Crescent Celebrate
Crescent Athletic, the small but successful club from Gurranabraher Avenue, are celebrating twenty one years in football this year and have a big night out planned for next month.
Long time secretary Nelius Dineen recalls the early days: "George Cummins, Jim McCarthy, Stewart Joyce, John O'Donovan and myself, all previously involved in
football, were without a club. So we helped ourselves and formed Crescent Athletic. A pitch was rented at Newcastle (close to Blarney) and was used until 1989."
Their first competitive match (which they drew 2 - 2 with Lee Rangers) was played in Newcastle. Players from that game still involved with the club are John O'Donovan, Dominic Dineen, Nelius Dineen and Jim McCarthy. That first season was a learning experience with the team finishing a creditable third in 3A.
Boosted by some new players, including familiar names such as Joe Dineen,
Frank Riordan, Anthony O'Connell, Mick Heslam, and Donal O'Riordan, Crescent went on to take the 3A title in the following season. Mick Kenneally and flying winger John Leahy were also there in the early years.
They then rapidly made ground through the divisions, winning 2A and 1A in the process. But they had no luck in cup finals, losing out in the President's and St Michael's deciders.
New recruits, such as Brian Marshall, Niall O'Regan, John Chisholm, Joe O'Sullivan, and Nicky Montgomery, came in and helped keep the club in the hunt for honours. Nelius took over the manager's role in 1991, with sideline assistance from Stewart Joyce and Joe Dineen. Players prominent at the time included Jim Hanafin, Mark Scannell, John McHale, Christy Murphy, Pat O'Callaghan, Paudie O'Riordan, Donal Corbett and Martin Dineen.
Cup success continued to elude them as they lost 2 - 1 to Bandon in the 1992 AOH decider. But consolation was just around the corner and they won the AUL Premier League in the following season.
The club has contributed players to the AUL junior representative team. Ace marksman Niall O'Regan is perhaps the most prominent but the league has also called on the services of Anthony O'Connell, John O'Donovan, and keeper Pat Murphy.
Crescent are rebuilding this season and have a new management team in place. The three wise men are O'Regan (just retired from playing), Michael Heslam (a former player who has just returned to the club) and John O'Donovan (a man who has played with the club since the start and is still as sharp as ever at the back).
Niall O'Regan, who joined Crescent in 1991, is not the only player to step down this season. He has been joined by midfielder Dominic Dineen (who was there since the start) and John Chisholm (who gave fifteen year's distinguished service).
The management's hand has been strengthened by the return of several players: keeper Pakie Murphy (back after a short break), Jamie O'Connor (back from the USA), Paul Feehan (returned after a short spell with St Mary's).
In addition, the squad has been freshened up with the arrival of new faces: Michael Higgins, Jamie O'Mahony, Richard Anderson and Tony Dineen. They join some promising young players, now well established with the club, such as this year's captain Adrian O'Connell, his brother Derek, Leonard Forde, Owen Twomey Eric Murphy, William Wyse, Dave Constant and Ronan O'Brien.
Secretary Dineen realises success won't be instant: "It may take a year or two but if the team stays together it will be successful. Some of the older members are starting to take an interest and are helping the younger players and the new inexperienced team management. We want to do as well as possible in the league and get a good run in the cups."
Dineen insists there "is no doom or gloom after a poor start to the season and, after two defeats, the win over Hillington boosted confidence. It takes a while to gel a new team together."
Having moved from Newcastle to Northvilla Park in 1989, Crescent are now back in the Blarney area and play their home games in Monard, on a pitch that they share with Blackstone Rovers. From the end of this month, the venue for training will be the Glen Resource Centre, with sessions on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Crescent, who receive great support from the Glenryan Tavern and APOC Builders, will take time out from team-building on October 18th. That is the night that past and present members will gather at the Commons Inn Hotel to celebrate their 21 years in football. Further information from Nelius Dineen (4395058), Anthony O'Connell (087,2546861) and Pakie Murphy (087,2273182).
Crescent's Roll Of Honour
1984 Champions in AUL 3A (runners up Courtown); runners up President's Cup;
1985 Champions in 2A (runners up Albert's);
1986 Runners up to Ballincollig in St Michael's Cup;
1991 Champions in 1A, runners up Castle Celtic;
1992 Runners up to Casement in Premier League; beaten by Bandon in AOH final;
1993 Champions in Premier, runners up Bosco's;
1997 Runners up to Greenmount in Premier;
2002 Runners up to Blackpool in 1A.
end
Showing posts with label Crescent Athletic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Crescent Athletic. Show all posts
Monday, September 28, 2009
CRESCENT ATHLETIC NOV 99
CRESCENT ATHLETIC
Not too many clubs can match the record of Crescent Athletic in AUL league football. The small northside club have won championships at third, second, first, and Premier. They won 3A in 1984, 2A a year later, One A in 1991, and the Premier in 1993.
They haven't had the same luck in cup competitions. They have reached four finals but on each occasion left empty handed. In the 1984, they reached the decider of the President's Cup, two years later it was the St Michael's, in 1991 they lost the City Challenge Cup final before their biggest disappointment year later when they went down to Bandon in the AOH.
The club, from the Gurranabraher area, were founded in 1982 and remarkably two of the original players, John O'Donovan and Dominic Dineen, are still playing.
November has been a pretty bad month for Crescent; they had one game called off because of a frozen ground, another because of a waterlogged pitch. They are hoping to get into action next Sunday morning when they are scheduled to take on Grangevale in the Examiner Munster Junior Cup. This is also the Murphy's Stout Match of the Week and kick off in Monard is 10.45. Crescent are pretty experienced campaigners in this competition and have reached the last 16 twice.
October was a pretty good month with four wins from five games. They had away cup wins over Skibbereen, Crosshaven, and Fairview and a home victory against Togher. They currently share a ground with Blarney Utd at Monard and their main aim for the season is to gain promotion back to the Premier Division.
The current committee consists of Joe Dineen, Brian Marshall, Neilus Dineen, and Jim McCarthy and they are delighted with the support they get from the Glenryan Bar, APOC Builders, and Tom's Doors.
The panel is: Tom O'Connell, Tony Dunlea, Adrian O'Connell (captain and player of the year), John O'Donovan, John Chisholm, Pat Lynch, David Constant, Dominic Dineen, Eric Buckley, Paul O'Reilly, Gary Sheehan (leading scorer), Niall O'Regan, Joe O'Sullivan, and William Wyse.
Crescent flashback
One of the major ingredients in Crescent Athletic's successful title campaign in League 2A (in 1984/5) was the well attended pre-season training sessions under player-manager George Cummins. They won their first eight games and confidence grew. They got stronger and won the title by a massive nine points. They were unbeaten in the league and, unusually, didn't concede a goal at home.
They went through the entire season with just 14 players, the same fourteen that won the third division title for them in 1983/84. Needless to say, all 14 were signed up again.
One of the leading players was centre half Neilus Dineen, a founder member and, at their annual function, he received the Player of the Year Award from Lord Mayor Liam Burke. Anthony O'Connell (now one of their sponsors) won the award in the previous season and in their very first season there was a tie between John O'Donovan and Dominic Dineen (the same two who line out in Crescent's colours today).
Not too many clubs can match the record of Crescent Athletic in AUL league football. The small northside club have won championships at third, second, first, and Premier. They won 3A in 1984, 2A a year later, One A in 1991, and the Premier in 1993.
They haven't had the same luck in cup competitions. They have reached four finals but on each occasion left empty handed. In the 1984, they reached the decider of the President's Cup, two years later it was the St Michael's, in 1991 they lost the City Challenge Cup final before their biggest disappointment year later when they went down to Bandon in the AOH.
The club, from the Gurranabraher area, were founded in 1982 and remarkably two of the original players, John O'Donovan and Dominic Dineen, are still playing.
November has been a pretty bad month for Crescent; they had one game called off because of a frozen ground, another because of a waterlogged pitch. They are hoping to get into action next Sunday morning when they are scheduled to take on Grangevale in the Examiner Munster Junior Cup. This is also the Murphy's Stout Match of the Week and kick off in Monard is 10.45. Crescent are pretty experienced campaigners in this competition and have reached the last 16 twice.
October was a pretty good month with four wins from five games. They had away cup wins over Skibbereen, Crosshaven, and Fairview and a home victory against Togher. They currently share a ground with Blarney Utd at Monard and their main aim for the season is to gain promotion back to the Premier Division.
The current committee consists of Joe Dineen, Brian Marshall, Neilus Dineen, and Jim McCarthy and they are delighted with the support they get from the Glenryan Bar, APOC Builders, and Tom's Doors.
The panel is: Tom O'Connell, Tony Dunlea, Adrian O'Connell (captain and player of the year), John O'Donovan, John Chisholm, Pat Lynch, David Constant, Dominic Dineen, Eric Buckley, Paul O'Reilly, Gary Sheehan (leading scorer), Niall O'Regan, Joe O'Sullivan, and William Wyse.
Crescent flashback
One of the major ingredients in Crescent Athletic's successful title campaign in League 2A (in 1984/5) was the well attended pre-season training sessions under player-manager George Cummins. They won their first eight games and confidence grew. They got stronger and won the title by a massive nine points. They were unbeaten in the league and, unusually, didn't concede a goal at home.
They went through the entire season with just 14 players, the same fourteen that won the third division title for them in 1983/84. Needless to say, all 14 were signed up again.
One of the leading players was centre half Neilus Dineen, a founder member and, at their annual function, he received the Player of the Year Award from Lord Mayor Liam Burke. Anthony O'Connell (now one of their sponsors) won the award in the previous season and in their very first season there was a tie between John O'Donovan and Dominic Dineen (the same two who line out in Crescent's colours today).
CRESCENT ATHLETIC MAR 2001
CRESCENT ATHLETIC
Crescent Athletic secretary Nelius Dineen is hoping for a rise in their fortunes when games resume in Premier A: "Currently we are lying lowly in the league but, with games in hand, we are confident of moving up the table."
Nelius is one of a four man management team. The others are Jim McCarthy (the team trainer), Brian Marshall, and Joe Dineen (also club treasurer). They reinforced the panel this season by signing Ger O'Brien, Trevor O'Sullivan, and Owen O'Brien, but lost Pat Lynch who emigrated to the USA.
Ger O'Brien has turned out to be a handy signing as he is currently the leading scorer, closely followed by Crescent's long-time sharpshooter Niall O'Regan. Other long serving players include Pat Murphy, John Chisholm (current player of the year), John O'Donovan, and Dominic Dineen.
The small Northside club, who now play in Monard, have their main sponsors in Paul Deveraux (at the Glenryan Tavern) and APOC Builders. All the lads in the club send their best wishes for a speedy recovery to William Wyse who sustained a bad injury in a recent game against Kinsale.
Crescent's first date after the foot and mouth enforced break sees them take on Hill Celtic next Sunday in what is sure to be a cracking clash. Both teams are staring relegation in the face and the Watergrasshill visitors, who had seemingly turned the corner before the cancellation of games, will be favourites but Crescent won't go down without a fight.
1982 to 1995: THE CRESCENT STORY
Back in '82, Nelius Dineen, George Cummins, Jim McCarthy,
Stewart Joyce, and John O'Donovan, all previously involved in
football, were without a club. So they went and formed one of
their own: Crescent Athletic. A pitch was rented at Newcastle
(close to Blarney) and was used until 1989 when Crescent moved to
Northvilla Park.
Their first competitive match (which they drew 2 - 2 with Lee
Rangers) was played in Newcastle. Players from that game still
involved with the club are John O'Donovan and Dominic Dineen
(both still playing), Neilus Dineen and Jim McCarthy (both now at
administration level).
That first season was a learning experience with the team finishing a creditable third in 3A. Quite a few new players were recruited for the second season and the reinforcements, which included Joe Dineen, Frank Riordan, Anthony O'Connell, Mick Heslam, and Donal O'Riordan, helped Crescent to the 3A title.
Crescent rapidly made ground through the divisions, winning 2A (1985)
and 1A (1991) in the process. But they had no luck in cup finals,
losing out in the President's (1984), the St Michael's (1986), and City Challenge Cup (1991).
Later recruits, such as Brian Marshall, Niall O'Regan, John
Chisholm, Joe O'Sullivan, and Nicky Montgomery, kept the club in
the hunt for honours. Neilus took over the manager's role in
1991, with sideline assistance from Stewart Joyce (who also doubled as treasurer) and Joe Dineen.
In their very first season in Premier football, Crescent finished second. A year later, in 1993, they took the title. They finished runners up again in 1997. But cup success continued to elude them as illustrated by their loss 2 - 1 to Bandon in the 1992 AOH decider.
The club has contributed players to the AUL junior representative team. Leading scorer Niall O'Regan is perhaps the most prominent but the league has also called on the services of Anthony O'Connell, John O'Donovan, and keeper Pat Murphy.
Crescent Athletic secretary Nelius Dineen is hoping for a rise in their fortunes when games resume in Premier A: "Currently we are lying lowly in the league but, with games in hand, we are confident of moving up the table."
Nelius is one of a four man management team. The others are Jim McCarthy (the team trainer), Brian Marshall, and Joe Dineen (also club treasurer). They reinforced the panel this season by signing Ger O'Brien, Trevor O'Sullivan, and Owen O'Brien, but lost Pat Lynch who emigrated to the USA.
Ger O'Brien has turned out to be a handy signing as he is currently the leading scorer, closely followed by Crescent's long-time sharpshooter Niall O'Regan. Other long serving players include Pat Murphy, John Chisholm (current player of the year), John O'Donovan, and Dominic Dineen.
The small Northside club, who now play in Monard, have their main sponsors in Paul Deveraux (at the Glenryan Tavern) and APOC Builders. All the lads in the club send their best wishes for a speedy recovery to William Wyse who sustained a bad injury in a recent game against Kinsale.
Crescent's first date after the foot and mouth enforced break sees them take on Hill Celtic next Sunday in what is sure to be a cracking clash. Both teams are staring relegation in the face and the Watergrasshill visitors, who had seemingly turned the corner before the cancellation of games, will be favourites but Crescent won't go down without a fight.
1982 to 1995: THE CRESCENT STORY
Back in '82, Nelius Dineen, George Cummins, Jim McCarthy,
Stewart Joyce, and John O'Donovan, all previously involved in
football, were without a club. So they went and formed one of
their own: Crescent Athletic. A pitch was rented at Newcastle
(close to Blarney) and was used until 1989 when Crescent moved to
Northvilla Park.
Their first competitive match (which they drew 2 - 2 with Lee
Rangers) was played in Newcastle. Players from that game still
involved with the club are John O'Donovan and Dominic Dineen
(both still playing), Neilus Dineen and Jim McCarthy (both now at
administration level).
That first season was a learning experience with the team finishing a creditable third in 3A. Quite a few new players were recruited for the second season and the reinforcements, which included Joe Dineen, Frank Riordan, Anthony O'Connell, Mick Heslam, and Donal O'Riordan, helped Crescent to the 3A title.
Crescent rapidly made ground through the divisions, winning 2A (1985)
and 1A (1991) in the process. But they had no luck in cup finals,
losing out in the President's (1984), the St Michael's (1986), and City Challenge Cup (1991).
Later recruits, such as Brian Marshall, Niall O'Regan, John
Chisholm, Joe O'Sullivan, and Nicky Montgomery, kept the club in
the hunt for honours. Neilus took over the manager's role in
1991, with sideline assistance from Stewart Joyce (who also doubled as treasurer) and Joe Dineen.
In their very first season in Premier football, Crescent finished second. A year later, in 1993, they took the title. They finished runners up again in 1997. But cup success continued to elude them as illustrated by their loss 2 - 1 to Bandon in the 1992 AOH decider.
The club has contributed players to the AUL junior representative team. Leading scorer Niall O'Regan is perhaps the most prominent but the league has also called on the services of Anthony O'Connell, John O'Donovan, and keeper Pat Murphy.
CRESCENT ATHLETIC 94-95
CRESCENT ATHLETIC 1994/95
Crescent Athletic secretary Neilus Dineen is rightly proud of the
thirteen year old Northside club, pointing out that most of the
players recruited during the club's formative years are still
involved.
Back in '82, Neilus himself, George Cummins, Jim McCarthy,
Stewart Joyce, and John O'Donovan, all previously involved in
football, were without a club. So they went and formed one of
their own: Crescent Athletic. A pitch was rented at Newcastle
(close to Blarney) and was used until 1989 when Crescent moved to
their present base at Northvilla Park.
Their first competitive match (which they drew 2 - 2 with Lee
Rangers) was played in Newcastle. Players from that game still
involved with the club are John O'Donovan and Dominic Dineen
(both still playing), Neilus Dineen and Jim McCarthy (both now at
administration level). That first season was a learning
experience with the team finishing a creditable third in 3A.
Quite a few new players were recruited for the second season and,
underlining Dineen's point, all are still there. Joe Dineen,
Frank Riordan, Anthony O'Connell, Mick Heslam, and Donal
O'Riordan, were the new signings that helped Crescent to the 3A
title.
Crescent rapidly made ground through the divisions, winning 2A
and 1A in the process. But they had no luck in cup finals,
losing out in the President's and St Michael's deciders.
More recent recruits, such as Brian Marshall, Niall O'Regan, John
Chisholm, Joe O'Sullivan, and Nicky Montgomery, kept the club in
the hunt for honours. Neilus took over the manager's role in
1991, with sideline assistance from Stewart Joyce (who also does
a great job as treasurer) and Joe Dineen.
In three season in Premier football, Crescent have finished 2nd,
1st, and 3rd standings. But cup success continues to elude them,
their most recent loss 2 - 1 to Bandon in the 1992 AOH decider.
The club has contributed players to the AUL junior representative
team. Leading scorer Niall O'Regan is perhaps the most prominent
but the league has also called on the services of Anthony
O'Connell, John O'Donovan, and Pat Murphy (keeper and current
skipper).
Long term injuries to O'Connell and Martin Dineen have been hard
to overcome but new signings like Jim Hanifin and Eric Buckley
have helped ensure the club will again be challenging for major
honours this season. The team currently heads the Premier League
standings much to the delight of Paddy "Whack" O'Regan, their 82
year old President.
Crescent Athletic secretary Neilus Dineen is rightly proud of the
thirteen year old Northside club, pointing out that most of the
players recruited during the club's formative years are still
involved.
Back in '82, Neilus himself, George Cummins, Jim McCarthy,
Stewart Joyce, and John O'Donovan, all previously involved in
football, were without a club. So they went and formed one of
their own: Crescent Athletic. A pitch was rented at Newcastle
(close to Blarney) and was used until 1989 when Crescent moved to
their present base at Northvilla Park.
Their first competitive match (which they drew 2 - 2 with Lee
Rangers) was played in Newcastle. Players from that game still
involved with the club are John O'Donovan and Dominic Dineen
(both still playing), Neilus Dineen and Jim McCarthy (both now at
administration level). That first season was a learning
experience with the team finishing a creditable third in 3A.
Quite a few new players were recruited for the second season and,
underlining Dineen's point, all are still there. Joe Dineen,
Frank Riordan, Anthony O'Connell, Mick Heslam, and Donal
O'Riordan, were the new signings that helped Crescent to the 3A
title.
Crescent rapidly made ground through the divisions, winning 2A
and 1A in the process. But they had no luck in cup finals,
losing out in the President's and St Michael's deciders.
More recent recruits, such as Brian Marshall, Niall O'Regan, John
Chisholm, Joe O'Sullivan, and Nicky Montgomery, kept the club in
the hunt for honours. Neilus took over the manager's role in
1991, with sideline assistance from Stewart Joyce (who also does
a great job as treasurer) and Joe Dineen.
In three season in Premier football, Crescent have finished 2nd,
1st, and 3rd standings. But cup success continues to elude them,
their most recent loss 2 - 1 to Bandon in the 1992 AOH decider.
The club has contributed players to the AUL junior representative
team. Leading scorer Niall O'Regan is perhaps the most prominent
but the league has also called on the services of Anthony
O'Connell, John O'Donovan, and Pat Murphy (keeper and current
skipper).
Long term injuries to O'Connell and Martin Dineen have been hard
to overcome but new signings like Jim Hanifin and Eric Buckley
have helped ensure the club will again be challenging for major
honours this season. The team currently heads the Premier League
standings much to the delight of Paddy "Whack" O'Regan, their 82
year old President.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
