30/12/04 - Charity Game in Aid of Asian Disaster

Skerries Town FC are holding a Charity Match in aid of the Asian Distaster, proceeds will go to the Red Cross. The match will be held on Sunday the 2nd at Park Lane at 2.30. The 11aside managers will take on the 7aside managers. So come along and show your support.

28/12/04 - Skerries Town U9's beaten in semi-final

While most of you were still sitting with your feet up last Monday 27th. Dec, three teams from Skerries Town FC headed up to Gormanstown for the Annual 7 a-side indoor tournament.

Unfortunately, both U10 teams under the stewardship of Tony, Derek, Paul and Frankie, failed to qualify for the final stages.

The Under 9's managed by Kevin and Reg qualified for the Semi-final after topping their group with a 1-1 draw against St Pauls of Artane and two wins, 4-0 against Woodlawn and 3-2 against Balscadden.
Skerries were drawn in the semi-final against last years winners, Home Farm and performed very well in a close match. The Home Farm keeper made a number of fine saves to keep Skerries at bay. It was still 0-0 coming into the last few minutes when the referee ignored the "high ball" rule and allowed a dubious goal for Home Farm. With time running out, Skerries pressed for the equaliser and Farm broke away to score their second with what turned out to be the last kick of the game.

A sad way to go out but we will learn from the experience.

22/12/04 - Leinster Senior League Report

As we go into the Christmas break, our Sat. Team sit on top of their league while our Sun. Team got back to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Verona from Coolmine.

The home game for the Sat. Team was cancelled at very short notice by Dalkey Utd. but other results meant that Paul Walsh can still have a happy Christmas in the knowledge that his team are still setting the pace.

On Sunday, the Senior side hosted Verona, coming off three defeats in a row. Having beaten them away six weeks ago in a tight game this was never going to be anything other than a struggle and at the end of 90 minutes, the three points were secured through one piece of magic by Gary Woodhead midway through the 2nd half.

A long throw by Niall Bolger enticed the visiting keeper off his line, and when he failed to collect the ball at the edge of the box, Woodhead was on hand to loft the ball over a crowded area into the net – and with his right foot too!!!

This game marked the Senior debuts for Colm Durkan and youth player Barry Davey, who came on in the 2nd half and made a strong impression.

Manager Alan Sweeney has given the players this week off but has a few intensive training sessions scheduled for the week after Christmas.

20/12/04 - Christmas Draw

Our Grand Christmas Draw took place in the Gladstone on Friday night last and an enjoyable night was had by all those who attended.
Most of the 30 prizes went locally. Some exceptions were the Christmas Hamper which went to Belfast to Frankie Davison's mother, a Turkey to Clonsilla and a ham to Dunlear.

The main prize, the 'Sporting Dream Holiday' was won by Clodagh Kenny of Moorings Cove, Skerries who was present on the night to claim her prize.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those members who made a great effort in selling tickets for the draw and of course everyone who supported the club by purchasing tickets.

To view a list of all winners, click here.

14/12/04 - Future Looks Bright for Skerries

With the Christmas break now upon us it is an opportune time to review season progress to date. We all know that the leagues were regraded last month with leagues commencing again on a balanced basis. This has not proven to be any problem for Skerries Town 7-a-side teams when league tables are inspected.

Under 7B - Kieran Mullen. Joint 1st in a tough league. Fantastic Performance for such a young group of obviously talanted kids.

Under 8B1 - Tommy O'Brien. 1st following a brilliant weekend victory away to arch rivals Glebe North.

Under 9B - Kevin Wynne. Joint 1st in a high standard of league with a number of tough fixtures already completed. This team are looking good for success.

Under 9G - Siobhan O'Brien. 1st. This possibly ranks as the best performance of any team in the club, They are really starting to click after some great effort from Siobhan and her team.

Under 10C - Kevin Farrell. 1st. This highly talanted team are starting to deliver on their obvious potential.

Under 10E1 - Paul Kenny. 1st. Runaway leaders of this league and looking good for the title.  

You will agree that the above makes good reading and offers much hope for the long term future of the club. Our congratulation to all involved in making all of our 7-a-side teams both successful and more importantly enjoyable for all of our players.

Report courtesy of Tommy O'Brien

13/12/04 - LSL Division 1  Disappointing result to Local Derby

Skerries Town  2    Loughshinney  3

On Sunday last there were “derbies” in London, Liverpool and Birmingham, but the most important one from a Skerries viewpoint was our game against Loughshinney.

Unfortunately, having been in front twice during the game, we were caught on the break in injury time and conceded what proved to be the winning goal, leaving the
score line 2-3 against us.

As usual, there was a huge crowd, as the away supporters travelled in large numbers and with a solid home support the atmosphere in Park Lane was definitely not for the faint hearted.

The pace of the game never let up and for 90 minutes it was 100 miles per hour, as play swung from end to end, with tackles flying, near misses at both ends and at half time – still no score.

Twice the home side went in front in the second half and twice they were pegged back. However, as nobody wanted a draw, Skerries were pressing hard as the clock wound down. A corner at the School end was collected by the Shinney keeper, hoofed down the middle, and within five seconds was in the back of the net, giving the home side no time to recover.

“Overall, for the neutrals - if there were any - and the Shinney supporters, this was a fantastic game. They were well up for it – more so than our lads – and just about shaded it.” said Skerries Town Player Manager Alan Sweeney.

11/12/04 - Santa visits Academy Kids   Photos

The final Kids Academy coaching session of 2004 concluded last Saturday with a party and a visit from Santa. Kids Academy members were treated to sweets, crisps and drinks in the newly refurbished Clubhouse. The highlight was the surprise visit of Santa who had a gift of a selection box for each academy member.

The Academy staff wish to thank all the "Kids" for their attendance over the last 12 weeks or so and wish all members and their parents a very happy Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

The Club would also like to thank all the staff, Noeleen, Darragh, Kevin, Mick, Gavin, Aidan and Clodagh for their commitment to the Academy during the year and wish them a very happy Christmas.

10/12/04 - Big LSL Derby Game on Sunday

Sunday brings our home local derby game against our neighbours Loughshinney Utd.

Both teams are presently experiencing a slump in form but this will be forgotten once kick off time arrives at 2.00 pm.

As always there will be plenty of familiarity between the teams with Loughshinney manager Paul Lumsden having spent some time with Skerries during our FAI Senior Cup run couple of seasons back. Also current Skerries keeper, Eamonn Byrne started the season as a Shinney player.

Form counts for nothing in these encounters but you can be sure there will be a fantastic atmosphere in Park Lane with traditionally our biggest crowd of the season.

So, be sure to come along and give our lads your support.

08/12/04 - Schoolboy/girl Chrsitmas break

All schoolbo/girl fixtures will close for the Christmas period from the weekend 11th/ 12th December. All local authority pitches are closed from that weekend. A re--commencement date will be advised later.

08/12/04 - Kids Academy takes a break

The Kids Academy closes for the Christmas break on Saturday 11th December. Following the coaching and games, academy members, their parents, grand parents and friends are invited to a party in the Clubhouse. The coaching commences as usual at 10am while the party gets under way at 11am. A special guest is expected to make an appearance.

05/12/04 - Skerries Town 15's steal it

Skerries 4 Malahide 3

Skerries town started very well for the first twenty minutes creating numerous chances through the midfield. Then a silly free kick given away for handball resulted in a Malahide goal. Skerries still pressurised the Malahide defence with the pace of Shane Langan and Sean Lynch but conceded a sloppy goal with Malahides only threatening attack of the first half. Skerries struck back with a good link up between Phillip Duff and Danny Cripps. where Cripps put over a fantastic cross to find the head of Brendan Carberry who nodded home with great accuracy. Then, Shane Langan went on a skilful run and slotted home a equaliser before half time.

Skerries town started the second half poorly but began to force there superiority and Langan managed to get a second. With a few dubious decisions by the referee Skerries began to lose there composure and a two yellow cards were issued. This resulted in a Malahide equaliser. Skerries were close to conceding another but good defending from Ross Keogh and Paul Andrews kept Skerries in the game. Then Skerries managed to catch Malahide on the counter with a ball over the top and Sean Lynch regained the lead. Skerries were then put under a lot of pressure from a series of good attacks by Malahide. Malahide had two great chances but they were stopped by some superb goalkeeping by keeper Kyle Fitzpatrick. Skerries then managed to hold the Malahide attacks out to see the game out. All in all, Skerries were not at there best but managed to pull off a much needed win.

Men of the match Brendan Carberry and Kyle Fitzpatrick.

05/12/04 - Morale boosting draw for U11 Premier

Skerries Town U11’s arrived in the Premier League today . After 3 difficult fixtures and in the face of adversity the Team won their first Premier point with a sterling performance against fourth place Castleknock Celtic.

The Skerries midfield took the game by the neck right from the start after a 1st minute scare from the strong Castleknock forward line.

Conor Deegan and Ross Coleman dominated the midfield battle with hard tackling and visionary passing.

Dylan “Mac the Knife” Mc Namee consistently sliced through the Castleknock defence with his strength and determination, supported up the left wing by Captain Sean Marry who put in a “Heinze” like performance and cut out any threat down the left by demoralizing the Castleknock winger with his tackling and heading.
Shane Mc Donald had a colossal performance on the right wing with excellent movement and tackling, and Patrick O Leary was once again inspirational in his performance pushing forward from the midfield and constantly tormenting the Castkeknock defence.

The Skerries defence was impenetrable in the first half with Greg Reddin and Caoimhe Halpin’s return to form which included a Goalline clearance and a workmanlike performance from Aaron Farrell who playing out of position at right back for the ill Brendan Derham looked like he’s played there all his young career.

The left side pressure paid off in the 20th minute with a Goal from Dylan “Mac” Macnamee who linked up with Sean Marry to penetrate the Castleknock defence and find the back of the net with a beautiful left foot drive.
Lucas Quinn was also unlucky in the first half with his right foot volley coming back off the crossbar.

Second half Skerries Midfield increased their stranglehold on midfield with “Mac” and Shane Mc Donald running rampant on the wings supported by Aaron Farrell and Sean Marry.
Skerries could have sealed the win in the second half when “Mac” cut through the whole Castleknock defence leaving them in his wake and hitting the post with a rasper of a shot.

Unfortunately Castleknock equalised in the dying moments of the Game through a questionable offside Goal that their whole relieved squad celebrated on the pitch.

But this was the only breach of Shane “Buzz” Davis’s Goal (standing in for the injured Dylan Monaghan) who’s impressive and committed style ensured the Skerries Goal was kept safe throughout the game. All in all the Team and Management believe the corner has been turned that the KID’S ARE ALL RIGHT!!

04/12/04 - Senior Saturday Report

Skerries Town 3 Black Diamonds 0

Our Saturday Senior team retained their position at the top of the table with a comfortable 3 nil victory over Black Diamonds.

Goals from David Worall (10 Mins.), Eoghan Fagan (47 Mins). and Derek Early (91 Mins) properly reflected the state of play in a match where the home keeper Keith Farrell was barely tested during the whole game.

But for some fine saves from the experienced visiting keeper from Darren Barlow, Colm Durkan and Kevin Farrell, the score line would have been far greater.

As we approach the winter break, and with players returning from injury, Manager Paul Walsh should be pleased with the present league position as he looks forward to the new year with thoughts of more honours for his team.

04/12/04 - 7's in Columbans stalemate

St Columbans 0 Skerries Town 0

On Saturday, Ciaran and his under 7 squad headed to Coolock to take on St Columbans. Skerries needed to bounce back after their first home defeat of the season last weekend, but came up against a very strong and determined Saints side.
The first quarter definitely belonged to the home side with Skerries under a lot of pressure. Skerries defended very well in this quarter with a solid Skerries defence ensuring that the quarter finished scoreless.

Skerries came more into the game in the second and third quarters with both teams playing some good football and the Skerries midfield slowly taking over. Skerries were also helped by a number of good saves by Aaron Mullen.

In the last quarter Skerries took control but despite some great work from Aaron Kenny up front, Skerries failed to get the break they were looking for. Skerries changed keepers with Joachim Bosschaert taking over between the posts and he had to be alert in the closing minutes to make a good save to prevent Columbans sneaking the winner.

Skerries Squad:
Cian Mulhall, Aaron Kenny, Emmet O'Neil, Martin O'Neill, Jack Connolly, Cian Coleman, Keenan McGavisk, Eoin Dennis, Joachim Bosschaert, Aaron Mullen, Dillon Coleman

01/12/04 - Dave manages NDSL Youth Team.

Under 18 team manager Dave Barnes has been appointed the NDSL's Youths Team Manager for forthcoming Inter League Youths Cup competition. The NDSL team start their campaign with an away fixture against the AUL League in the AUL Complex next Saturday 4th December. The NDSL also have fixtures in the coming weeks against the Wicklow League (Home) and the Eircom League (Away). We wish Dave and his squad the best of luck.

01/12/04 - Old Pictures / article Required

Have you old photos or newspaper articles of Skerries teams or members from yesteryear? If so we would like to re-produce them on the website in our history slot. Items should be sent to info@skerriestowm.ie or call Mick @ 087 2802279 where items can be collected.
We would also like to hear from past members of Skerries Town as well as Home Celtic and Skerries United who may have stories or information to enable us to enhance the Club History section. You might even get a mention on our site.

01/12/04 - Lost and Found

We seem to be collecting more and more items of clothing (mostly children's) following games and training each week. Some of the items go back to the Summer Camp. These items are available for viewing at the Clubhouse for the next two Saturday mornings from 10 to 11am. Hopefully we can re-unite them with their owners. Items not collected by 11th December will be given to charity.
The Club would encourage parents of young players to label all cloths items with their name and phone number. That way we can return items left behind.

01/12/04 - Cooker and TV required

Have you an electric cooker or TV in good condition that you no longer use but don't know what to do with it? We will take it off your hands. All we ask is that they are in a good safe working condition. Both are required to improve the facilities at the Clubhouse. If you can help contact Noeleen @ 087 2802255.

30/11/04 - Nightmare in Ballyfermot for Senior Sunday

Ballyfermot Utd. 3 Skerries Town 2

What should have been a routine away trip to Ballyfermot last Sunday – currently at the bottom of the league without a win – turned into a nightmare from start to finish.
Firstly, our drivers got caught up in the horrific M50 crash, then lost their way and had difficulty finding the ground and eventually arrived with 30 minutes to spare.

However, confidence (maybe over-confidence) was high and after 10 minutes seemed justified as the Skerries passing game was tearing the home side apart. Even the concession of an own goal after 15 minutes didn’t cause too much anxiety as it seemed only a matter of time before the goal rush would commence. The equaliser duly arrived after 30 minutes when after continuous pressure Mark Byrne tapped home from close range.
At half time. Manager Alan Sweeney read the riot act and sent the team back out to force home all the possession they had. Again, it was more of the same, with a constant stream of near misses and miraculous saves from the Ballyfermot keeper and then the inevitable happened. A long clearance caught the Skerries defence napping and the home striker fired home from 18 yards. Worse was to follow when in another breakaway they went 3-1 up!

For the next 30 minutes, the ball hardly left the Home penalty area but all that was to show for this pressure was a Paul Doherty goal from a Darren Barlow knockdown.

Afterwards, the referee commented that he really only needed one linesman as 95% of the play took place in one half of the field!

This week will include much soul searching from the players as they contemplate next Sunday’s encounter away to Boyne Rovers in Drogheda.

29/11/04 - Alan too Swift for Corduff

Skerries Town 4 Corduff 1

The first match of the newly reformed league provided a successful start for this under 8 team.  Prior to restructuring, Corduff were placed 3rd in the division above Skerries.
Corduff started very brightly with everything revolving around a very good girl in midfield. She really impressed a watching Duane Creane. Skerries would have found themselves 2 goals behind if it were not for the brilliant reactions of goalie, Shane Rice. He has great potential in this position (Man Utd please note as he is better than those you have at present)
Then Skerries clicked into gear. Alan King Swift displayed all of his natural poaching skills. He achieved the remarkable feat of scoring in each quarter thereby providing all of the Skerries goals. Skerries produced a solid defensive display with Tom McDonald and Robbie Broderick commanding in defence.
The goal for Corduff, scored by their impressive female midfielder, had reduced the score to 2 - 1 before Skerries pulled clear to the joy of the large attendance. Sean Rocks, Jack Fitzpatrick and the Simpsons produced strong midfield displays, ably assisted by Jake Kenny and Joe O'Brien to ensure the campaign started on a winning foot.

27/11/04 - Two New Signings for Sunday’s Game

Alan Sweeney includes recent signings – Goalkeeper Eamonn Byrne from Loughshinney and Midfielder Chris Costello from Glebe North in the Senior Squad for Sunday’s League game against Ballyfermot Utd.

“I’m delighted to have the secured these lads, who will add to the strength of our panel which has been hammered in recent weeks with injuries to Martin Beggs, Keith Hickey, John Donnelly and Neil Gallagher. Brennie Moore came through last week’s Cup game without any reaction so he is now fully fit again.

The focus now is on gaining the points from games in hand and start pushing towards the top of the Table.”

27/11/04 - Declan Friel Award

Those who were present at the Skerries Town F.C. annual awards dinner in the Bracken Court hotel (photo) will remember the occasion long after many other similar events have faded into memory. Matthew Ward, aged 15 years, of Northcliffe Heights became the first recipient of the Declan Friel Memorial Endeavour Award. At the ceremony Declan’s Dad, Brendan, expressed his thanks and appreciation to Skerries Town F.C. for setting up the award to commemorate Declan and also for the tremendous support given to the Friel family by the club and the community. Brendan explained that Declan was just a month short of his 15th birthday when he died suddenly October 2003.

Declan was confined to a wheelchair through cerebral palsy. He was a bright and intelligent boy and although he could not walk, talk or do anything for himself he managed to live life to the full and was always ready to laugh. He communicated with his eyes, facial expressions and by spelling words by pointing to letters on a alphabet board. His older brother Gavin is a Man United fan so Declan chose to support Liverpool in order that he could tease Gavin whenever they beat united!

Skerries Town F.C. approached the Friel family with the idea of presenting an award to commemorate Declan. The family readily agreed and suggested that the award be presented to a young person who has faced up to and overcome a difficult challenge in his or her life - especially one which most people would never have to meet. Several people were nominated and the winner was decided by the Friel family in conjunction with the club.

At the award ceremony Brendan described how Matthew had been diagnosed as having a brain tumour some years ago and was very ill. He showed great determination in getting back to good health and leading a normal life again. Football was never far from Matthew’s thoughts and the day he returned to play for his team was a special day for all concerned. His friendliness, drive and determination to compete made him a firm favourite with all the players. He has plenty of ability and is a tremendous example to his peers. Brendan mentioned in particular that Matthew had overcome his illness with a smile on his face. People often remarked about Declan that he always had a big smile on his face and it was with this memory that the award was made to Matthew. It was particularly poignant when Matthew recalled how he had known Declan when he was alive and that they were both of a similar age.

Next year Skerries Town F.C. and the Friel family will be inviting nominations for the award from all the clubs, societies, associations and individuals in Skerries. As somebody remarked at the ceremony “this is what makes Skerries such a great community!”

23/11/04 - FAI Intermediate Cup Exit

Skerries Town 2    Ashtown Villa 3

On Sunday last, our Senior Team made their exit from this year’s FAI Intermediate Cup, going down 2-3 to Senior Division Ashtown Villa after extra time.

Injuries to Martin Beggs and Neil Gallagher meant Brendan Moore was forced to start although still carrying the remnants of the shoulder injury that forced him out of the first game. Indeed, after 15 minutes the task facing us looked impossible, as apart from conceding a goal (5 Minutes), Team captain, Niall Bolger was expelled having receiving 2 yellow cards in the space of 5 minutes.

The subsequent regrouping of the outfield was then further complicated by a hamstring injury to Keith Hickey which gave an unexpected 1st team debut to U17 player, Shane Burke, who came in at right back. For the remainder of the half, it was “backs to the wall” in an effort to keep the score at 0-1.

The 2nd half was very similar until the 15tn minute, when Robbie Richardson gained possession, made some space and fired in a shot that the visiting keeper could only parry and Brendan Moore won the race to force home the equaliser. Now, it was game on and suddenly Ashtown lost much of their composure as the home crowd at last found their voices. The introduction of fresh legs in David Coleman and Kieran O’Brien for the injured John Donnelly and Robbie Richardson ensured the high rate was kept up. However, with 15 minutes to go, the Skerries defence was again breached when Ashtown midfielder Rory Kerr blasted home from the edge of the box. The response was immediate when from the tip off good work between Shane Burke and David Coleman down the right wing left Coleman in the clear and his cross was met by the inrushing Moore to heads home his second and the equaliser.

The remaining time was played out without further incident and so we faced into 30 minutes extra time. The first period was a cautious affair and bought no further goals. When it looked if the tie would be decided by penalty kicks, the extra man that Ashtown had began to pay off and 5 mins. from the end of the 2 hours played. a shot from inside the box was well saved by Nicky Maypother but unfortunately for the home side, it fell to an Ashtown player who hammered home for the winner.

Manager Alan Sweeney commented “the injuries we had and then the sending off ultimately cost us the game. This is not the 1st time that we have lost a player through indiscipline but I hope it’s the last. It has been a costly lesson but we go on now and concentrate on picking up points in the league. The plusses were the introduction into the squad of two of our under 17s, Rory Noonan and Shane Burke. Shane played over 90 minutes for us and as the game developed so did he, and by the end of the game he looked very much at home on the pitch. Ashtown are a good, decent side and I wish them well in the next round against Bangor”

22/11/04 - Under 10C beat local rivals Glebe North

Skerries Town 5   Glebe North 3

Kevin's three goal spree does the trick

Revenge was the order of the day having been beaten 1-0 by Glebe earlier in the season. Skerries kicked off the new league competition with a commanding and convincing performance. A new found will to win capped by very fine displays of football by every member of the squad, has given the team the only attributes they lacked "the will to win and finish teams off."

Kevin Farrell opened the scoring for Skerries Town with a rasping left foot drive in the first minute. Town's leading scorer could have had a hat trick in the first ten minutes but for the post and a fine save from Glebe's keeper after being put through by a glorious pass from Craig Mahon. Silky skills from Gavin Drumm combined with a defence splitting pass led to Eoghan Carron having a one on one with the keeper, Eoghan just doesn't miss chances like that, 2-0. Wonderful work and skill by Craig Mahon nearly made it 3-0. There followed a ten minute period when Skerries started to play as if they were thinking about what they might do after the match. In this ten minute period while the lads had their little rest, Glebe punished by bringing the game back to level terms by half time.

A few questions were asked at half time that put the pep back in their stride. Derek Drumm is on honey and throat lozenges for the rest of the week. Kevin Farrell put Town back in the lead with a strike from way outside the box with his weaker right foot, but connected beautifully to put the ball in off the post.

Jordon Grimes at centre half, a player who is getting better and better all the time put in a wonderful match, not just hard defending but intelligent attacking also. The ever reliable Connor Lennox, he never stops , never gives up was biting at the heels of the Glebe attackers, never giving them an inch. Conor plays in the same vein as Vinnie Carroll, a past Skerries legend. Craig Mahon's endless effort nearly produced a goal but for a fine save by the keeper. Glebe did equalise to make it 3-3. They were level for less than a minute. At the other end Kevin Farrell danced around two defenders and buried it, 4-3 Skerries. Eoghan Carron made it 5-3, dribbling skills down the wing by Giggsy McConvey and a wonderful delivery by Giggs put Eoghan through to make it 5-3.

Glebe applied pressure again, but a string of fine saves by Ian Tolan made sure they didn't get anything.

A very good start to the new league finally playing like the managers always knew they could really sets them up to have a good campaign.

Thanks to Super Value for sponsoring a football to present to Kevin Farrell for his hat-trick. (Like father like son)

Link to squad

Report courtesy of Tony Farrell

16/11/04 - Leinster Youth Cup 

Skerries Town U17  4  Cabinteely U18  1

The sliver of sunlight piercing the clouds reflected the steely mood as Rory Noonan led the Skerries Town under 17s onto the undulating swathe of Mourve View to face the unknown challenge of Cabinteely's  under 18 premier DDSL crusaders in the second round of the Leinster Youth cup on Sunday 14 November.

Within three minutes of the start Cabinteely took the lead with a long range effort which stand-in keeper Robbie Klingen merely managed to parry into the roof of the net. To their credit Skerries kept their composure and began to take control with a neat and precise passing game which put pressure on the Cabinteely rearguard. The Skerries' right winger Jason Richardson took advantage of a mix-up in the Cabinteely defence to slide home the equaliser after 15 minutes and a short while later a superb swivel in the box saw Stephen Byrne drill home the lead for the home side. The Skerries mid-field pairing of David Potter and Shane O'Donoghue began to dominate and Skerries would have  gone further ahead but for some fine saves by the Cabinteely keeper.

In the second half a well timed header by Lap Cheung Yuen from a corner by Cathal Hurley hit the back of the net for number three. With their full-backs Shane Burke and Conor Molloy pushing forward while Rory Noonan and Rory Dowd kept control at the back it wasn't long before a fourth goal arrived with a quick break and finish by Stephen Byrne. Skerries could then afford the luxury of bringing on their regular keeper David Healy on his way back from injury and allowing Robbie Klingen to replace Jason Richardson on the right wing. Skerries continued to dominate but failed to add to their tally in spite of some excellent chances.

It was a deserved victory for Skerries which delighted manager Martin Burke whose fulsome efforts in coaching the team reaped their rewards.  

Report courtesy of Brendan Friel.

15/11/04 - Weekend Reports from Senior Teams

Skerries Town 2 Bradford Rovers 2

All the action was packed into the last five minutes of this game. We were leading 1-0 when Broadford equalised in the 85th minute. Straight from the tip-off with the visiting keeper stranded Dave Worrall scored the most unusual goal of the season so far.
However, in fairness to Broadford, the heads didn’t drop and in possibly the last attack they manufactured a cross which unfortunately for Paul Walsh’s side ended up in the corner of the net. A fair result then with everyone reasonably happy.

Verona 1 Skerries Town 2

This was almost a replica of Saturday’s game with again 3 goals in the last five minutes – but with the points coming our way.
On a heavy pitch and in difficult windy conditions, this was a scrappy affair that looked 0-0 until the 86th minute when Mark Byrne was fouled in the penalty box and he duly converted to put us one up.
Then in the last minute, a fine pass by John Beggs put Mark clear again and he scored from 15 yards.
In the 97th minute Verona were also awarded and scored a penalty which left the last moments uneasy enough for the Skerries line.
Unfortunately, the gloss of victory was dimmed by a bad ankle injury to Martin Beggs which should keep him sidelined until well after Christmas.

FAI Intermediate Cup 2nd Round Replay

Next Sunday, we host Ashtown Villa in a game which will decide who goes on to the 3rd Round. This should be a cracker, so let’s hope that we have a big crowd in Park Lane to cheer us on to victory.

Our Sat. side travel to Celbridge for the 1st Round of the Tom Carroll Cup.

15/11/04 - Website 'hits' pass the 300 mark

It's good to see that the website is being used. The daily hit average after two weeks is 23 hits per day. The largest hit count so far was last Thursday with 51 hits.

Total hits for November to date is 353

08/11/04 - Ashtown Villa 0 Skerries Town 0

Last Sunday, Alan Sweeney’s Men travelled to Mulhuddart to take on Ashtown Villa in the 2nd Round of the FAI Intermediate Cup.

In a game where both sets of defences excelled, it ended goalless and now we await the replay on Sunday 21st back in Skerries.

“I suppose I’m happy enough with the result and the performance. The loss of Brennie Moore after 20 minutes didn’t help but overall the lads who came in worked hard and I think we earned the draw” said Manager Sweeney.

In the meantime it’s back to League business next Sunday when we again battle through the Blanchardstown shoppers to visit Verona.

08/11/04 - Caoimhe at Old Trafford

Star under 11 player Caoimhe Halpin made her first visit to Old Trafford for a Premiership game last Sunday to see her beloved United take on rivals City in the Manchester derby. Caoimhe traveled from Dublin Airport  to Manchester with friends John and Bob McKenna on Sunday morning and then onto Old Trafford for the game. "It was great" declared the delighted Caoimhe when Skerries Town WebMasters caught up with her at her home today. There were crowds everywhere. "I bought loads of stuff...scarves, books, hats and badges" Caoimhe told us. "It was my first United game and sitting in the North Stand was brillo" said Caoimhe. Although there was no United win and no goals it failed to stop Caoimhe, John and Bob enjoying the occasion. 

After the game Caoimhe got her shirt autographed by united players Saha and Bellion

04/11/04 - Chairman's Welcome Message

Welcome To Our Home The Super Electronic Highway.

Our website is a new communications dimension for our Club and especially for all of our Members most of whom, were born in the new Hi-Tech Generation.

I hope you will find our website to be useful and we would like to hear from you, if you have any comments or if you would like to sign up as one of our Patrons, Sponsors or Supporters, wherever you may be at home or overseas.

Thank you,

Owen O'Brien
Chairman

NDSL 7-a-side notice

The North Dublin Schoolboys/girls League have decided to re-grade all 7-a-side sections with the first set of fixtures taking place on Saturday, November 20.

The League have decided to make the change to ensure all children at every age group has a competitive league to take part in.

The cup competitions start on Saturday 6th of November and the draws for these were made based on the new league sections.
These will be on a home and away basis for the first round and the aggregate score over the two legs will decide the winner.
If teams are level after both legs there will be 5 minutes each way extra time played. If they are still level after this a replay will take place (It is up to the referee to find out the score of the 1st leg before the start of the 2nd leg).

The new tables are available to view on a2zsoccer.com

The table below shows the new team names for Skerries Town 7a-side teams.

Brenfer League 7 a-side Re-balancing :

28/10/04 - Arklow come to Town.
Skerries Town take on Arklow Town at Park Lane in the LSL Division 1 clash on Sunday. Manager Alan Sweeney will, for the first time this season, pick from a full strength squad. The kick off is at 2pm.

26/10/04 - Schoolboy Cup weekend
This weekend Skerries have 3 team playing in SFAI Cups and all with away fixtures. The under 17s play Leixlip United on Sunday, the under 16s travel to Kells on Saturday to play Kells Boys, while the under 15s travel to play Willows FC in Glasnevin.

Meanwhile, the under 18s play in the 1st round of the Brenfer Youths Cup in a home tie against Ashbourne United. Kick off is 12.30.

26/10/04 - Night at the Races
Sherries Town are hosting a Night at the Races in the Rugby Club on Friday 19th November. First race at 8.30pm. Anyone interested in supporting this event in any way should contact John Gahan.

26/10/04 - Grand Christmas Draw
Skerries Town are running a Grand Christmas Draw this year with super prizes. Winner can choose their sporting event from Premiership football, 6 Nations Rugby, Aintree Grand National, Cheltenham Festival, or World Cup Soccer in Cyprus. The choice is yours. Tickets are €3 each or books of 10 for €25 are now available.