballinlough Rovers. Ballinlough, who had merged with Victoria Athletic before the season, had an instant reward. Donie O'Leary and Dan Cullinane (later to achieve so much with Hibernians) were the managers; Joe Hegarty was captain and John O'Brien the vice-caption.
It seemed that Western's bid for promotion for the second season running had failed. But then came news of a vacancy in the Premier because of the unexpected withdrawal of Cobh Ramblers, a withdrawal that meant 1984/5 was the first season since the founding of the league that Ramblers would not have a team in the AUL.
The vacancy triggered a three team play-off and that involved the three first division runners up: Ballyvolane, Waterloo and Western Rovers. Western played Ballyvolane in the semi-final and the southsiders won a good game 2-1. The final though was a bore. "There was more excitement in watching the grass grow at Turner's Cross than in watching the disappointing final" was one comment at the time. Western though weren't too bothered as they won promotion in the penalty kick shootout that followed the scoreless draw.
Our picture, taken on August 29th, 1984, shows the Western Rovers, starting their AUL 1A campaign in August 1984. Back row (l to r): Sean Walsh, Pat Crowley, Liam Ryan, Kieran Ruddy, John Horan and Aidan O'Shea. Front: Frank McCarthy, Barry Nagle, Ger Coughlan, Mick McGregor, Bernard O'Donovan and Liam McKenzie.
This particular game was against Hibernians, a game that Western deservedly won 3-2, even if one of their goals was hugely controversial. Scores by Liam McKenzie and Pat Crowley had Western 2-1 up against Hibs who had scored through Robert Smyth.
Then, much to the amazement of all present, the referee judged that a Sean Walsh shot had crossed the Hibs line. True, the keeper had been beaten all ends up but the ball hit both posts before bouncing back weakly infield. To add fuel to the fire, the next Hibs attack yielded a goal by sub Richard Jordan. It has to be said though that Western, who had Frankie McCarthy twice denied by the bar, deserved the two points.
And the good news continued for Western in their next game when they finished strongly to beat Kilreen 3-1. Walsh, McCarthy and Ruddy were in top form for the winners who were one down at the start of the final quarter.
Western Rovers were originally founded in 1941 but the unit featured here, based in the Togher and Glasheen areas, was re-formed in 1972 and, by 1981, was regarded as one of the most progressive underage clubs in the city, catering for all ages up to junior in the AUL.
Tony Murphy, now the chairman of the Munster Senior League, had been there since the 1972 start and, at the club's annual dinner in 1982, a special presentation was made by the club to Tony in appreciation of the work and dedication shown by the chairman since the re-forming of the club.
Western Rovers AUL honours: 1980/1, runners up to Castleview in Youths 2; 82/83, runners up to park Utd in junior 2A; 83/84, won 2A and the Enterprise (City) Cup; 84/85, second to Ballinlough Rovers in 1A, winners of play-off for place in Premier League.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
