Posts Tagged ‘ Galway United ’

The State Of Our Game

A fans survey on the League of Ireland and Irish football as a whole, run by Dr. Adam Brown of Substance, a Manchester based social research co-op has offered a great insight into the level of involvement fans have with their clubs and how it can be improved.

The Irish study formed a part of a wider European study, where fans in each country would have to answer specific questions relating to the running of their club and football in their country. The surveys, which were conducted online, took place between September and October. 1,262 Irish football fans completed the survey, the vast majority (34.2%) of which were Cork City fans, followed by Shamrock Rovers (15.4%) in second place.

Some interesting findings arose from the statistics relating to which fans completed the quiz. 1.7% or 26 respondents were fans of the now defunct Galway United while fans of Manchester United (1.6%) and Liverpool (1.1%) finished ahead of Longford Town (1%) who had the fewest respondents. Bray Wanderers and  UCD were the only two Premier Division clubs whose fans offered no views while fans of first division sides Athlone Town, Mervue United, Salthill Devon (SD Galway) and Wexford Youths did likewise.

The average age of supporters surveyed was 32 while the average length of time that fans have supported their clubs was 18 years. Unsurprisingly 95% of respondents where male.

Interestingly a large proportion of fans (59.5%) admitted that they are not a member of a supporter’s organisation at their club. Of those who revealed they are a member of such an organisation, 44.4% said the organisation is one which exists as a members group that owns shares in their club. This correlates to the fact that most of the fans who took this survey are Cork City fans and as a result this statistic is unsurprising given the recent ownership history of the famed Rebel Army. Other answers showed that there is little difference between official club sanctioned fan organisations (23.7%) and independent fan organisations (20.9%).

Fans revealed the main purposes of such groups were to get or maintain a share of ownership (30.5%), to raise money for the club (20.6%) and to improve the matchday atmosphere (16.3%). Fans are certainly more involved at club level than national level, perhaps due to the current state of the Irish national team. Only 4.9% of respondents belong to a national supporter’s organisation.

League of Ireland fans are among the most committed in the world, willing to follow their team the length and breadth of the country. It’s therefore surprising that most (41.9%) feel they have little involvement in their club, only on rare occasions. Is it a case that clubs have enough volunteers and support or that fans aren’t too interested in helping out? Clubs should certainly endear themselves more to these fans in an attempt to increase their involvement, something which will be beneficial to all and comes at a time when the League of Ireland is in great need of everyone pulling in the same direction. 22.2% professed they have no involvement whatsoever, claiming they are almost completely ignored. How can any club, be it in Ireland or elsewhere, survive by ignoring such a percentage of fans? 82.7% of fans revealed they have no involvement at national level which is of no surprise as recent trends have shown that the FAI possess little or no desire for fan involvement.

42.4% expressed an interest in joining a supporter’s organisation that had the aim of getting/maintaining an ownership stake at their club with 9.8% saying they wouldn’t be interested, with a further 16.7% believing it wouldn’t achieve anything. Fans highlighted the main benefits of such a move which includes the club board listens to fans more (69.2%), maintaining an ownership stake (55.7%) and getting representation on the board (53.7%). 39.8% of fans revealed they wouldn’t join a national supporters organisation as the association/league will never listen (37.1%) and because they are not interested (34.5%). 33.8% admitted they would join such an organisation.

One of the most striking findings emerging from this study is that 60.4% of respondents are very unsatisfied with the way football is run in Ireland. Bear in mind that the fans answering the questions in this study are by enlarge devout League of Ireland followers, fans that have watched clubs such as Monaghan United, Dublin City, Kilkenny City, Sporting Fingal and Galway United go bust in recent years. Fans that have seen endless scandals from points deductions due to financial irregularities and player registration issues. It’s no surprise they are fed up with the way the footballing authorities allow the game to become a laughing stock, something which won’t help bring armchair Premier League fans to Irish stadiums. Is it not the mission of the FAI and the league to entice such fans to League of Ireland matches? If anything their actions are forcing fans away rather than bringing them in.

51.1% of fans are however satisfied with the way their club is run, with only 8.3% saying they are unsatisfied.

Respondents were asked to list two single words which best described the running of football of Ireland. Among the top answers were shambolic, poor, amateur, shambles ,corrupt, disgraceful, terrible and unprofessional. Positive answers were sadly few and far between, with fans instead tending to focus on the unhealthy state of the game, something that has existed for such a long time yet we are yet to see any significant changes.

Irish institutions are certainly out of touch with the people, be it government or sporting organisation. They fail to see what matters at ground level, they refuse to listen to those who in reality have a far greater sense of perspective and who can build a better future. Football in Ireland is the exact same, 38.9% of fans believe greater supporter ownership or involvement would improve the running of their club a lot with only 3.1% stating it wouldn’t improve it at all. On a national level, 52.4% believe that such would improve the running of football in Ireland. Sadly these figures are unlikely to strike any chord with the powerbrokers at Abbotstown.

24.4% of fans believe that UEFA’s financial fair play rules won’t improve the running of football in Ireland at all.

An overwhelming 97.4% of fans would like to see an organisation established that would allow League of Ireland supporters to have meaningful input into issues affecting the Airtricity League. Fans were also asked what are the biggest factors facing supporter groups in securing a shareholding within their club, with answers including finance (48.9%), little support from the wider football community (33.1%) and current club owners unwilling to cede any control (21.3%).

League of Ireland supporters ranked their main priorities as ensuring the long term stability of their club (78%), being able to watch their team every week (57%) and having an active underage structure producing players (35.3%). 68.9% of supporters believe their clubs main priority is the same.

This study is one that was long overdue. It contains fundamental elements for progress at both national and club level. The opportunities arising from such a study are endless. The way football is run in this country needs a serious revamp but sadly it may take a long time for Brown’s findings to come to fruition such is the ill mannered and outdated policies of both the FAI and the League of Ireland.

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2012
11/15
CATEGORY
Features
Football
League of Ireland
Sport
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Desperate Times Call For Radical Change As Monaghan United Bow Out Of League Of Ireland

Monaghan United have decided to bring to an end their involvement in the Airtricity League of Ireland. The Gortakeegan club have pulled out of the league with immediate effect citing financial reasons, failure to gain an anchor sponsor and a lack of support from the league itself.

The demise of the Mons puts a further blotch on the recent history of the league. On field success such as Shamrock Rovers foray into the Europa League is nothing when one studies the off field antics that led to the demise of Dublin City, Kilkenny City, Galway United and Spporting Fingal. Who can forget the efforts made by fans to save the Hoops, who managed to work their way back to the top after been demoted to the first division. Cork City and Derry City have also shown strength in the face of financial adversity but such financial discrepancies cannot be allowed to continue. 

The FAI and League of Ireland are currently undergoing a period were great change is needed. The future for football in Ireland has often been bleak yet nothing has been done. The two governing bodies must pull together and offer support to financially stricken clubs before any other club goes to the wall. Financial problems have been well documented in Dundalk and at Bohemians, if ever the FAI and League of Ireland are to redeem themselves the time is now.

Monaghan United’s results will now be expunged and the fixture list must be rejigged. As of yet the FAI have yet to make a statement on what is another dark day for Irish football.   

What they said:

The Club

Monaghan United after much deliberation and soul searching have decided to bring to an end its involvement in Airtricity League of Ireland, this decision was a hard one and not taken lightly but it was felt that this was the only real option left to us at this time.
Monaghan United entered the National League back in 1985 and while it’s been tough it has been an enjoyable journey, we have made many friends and forged great links within the football family. However for a number of reasons this was no longer sustainable and with a heavy heart we decided to bring to an end our involvement with the Airtricity League of Ireland.
The reason we have taken this decision is mainly but not only financial. To keep a team playing at the highest level in this country is expensive and with the clubs inability to tie down a anchor sponsor, coupled with the rising costs of membership of senior football and the lack of support from the national league it was felt that no other option was available.
However this is in no way the end of Monaghan United in fact it is a new beginning, a new direction has been chosen by the club, and it is our intention to pour all our energy, experience and facilities into the development of football in the county of Monaghan.
Monaghan United will sit down with all of its members and interested parties to explore how best to achieve this.
Monaghan United would like to extend our gratitude to our manager and players who throughout this time have been very supportive and indeed our decision to leave at this time is to allow these players to find other clubs as soon as possible. We would like to wish them all the best of luck in the future.
Once again may I thank all of our members, supporters, sponsors and the good people of Monaghan for their kindness and we have been assured of their support going forward. 

The Professional Footballers’ Association of Ireland (PFAI)

“It is with great surprise and disappointment that news of Monaghan United’s withdrawal from the league has reached us.

“Prior to this, no discussion had taken place with the PFAI nor was any indication of their impending withdrawal communicated to this association.

“No player we have spoken to was contacted by the club prior to the statement being released and many players first heard that they had lost their jobs through Twitter.

“We find it extraordinary that no attempt was made to reach a solution with the players either directly with them or through this association. Situations like this have arisen in the past and agreements have been reached in order to keep a team in the league.

“It is hugely disappointing that players and fans have seen a club withdraw from the league in these circumstances without an effort being made to explore all possibilities with the players.

It is, however, a relief to hear that all creditors will be paid and we assume that players wages which are currently in arrears and the remainder of their contracts will be honoured.

“We look forward to hearing from the club with details of how these payments will be made.”

 

2012
06/18
CATEGORY
League of Ireland
Sport
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Young Irish Abroad #6 Karl Sheppard

Rather fittingly, Reading have signed a young Irish Striker from the League of Ireland.

That striker is Karl Sheppard, who moves to Berkshire from back to back League of Ireland champions Shamrock Rovers. The Ireland under 21 cap was born in Dublin on 14 February 1991. Sheppard began his career with Portmarnock and played at schoolboy level for Shelbourne, before joining Everton in 2007. Sheppard never really got up and running for Everton, failing to break into the first team, and came back to the Emerald isle to sign for Galway United in 2010.

 The Dublin native impressed for the Tribesmen, scoring a handful of goals and playing the majority of games that season. The displays Sheppard showed in April of that year seen him win the Airtricity SWAI Player of the Month Award. Sheppard’s parting gift to Galway was the winner in the promotion/relegation playoff, keeping United afloat.

He then moved onto to reigning champions Shamrock Rovers for the 2011 season, where he won the league, Setanta Cup and scored in the Europe League Group stages against PAOK Salonika. This was enough to alert Brian McDermott and Reading, who have good history in bringing Irish strikers through. Sheppard is very comfortable being the lone striker but he was forced to operate from the right hand side from time to time last season. His move to Reading will now give him the platform to fulfil his undoubted potential.

When asked about his Irish predecessors at Reading, he said “”It was massive, seeing the likes of Kevin Doyle and Shane Long come over and do well, and Hunty as well, it’s a good thing,” he said in his first interview on Reading FC Player. “The history of bringing good Irish players through is something that intrigued me into coming here. There was interest from a few other Championship clubs as well but once I heard that Reading were in, there was only one club for me.”

2012
01/24
CATEGORY
Football
Sport
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2011 League of Ireland In Numbers

 With the final whistle blown at the end of a frantic season, Irish News Review takes a look back at the highs and lows through the endless statistics we have grown to love.  

1 The number of home games lost all season by both Derry City and St Patricks Athletic. Also the number of defeats Cork City suffered all season.

2 Highest number of own goals scored this term. Eric Browne of Mervue United put the ball in his own net twice.

4 Number of points separating top four teams in the First Division. Cork City (69), Shelbourne (68), Monaghan (67), Limerick (66). Also the highest number of penalties converted this season by one player, Dean Marshall (UCD), Graham Cummins (Cork City), Phillip Hughes (Shelbourne), Mark Salmon (Longford Town), Daniel Furlong (Wexford Youths).

5 Monaghan Utd beat Galway United 5-1 over the course of a two legged playoff to ensure promotion to the top flight and resign Galway to life In the First Division.

6 The number of points Galway United finished with this season having won 1 match, drawn 3 and losing 32. The worst record of any team in League of Ireland history.

7 Derry City enjoyed the biggest home win of the season when they put 7 goals past UCD at the Brandywell.

8 The biggest win of the season came when Sligo Rovers knocked eight goals past Galway United to earn an 8-0 win.

9 Highest number of goals scored in a single game occurred when UCD saw off Drogheda United 5-4 at the Belfield Bowl.

11 Most yellow cards awarded to any Premier Division player, Pat Sullivan of Shamrock Rovers. Also the amount of players in both divisions who received the most red cards (2).

12 Highest number of yellow cards awarded to any player this season was the 12 shown to Paul Malone of Wexford Youths.

13 Number of goals scored by Irish teams competing in Europe this season (Shamrock Rovers, St Patricks Athletic, Bohemians, Sligo Rovers).

14 Derry City recorded the highest number of draws this season.

16 The number of times Chris Mulhall (Shelbourne) was used by a sub was the highest in the First Division this season.

17 Shamrock Rovers title win was their 17th league crown of all time and second in a row.

22 Number of goals scored by Derry City striker Eamon Zayed to take home the golden boot for the Premier Division. Also the highest amount of times any player was used as a substitute : David McDaid (Derry City).

24 The number of goals scored by Cork City hero Graham Cummins who finished as top scorer in the First Division. 

26 The number of goals conceded by Irish teams in Europe this season.

27 The number of times Shelbourne goalkeeper Paul Skinner sat on the bench for a full 90 minutes. 

30 Five first division players played in every match this season. Kevin Burns (Waterford United), Graham Cummins (Cork City), David Cassidy (Shelbourne),Martin Kehoe (Wexford Youths) and Gabriel Sava (Monaghan United) didn’t miss a single game.

33 The number of times St Patricks Athletic goalkeeper Chris Bennion was an unused sub, the highest in any division.

36 Three Premier Division players lined out in every league match this season. These were Ger Doherty (Derry City), Paul Corry (UCD) and Simon Madden (Dundalk).

45 Number of teams that entered the FAI Cup this season.

52 St Patricks Athletic will have to wait another year to end their FAI Cup drought after Dublin rivals Shelbourne shocked them in the semi finals. The Saints last won the cup in 1959

59 The number of games Shamrock Rovers will have played this season by the time they have wrapped up their Europa League campaign against Tottenham Hotspur on December 15th.

69 Number of goals scored in this seasons Setanta Cup.

73 The record amount of goals scored this term, a feat achieved by both Sligo Rovers and Cork City.

77 Number of points amassed by eventual champions Shamrock Rovers.

85 Total number of goals scored in this seasons League Cup.

91 This season was the 91st since the league was established.

94 The minute when both the Premier and First Division titles were won. Dean Kelly struck a late winner for Shamrock Rovers against UCD and Graham Cummins broke Shelbourne hearts when he sealed the title for Cork City with a last gasp header. Both games finished 2-1.

95 Galway United`s goal difference was -95 after they scored 20 goals and conceded 115.

115 Record number of goals conceded by any top flight team in history. Galway conceded 115 times as they were relegated to the First Division.

124 The minute of the match when Shamrock Rovers star Stephen O`Donnell converted the winning penalty against Partizan Belgrade to make the Hoops the first ever Irish team to enter the group stages of the Europa League.  

159 Total number of First Division matches this season.

180 Total amount of league matches played in the Premier Division this season.

339 Total number of all league matches played in League of Ireland this season.

431 Number of goals scored in the First Division this season.

500 Number of goals scored in this season’s top flight.

2,000 Smallest capacity of a League Of Ireland stadium, Hunky Dory’s Park, home of Drogheda United.

4,164 Attendance at League Cup Final where Derry City beat Cork City 1-0.

4,789 The attendance at the Setanta Cup Final where Shamrock Rovers beat Dundalk 2-0 to capture their first Setanta Cup Title.

 9,680 Capacity of the League Of Ireland`s biggest stadium, Tolka Park, home of Shelbourne.

350,000 The fee that took James McClean from Derry City to Sunderland in August of this year.

10,759 The number of air miles St Patricks Athletic clocked up when they travelled to Kazakhstan to face FC Shakter Karagandy in the Europa League. The Saints suffered a 2-1 defeat on their travels but beat their opponents 2-0 in Inchicore to advance to the next stage. 

21,662 Highest attendance of the season which happened at the FAI Ford Cup Final where Sligo Rovers beat Shelbourne 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

2011
11/06
CATEGORY
League of Ireland
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LOI Review:Rovers Reign Supreme as Hapless Galway Endure A Season To Forget

The 2011 Airtricity League title race concluded with Shamrock Rovers winning a well-earned 17th league title.

The Hoops defeated Galway 4-0 in Tallaght to round off an impressive league campaign which saw them retain their league title. Rover’s season will not end until early December due to their participation in the Europa League group stages. The Hoops became the first Irish side to make the group stages when a Stephen O`Donnell penalty saw the Hoops edge past Partizan Belgrade. .

Sligo and Derry pushed Rovers all the way, but a Rovers win over Derry and Sligo slipping up against St Patricks Athletic in  Inchicore left it all in their hands with only a couple of games left.

The Hoops consistency as well as the return from injury of Karl Sheppard, coupled with the signings of experienced quality in Rohan Ricketts and Jim Paterson pushed Rovers over the line with a game to spare in the end. A testament to the strength of the squad Mick O’Neill created is that forgotten fifth choice striker Dean Kelly scored the goal to seal the win against UCD.

Sligo had a brilliant season and again reiterated their stance as one of Ireland`s top clubs. The Bit O`Red will be buoyed by Paul Cook`s decision to turn down SPL side St Johnstone to remain in the west and few would bet against them pipping Rovers next season. Sligo will also be looking to win a second successive FAI Cup when they battle Shelboure at the Aviva today. 

Derry enjoyed a marvellous return to the top flight and exceeded the expectations of everybody. Eamon Zayed was in hot form to take the golden boot while aa star studded batch of youngsters are coming through the ranks to ensure a bright future is in store at the Brandywell.    

Galway United had a year to forget as their side were reduced to the very bare bones due to financial trouble, reportedly working on a budget of 1500 a week. They had a horrendous record of just one win, three draws and 32 defeats. Their goal difference came in at a staggering -95 after they conceded a record 115 goals. Their fate was sealed last Friday night after a 5-1 aggregate defeat to First Division side Monaghan United.

The Mon’s will play Premier Division football next year with First Division Champions Cork City and cup finalist’s Shelbourne,  as they will take part in a new 12 team top division.  Shel’s skipper David Cassidy, who was an ever present, was voted the top player on in both divisions for the season. The poll was taken on Facebook on two pages, “The Airtricity League Banter Page” and the” League Supporters Association.” The pages have over 750 members between them.  Other players who received particular attention were Chris Forrester of Bohemians, and Evan Mc Millan of St Pats.

European Football provided a couple of talking points for Irish football this year, not least Shamrock Rovers outstanding work in the Europa League, and that Thursday afternoon when St Patricks Athletic were minutes from disaster.

In St Patricks Athletic’s case, the joy of Rovers European exploits may have never been possible as the players had refused to play their second leg tie against Karpaty Lviv, due to bonus payments disagreements with the Inchicore boardroom. The players however overturned their decision and played the game against the Ukrainians which they lost and the bowed out of Europe amidst a storm of controversy. Both Bohemians and Sligo Rovers exited Europe at earlier stages. 

Back on the home front the Saints enjoyed a fine season although their title tilt fell off towards the end of the season. The Inchicore faithful will be further aggrieved as they must wait at least another yeat before the FAI Cup will make its long awaited return to Dublin 8.

Bohemians endured a mixed season and achieved a credible 5th place position despite the financial turmoil at the club. A huge turnover of players and a large influx of youth ensured Bohs had the ability to compete given the circumstances. The main question over the off season is whether the Dalymount Park outfit can get their finances in order and stay afloat.

Bray Wanderers and Dundalk had a rather stop start season. Both teams shot out of the traps in early March and raised many eyes. The Seagulls performance in the first round of matches led many to believe they may well have challenged for a European spot but their performances dipped during the summer and they fell to a final position of 6th. Dundalk also enjoyed a fine start to the season which culminated in a Setanta Cup final defeat to Shamrock Rovers. The form of the Lilywhites dipped after that defeat and manager Ian Foster has left the club after leading the side to a 7th place finish.

UCD played some silky football but again found it difficult to break into the top 6 while Drogheda United will be relatively happy with their season. The Drogs enlisted former Monaghan United manager Mick Cooke at the start of the season. Working off a shoestring budget Cooke put together a fine squad that finished second bottom, some 19 points ahead of an ailing Galway United side.           

Team of The Season

(GK) Ger Doherty (Derry City)

(DF) Enda Stevens (Shamrock Rovers)

(DF) Evan McMillan (St Patricks Athletic)

(DF) Gavin Peers (Sligo Rovers)

(DF) Daniel Lafferty (Derry City)

(MF) Billy Dennehy (Shamrock Rovers)

(MF) Ronan Finn (Shamrock Rovers)

(MF) Richie Ryan (Sligo Rovers)

(MF) Darryl Kavanagh (St Patricks Athletic)

(ST) Eoin Doyle (Sligo Rovers)

(ST) Eamon Zayed (Derry City)

2011
11/06
CATEGORY
League of Ireland
Sport
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Monaghan Beat Galway In Play-Off Opener

Monaghan United have placed one foot firmly in the Airtricity Premier Division following an impressive first-leg promotion/relegation play-off win over Galway Utd.
The First Division side added more woe to Galway’s ill-fated season with a 2-0 victory at Gortakeegan which almost certainly means they will jump back into the top division for the first time in ten years.
The sides will meet again for the second play-off instalment at Terryland Park on Friday night, when John Brennan’s Galway men will desperately seek out a three goal win which will save their season.
Such a victory for Galway would seem unlikely, however, in a season which has seen them win just a singe league game – a 1-0 win over Bohemians way back in March.
Victory for Monaghan in this play-off would also help banish the painful memories of losing out to Bray Wanderers on penalties at the same stage last season.
Roddy Collins’ side looked well placed to win the tie this time around thanks to goals from midfielders Michael Isichei and Sean Brennan.
Isichei’s opening goal came after 13 minutes in a game Monaghan dominated, when he tapped home from a low cross from Brennan.
Monaghan remained on top into the second half with Galway midfielder Oscar Sibanda having to clear off the line before Aidan Collins crashed the rebound off the underside of bar.
Tempers flared late on when both sides were reduced to ten men.
Galway substitute Sean Gavin and Monaghan midfielder Eric Foley will miss the return leg as both were sent off following an off the ball clash on 81 minutes.
Six minutes later Monaghan got their second goal when Jordan Keegan did well after the ball hit the corner flag, to cross for Sean Brennan to shoot low past Galway keeper Conor Winn.

Monaghan United: Gabriel Sava; Paul Whelan, Aidan Collins, Alan Byrne, Shane Grimes; Michael Isichei (Paul Byrne 64, William McDonagh 85), Eric Foley, Ryan Brennan, Jordan Keegan (Jason Marks 88); Declan O’Brien, Sean Brennan
Substitutes not used: David Byrne, Philip Byrne, Mark Grace, Jake Rossiter

Galway United: Conor Winn; Paul Sinnott, Yob Som, Laurence Gaughan, Gary Kelly; Jin Gu Kim (Sean Gavin HT), Bobby Ryan, Alan Murphy, Oscar Sibanda (Eduardo Silvera 76); Mikey Gilmour, Ronan Cauldwell (Steven Walsh 89)
Substitutes not used: Willie Enulbe, Dara Duggan, Eric Brown, Eric Holland

Referee: Derek Tomney

2011
11/02
CATEGORY
League of Ireland
Sport
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Dublin Derby Could Blow Title Race Open

One of the tightest league chases yet is starting to come to a thrilling end, but not without a few more guaranteed highlights.

A testament to the title chase and to Bohs boss Pat Fenlon is that if his side can beat St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night, they will go within three points of defending champions Shamrock Rovers. Granted it is that the Hoops have two games in hand following their Europa League exertions, nevertheless a win for Bohs would blow the league race open even wider.

They entertain a Saints side on good form of late, having gained seven of the last nine points available to them. Saints boss Pete Mahon is hoping to bring a fully fit side to Dalymount, and believes it will be a thankless task to come away with a win. “Tomorrow is a must win game for both teams for different reasons. For us every game from now until the end of the season is must win if we have any hope of finishing top – and even then it may not be enough. Bohs have to win for different reasons and we’re aware that they’re trying to catch us and win a European spot for themselves.”

Liam Burns is the only injury threat for the Gypsies as they aim to secure their first win against St Pats this season. The Saints have taken five points from three encounters with Bohemians.

Shamrock Rovers return to league action against Drogheda United after a wonderful display against Tottenham Hotspur which will rest in the mind of their fans forever. The Hoops have a big squad to choose from and they look set to rotate the pack again. The retention of the league title is the most important thing for the Hoops fans, and the European adventures are a welcome bonus. Manager Michael O’Neill will be hoping that his players can switch their focus back and forth between both competitions in order to achieve their aims. There is no team news as of yet as the Tallaght side will look to evaluate their options ahead of Sunday`s game.

Elsewhere other league contenders are in action, with Derry hosting Bray Wanderers in the Brandywell. Barry Molloy and Shane McEleney are both set to miss out, although Daniel Lafferty will be once again available after missing the EA Sports Cup success against Cork City. Candystripes manager Stephen Kenny is relishing the pressure towards the end of the season. “It’s been said that the title race is between Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers – and that is fine by us. We have a tough run-in but everything is still in our own hands.”

League leaders Sligo Rovers welcome Galway United to the Showgrounds in a must win game for the Bit o’Red.  Galway are on a hopeless losing streak and at this stage of the day Sligo can’t afford to muck up. Paul Cook has ruled Eoin Doyle and Jason Mc Guinness out of the game, and he knows Galway will be up for the game against their rivals from the west. “We know Galway will try to stop us and they come here with nothing to lose. The pleasing thing for me is that in our last two games we have been very professional, recorded wins and put in the level of performance we needed. That is what we’ll be aiming for this week.”

UCD host Dundalk in a game which has no bearing on either end of the table. Both managers will probably look to have a strong end to the season, in tandem with giving fringe players and youth a chance to blossom. Ian Foster echoed his calls this week to not let the season peter out, and will hope for a professional performance from his side which so much was expected of.

FIXTURES:

FRIDAY 7.45

Bohemians V. St Patrick’s Athletic

Derry City V. Bray Wanderers

UCD V. Dundalk

SATURDAY

Sligo Rovers V. Galway United

SUNDAY

Shamrock Rovers V. Drogheda

2011
09/30
CATEGORY
League of Ireland
Sport
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Crunch Time For Top Teams

This weekend`s League of Ireland fixtures could go a long way in determining the final outcome of the season with all the top teams facing potentially difficult ties.

League champions Shamrock Rovers host Bray Wanderers, who defeated the Hoops in Tallaght in the first round of games to put an end to the ideology that the Hoops were an untouchable team.

Player of the Month Pat Sullivan will be back in action, and Gary McCabe will be pushing Rovers other attacking options for a start against his old team. The Seasiders are coming off a good midweek win against UCD and will be looking to upset the apple cart once again. 

Any slip up for Rovers will see Sligo crank up the pressure on the Hoops, but they have a task in itself by travelling to Hunky Dory’s Park to take on a much improved Drogheda United. The Drogs have lost all their games against the Bit o’Red this year, but have amassed four points from their last three home games. Sligo havn’t been beaten since early August in the league, and will hope to welcome back Danny Ventre and Aaron Greene to league action. Sligo boss Paul Cook believes Drogheda can’t be taken for granted. “You just have to look at Drogheda’s results. They have drawn with Derry twice and were beaten by a 94th minute goal by Shamrock Rovers. There are no soft touches in this league. It is going to be a very hard game. When you’re winning games it is easy to think you can just keep going. You have to earn the result and respect every team in this league. Mick Cooke has done an excellent job and made Hunky Dory Park a very hard place to get a result from.”

St Pat’s can’t be removed from the title race just yet as any sort of slip from the top three could see Mahon’s men sneak back into contention. Mahon feels the game against Dundalk is an opportunity to push back into the top three, but to also give players a chance to stake a claim for first team action. “Our preparations for tomorrow’s game haven’t been ideal. We have a number of players injured which has impacted our training sessions this week. We are hoping two or three will have recovered, but we need to consider the impact the artificial pitch will have on them before making any decisions, having said that, this is good opportunity for those who haven’t featured recently to stake a claim for a starting place in the team for the remaining matches of the season. This is a really important game for us, as they all are between now and the end of the season .We want to break into the top 3 and to qualify for Europe through the league.”

Dundalk, who are fourteen points off the Saints, have manager Ian Foster trying to push players in an attempt to stop the season grinding to a halt. “We’ve got six games to go and I’ve got a proud bunch of players,” he said. “I’ve got a committed bunch of players. Friday night is going to be tough for us. It certainly is, because obviously we played 120 minutes on Tuesday – 45 minutes with ten men.”

The only other league game this week will be the clash at Terryland park between Galway United and Bohemians. Bohs will be trying to push the Saints hard for the last few games, as well as maintain their cup challenge. Manager Pat Fenlon has a full squad to choose from, and may give some of the younger players a run out ahead of the forthcoming Leinster Senior Cup Final and the FAI Cup semi final..

League leaders Derry City are not in action, as they take on Cork City in Saturday`s EA Sports Cup Final. 

Fixtures:

Galway United V. Bohemians, Terryland Park 7.45pm

Dundalk V. St Patricks Athletic, Oriel Park 7.45pm

Drogheda United V. Sligo Rovers, Hunky Dory’s Park 7.45pm

Shamrock Rovers V. Bray Wanderers, Tallaght Stadium 3.00pm

2011
09/23
CATEGORY
League of Ireland
Sport
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Title Race Hotting Up

Monday night’s results turned out to be good for the two Rovers, as they avoided defeat as leaders Derry City struggled to take a point from a home clash with Drogheda United.

Shamrock Rovers Europa league penalty hero Stephen O’Donnell put them ahead in a blustery Richmond Park, with second half substitute Danny North equalising for the Europa league challenging Saints.

Sligo Rovers, who meet the Hoops in the FAI Quarter Final on Monday in the west, were victorious at home to Wicklow men Bray Wanderers to keep the pressure on the other teams at the top.  A three nil win was provided by goals from Danny Ventre, John Russell and Alan Keane.

The night could have been even worse for the Candystripes however, as they had to claw their way back into their game against the Drogs. Goals from United’s Brian Gannon and Gavin Brennan had them two up at half time. Derry salvaged a point in the second half with Gareth McGlynn scoring before an unfortunate blunder from Drogheda stopper Robert Duggan levelled the scores up.

Elsewhere Bohemians recorded a good home win against Dundalk to keep the squeeze on St Pat’s in 4th. Goals from Killian Brennan, Ger O’Brien and Christy Fagan helped secure a 3-1 victory, with young centre half Garry Breen on target for the lilywhites.

Hapless Galway contributed to their own downfall after taking the lead in the Belfield Bowl against UCD. Oscar Sibonda opened the scoring after the interval for the tribesmen but that was cancelled out by Students substitute Chris Lyons, and luckless Galway defender Laurence Gaughan scored an OG to give the College all three points.

The nights action leaves Derry a point clear of both Rovers, with the hoops having a game in hand.

By Damien Byrne

2011
09/15
CATEGORY
League of Ireland
Sport
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Fallen Champions Return to the Summit

Bohemians sit pretty on top of the League of Ireland table this morning after beating Drogheda United 1-0 at Dalymount Park. An Anto Flood goal was enough to put the 2009 champions on top of the league with two wins from two, yet they Gypsies will need to maintain a fully fit squad if they are to maintain any form of title tilt. United manager Mick Cooke is still searching for his first points and will do well to keep the Boynesiders up this term.  

The story of the night came from Richmond Park where Bray Wanderers came back from the dead to beat St Patricks Athletic 3-2. The Inchicore side roared into a two goal lead with an own goal from Derek Prendergast followed by an effort from Evan McMillan. However the Saints took their eye off the ball and two goals from Conor Murphy in the space of ten minutes put the Seagulls level. New signing Joe Kendrick struck late on to give Pat Devlin`s men their first victory of the season.

A similar scoreline was played out at Oriel Park where Dundalk took the spoils over Galway United. A sublime goal from Mark Quigley put the hosts ahead before Joseph Yoffe equalised from the penalty spot. Jason Byrne put the Lilywhites ahead with only twenty minutes remaining but Ian Foster`s men were pegged back when Sean Kelly found the net for the Tribesmen. A late goal from Shane Guthrie secured the win for the Louth side three minutes from time.

Derry City recorded their first win upon returning to the Premier Division by beating UCD 2-0 at the Belfield Bowl. Gareth McGlynn and Daniel Lafferty bagged the all important goals for the Candystripes.

The final clash of this weekend sees Shamrock Rovers travel to the North West to take on Sligo Rovers in a repeat of last year`s FAI Cup Final. All eyes will be on the Showgrounds as the two main title contenders square off in an early six pointer.

2011
03/12
CATEGORY
League of Ireland
Sport
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