2005 Quarter Four
28/12/05 - Skerries Town win Gormanstown Christmas Tournament.
Skerries Town under 7's managed by Paul Kenny are the Paddy Eviston Memorial Cup Winners for 2005 following their success at Gormanstown College on Wednesday 28/12/05.
This competition hosted by the NDSL league attracts many of the top side from north county Dublin. Skerries were drawn in a group with St. Joseph's East Wall, Balscadden FC and Woodlawn FC. In the opening game against St Josph's East Wall, Skerries were comfortable 2-1 winners with goals from Aaron Kenny and Dylon Sweeney.
In game 2 Skerries made sure of a place in the semi finals by beating Balscadden 6-0. A hat-trick by Mahir Said was the highlight of this game.Dylan Coleman, Emmet Mullen and Dylan Sweeney completed the scoring.
In the final game of the group Skerries played Woodlawn with nothing more than a group win or runners spot to be decided. Woodlawn won 6-1 to top the group. Dylan Sweeney scoring the consolation Skerries goal.
Normal service was restored in the semi final as Skerries coasted past Swords Manor 4-0. Goals by Mahir Said (2) and Dylan Sweeney and Aaron Kenny with one each did the damage.
In the final Skerries would play Woodlawn FC their conquers in the group stage 6-1. A large crowd was present as the two best teams went head to head for the title. Woodlawn opened the scoring but unlike the group game Skerries replied within minutes. Mahir Said firing home from close range to bring the sides level. But Woodlawn hit back and went in front despite the efforts of Lynch in the Skerries goal. However, Dylan Coleman restored parity when he levelled with 4 minutes remaining. The game looked like it was heading for extra time when with the last attack of the game Mahir Said nipped in to score a dramatic winner for Skerries to the delight of the Hoops supporters.
The Skerries team: Darragh Lynch, Dylan Sweeney, Dylan Coleman, Aaron Kenny, Mahir Said, Jack Ferguson, Emmet Mullen, Mark Doyle and Charlie Cunningham.
18/12/05 - Senior Sunday Match Report
Skerries Town 1 Arklow Town 1
Arklow were the visitors to Park Lane for this final league LSL Division 1 game of 2005. One change from recent games was that Gary Woodhead replaced Neil Gallagher in midfield who was on the bench.
The opening 25 minutes was pretty much even with both defences well on top. The first real chance of the first half came when Skerries forced a corner on the left. Coleman's outward delivery was headed against the bar by Beggs with the O'Rourke beaten in the Arklow goal. From the rebound Doherty cracked his header off the bar with O'Rourke again well beaten. O'Hart hacked the ball to safety for Arklow.
On 30 minutes Byrne had to be alert in the Skerries goal saving a Pike snap shop to his right. Moore and Coleman created an opening for Beggs but the Arkow defence held firm. Skerries got the break through their play in the closing period of the first half deserved when a minute before the break Beggs beat O'Rourke to a Woodhead free from the right after Moore was fouled by Fitzpatrick.
The second half started with Arklow pressing for an immediate equaliser. Arklow's left sided player Pike was getting more and more of the ball and in the opening 10 minutes Lee and Doherty were needed to block his efforts. Davey who had replaced Donnolly after 12 minutes tried to play Beggs in but his pass was over hit. On 16 minutes a long ball from Byrne fell to Moore but he shot straight at O'Rourke. Sweeney made two further changes O'Flaherty replacing Woodhead and Gallagher replacing the injured Lee. But as the game entered the final quarter all the chance were now falling to Arklow. Doyle had two chances the best when he skipped into the box, only to see his shot well blocked by Langan. Langan was again on hand when he blocked a Pike shot to divert the ball for a corner when it seemed a goal was certain. With 7 minutes remaining Arklow were level. The pressure finally told on the Skerries defence when Pike, Arklow's man of the match finally got the better of his Skerries counterpart Langan to fire a low shot to the back of the net. Byrne got his finger tips to the ball but was unable to keep the ball out of the net.
Skerries went in search of a winner straight from the kick off. The best chance between Moore and Beggs after O'Flaherty had worked an opening but Arklow's Murphy cleared the danger. Skerries go into the Christmas in third place in the league with 26 points from 14 games.
The management and squad can be well pleased with this position and look forward to the re-start in early January.
17/12/05 - Senior Saturday Prem advance in O'Reilly Cup
Dunboyne 3 Skerries Town 7
Last weekend Skerries Town travelled to Dunboyne and tasted defeat for the first time this season, Dunboyne winning the game 2-0 against a very under par Skerries.
This weekend the sides met again, in Dunboyne, in the 2nd round of the Lummy O’Reilly Cup. Skerries needed to improve from the previous weeks performance.
Dave Barnes team talk before the game left the Skerries players in no doubt of what was expected of them. The team had something to prove and this was apparent right from the kick-off with Stewy Mangan playing the captains role, urging his players on. The game was a bit slow to get going but when it did, it certainly did, with three goals in five minutes.
Skerries opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Dave Murray switched play from left to right and found Seamus Farrell on the edge of the and Seamus took one touch and fired a great shot to the roof of the net giving the Dunboyne goalkeeper no chance. Two minutes later Skerries were two up, a lovely through ball from Neil Coen found Danny Lemont and he cooly slid the ball past the keeper.
Dunboyne came straight back at Skerries and a long ball over the defence found the Dunboyne number 10 and ignoring appeals for off-side he finished well giving Shannon no chance in the Skerries goal. Just before half-time, Skerries regained their two goal advantage when Coen was involved when he headed on to Kevin Farrell who side footed past the keeper for number three.
Early in the second half, Skerries were four one up. Kevin Farrell placed a lovely ball to the feet of Colm Treacy who crashed a wonderful left foot strike to the Dunboyne net.
Dunboyne didn’t give up and forced a corner. The ball was cleared to Lemont, on his own on the halfway line. Lemont held the ball with Carroll and Murray racing forward to support. Lemont chose Carroll and passed the ball through for Carroll to chip a delightful shot over the advancing Dunboyne keeper. The scoring didn’t stop here. Kevin Farrell was taken down in the box and Mangan cooly put away the penalty kick for a 6-1 lead.
Skerries made some changes with Adam Tolan and Robbie Armstrong replacing Neil Coen and Dany Lemont. This pair were soon in the action when Tolan put Armstrong clear and Armstrong finished it off with a nice finish to make the score 7-1.
Skerries took their foot off the pedal in the last ten minutes and conceded an unnecessary penalty which Dunboyne converted and then they capitalised on some casual defending to score their third.
After the game, Skerries Town manager Dave Barnes was obviously pleased with the result. “I like a good cup run. It would be nice to have a day out at the end of the season and dust down the old tin of fruit” he said.
11/12/05 - Under 17's lose out in FAI Youths Cup
Skerries Town 1 Everton (Cork) 2
Skerries Town exited the FAI under 17 cup after a titanic battle against Everton of Cork at Park Lane Skerries on Sunday. Skerries without a game for 3 weeks were eager to make a good start and that they did. In the opening 20 minutes chances fell Mulvaney and Coleman but a combination of good defending and poor finishing kept the score to nil. The best chance in that opening period came after Beattie was fouled by Everton's full back Cotter 20 yards from goal. Hopkins floated the free kick into the box, Beattie flicked the ball on but Mulligan in the Everton goal saved from Coleman. On 32 minutes a Bolger cross field pass to Mulvaney almost caught the Everton defence out but Roche recovered to divert the danger for a throw.
In between the Skerries efforts Everton create chances of their own. Burns had an effort just over after beating Jenkinson to a long ball from O'Connor and Anthony Murphy had his turn and shot well saved by Jenkinson in the Skerries goal.
On 37 minutes Everton opened the scoring. A corner on the left by Walsh was beautifully fired into the near post. David Daly reacted quicker than all the Skerries defenders to head to the roof of the Skerries net to give Everton a half time lead.
Skerries started the second half playing into the town end. Within 3 minutes Everton were forced to make a change when impressive full back Cotter was injured in a tackle and was replaced by Killian Cough. Skerries pressed forward for an equaliser and it only took them 7 minutes to restore parity. Everton failed to clear a Beattie free. The ball fell to Heffernan who had his shot blocked. Coleman then shot with the same result, and then Coen saw his headed come back off the cross bar and somewhere within all this goal mouth action the referee saw an Everton hand ball. Mulvaney despatched the penalty with ease to bring the sides level.
However, as is often said a team is most at risk just after scoring and so it was for Skerries. Within 3 minutes Everton forced a corner on the left. From the corner Skerries were unable to clear and Darren Roche somehow toe poked the ball to the back of the Skerries net with Jenkinson beaten.
Skerries again went in search of an equaliser. Efforts by Beattie, Garrett and O'Brien who had replaced Bolger can to nothing. The tackling was now not for the faint hearted but referee Whelan kept good control with a combination a word in the ear and a few yellow cards. More chances fell to Skerries as the game entered the last 10 minutes. During this period however O'Connor and Roche were outstanding for Everton. O'Brien was just over with a header from a Beattie corner. Heffernan and Hopkins both had shots saved by the ever alert Mulligan. Probably the best and final chance to draw level came on 40 minutes. Skerries were awarded a free kick just inside the box when Mulligan was adjudged to have held the ball too long. Hopkin's tapped the ball to Beattie but the wall did it'd job to block the ball to safety and with it Skerries hope of an equaliser.
So disappointment for Skerries after their first defeat of the season.
11/12/05 - Senior Sunday Match Report (Friday)
St. James Gate 1 Skerries Town 1
Skerries travelled to the Iveagh Grounds in Crumlin last Friday night for their clash with the league leaders St James Gate.
In ideal conditions, Skerries started the brighter and went in front after only 7 minutes. There seemed little danger when Coleman crossed from the right into the Gate box. The half clearance was picked up by John Donnolly on the edge of the area who immediately fired in a fierce shot that seemed to be going wide when it took a wicked deflection off the back of a defender to totally deceive the keeper to the delight of the travelling Skerries supporters.
Immediately the Gate went in search of an equaliser. Their five man midfield was totally dominating the proceedings which forced Skerries right back to the edge of their penalty area. Time after time all the Skerries defenders could do was conceded a corner. The corner count must have been 10-12 in that period. Even with all the gate possession Skerries were able to create two good chances of their own. On 36 minutes a break from the back by Gallagher, he played the ball to Beggs who in turn set up Moore but he shot weakly at the keeper. Within a minute another Skerries break caught the Gate short at the back but the final pass to Moore by Coleman was brought to a halt by a linesman flag. Skerries seemed to have survived the massive Gate onslaught when from one of those corners from the left in the 43 minute the Gate got their equaliser.
Manager Alan Sweeney made two changes at half time. Graham O Flaherty and Cathal Hurley replaced Rory McCaffrey and Neil Gallagher. Skerries player 3 at the back and crowded the midfield with Hurley operating wide on the left. The changes had an immediate effect. Skerries got more of the ball and the passing was much better. Early chances were fell to Beggs who shot over from 20 yards after 57 minutes and 5 minutes later O Flaherty had a shot well saved after good work by Bolger. The Gate were now finding it very difficult to get near the Skerries goal. Doherty, Langan and Donnelly were particularly impressive during this period. On 67 minutes a long ball into the Gate area was brilliantly taken down by Beggs and as he tried to work an opening it appeared he was dragged to the ground by a defender but appeals for a penalty were turned away by referee Dolan. Skerries continued to press. On 73 minutes Byrne s long throw found Hurley wide on the left. His pace took him past two defenders and he crossed to O Flaherty. His shot was deflected for a corner by the Gate keeper. The final chance again fell to Skerries. Moore and Donnolly were involved in setting up Hurley. His shot was deflected over the bar by a defender with the keeper lying on the ground.
Happy with the point seemed to be the consensus in the Skerries camp.
We can now look forward to the final game of 2005, a clash with Dublin Bus next weekend was the comment from Asst Manager Johnny Beggs.
There was some dispute as to whether Donnelly should be credited with the goal. When asked if he was claiming the goal all he said was That s two in two games for me.
05/12/05 - Senior Sunday Match Report
Skerries Town 1 St Mochtas 0
Skerries Town moved to 3rd place in the league with a well deserved but hard fought win over bottom placed St Mochta's at a cold and damp Park Lane on Sunday.
The first half was a dour affair with neither team able to get their passing game going. Chances were few and far between and the chances that did come all fell to Skerries. The first after only 5 minutes when good work by Gallagher and Moore set up Beggs. His shot coming back off the post with the keeper beaten. On 20 minutes Doherty was fouled 20 yards out. From the resulting free Beggs this time cracked the ball off the cross bar again with the keeper beaten. The best chance of the first half came in the 23 minute. From a Mochtas corner, the ball was cleared to Coleman who played the ball down the side line. As the Mochtas No 5 tried to guide the ball out of play Moore nipped in and played a beautiful pass to Doherty who had sprinted the full length of the field. Doherty immediately back heeled the ball back into Moore's path who crossed to Beggs but excellent defending by Mochtas cleared the ball for a corner to save a certain goal.
The second half was just a minute old when Skerries scored that all important goal. A corner on the left to Skerries, whipped in by Coleman, was only half cleared. Lee returned a pile driver that the Mochtas keeper was unable to hold and Donnelly was on hand to slam home the rebound. During this opening period Skerries were well on top and a second score seemed on the cards. Efforts from Beggs, Moore, Coleman and Beggs again were thwarted by a combination of some good goalkeeping and good and lucky defending. Manager Sweeney replaced Gallagher with Davey, Langan with Woodhead and Beggs with O'Flaherty. Going into the last 10 minutes Mochtas found new life and pushes Skerries back without ever looking like getting an equaliser. Only once was keeper Byrne asked to make a save going down smartly to his right. Another win that keeps our promotion hopes well on track.
Next up a visit to St James Gate on Friday with a 7.45 kick off.
23/11/05 - Seniors mid-week Match Report
Newbridge Town 1 Skerries Town 4
Skerries Town moved up to 4th place in the league with an excellent win over Newbridge Town at Station Road last night. The team selection had good and bad news. Eamon Byrne and Neil Gallagher returned after injury but Graham O'Flaherty (hamstring) and Barry Davey (work commitments) were missing.
Skerries started the brighter and forced a number of corners and throw ins close the Newbridge corner flag which Niall Bolger powered into the box as good as corners. It was from one of these corners that Skerries opened the scoring. The ball was swung into the goalmouth by Coleman, was poked goalward only for a Newbridge defender to handle. The referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Martin Beggs scored on the second attempt following a good save from the Newbridge keeper.
After that Newbridge playing some neat passing football and put Skerries under some pressure without ever really threatening the Skerries goal. During this period the Skerries back 4 of Lee, Langan, Bolger and McCaffrey were at their best. Newbridge's best chance of the first half came after 27 minutes. Bolger conceded a free on the edge of the box and Paul Byrne (yes the ex Celtic Paul Byrne) flashed the resulting free past the Skerries post with Byrne stranded.
Skerries finished the half with a few more corners. The best chance came following a low drive from Coleman. The Newbridge keeper fumbled the shot and Doherty almost scored from the rebound.
The second started with Skerries continuing to press Newbridge into their own half. Newbridge for their part continued to try and play their passing game. Mid way through the half and in the space of two minutes Martin Beggs had two good chances to extend the Skerries lead. A long kick out by Byrne was flicked on by Moore and Beggs shot straight at the keeper. Straight away the same player drove a fierce shot over the bar. His persistence was rewarded however, when on 27 minutes he worked an opening to lob the keeper from 20 yards. Happy days. Two minutes later it was 3-0. A long ball from Bolger found Moore on the edge of the box, Newbridge looking for the offside, Moore continued, he passed to Beggs who completed his hat-trick with ease. The expense of another match ball.
Sweeney then, with one eye on Sunday's Cup game replaced Lee with O'Dowd, Beggs with Hurley and Gallagher with Woodhead. Newbridge scored a consolation goal when a long ball was played into the Skerries box. As Langan tried to allow the ball to run out of play he allowed Brian Murphy to nip in and score from a very acute angle.
Normal service was restored as Skerries continued to power forward. On 46 minutes Coleman scored goal number 4. Moore was clattered by the keeper, the referee played a good advantage to allow Coleman to finish with a neat lob from all of 25 yards. There was some concert on the Skerries bench as Moore remained motionless for some minutes.
All in all a good night's work by Skerries. Man of the match: Beggs
22/11/05 - Don’t Give Up
Here is a little story to give encouragement to all players, and parents, chasing glory in one form or another.
Joe O’Brien started playing for Skerrries in 2001. He was aged 5 but made brief appearances for the Under 8 team with his brother. This was in the days before the Kids Academy was formed.
In the intervening four and a half years Joe has played in a variety of positions, but mainly in defence and goals due to his large frame.
Joe has totally enjoyed the training and playing and has rarely, if ever, missed either. His greatest playing memory to date was a well timed, if fortunate, tackle on an opponent in Balbriggan. This resulted in the playerdoing a full summersault before being assisted from the pitch..
That was until last Saturday, 19th November 2005. The team manager, following the concession of a penalty the previous week, made the decision to move Joe far from defence, and danger, into attack and play a Duncan Ferguson role. With the score balanced at 2-1 to Skerries, away to Maynooth Town, Joe got on the end of a cross and steered the ball home from 10 yards. In his 5th season of trying, Joe scored his first goal for Skerries.
The resultant celebrations would have been well received in the Nou Camp Stadium, but the locals in Co Kildare were left to wonder at Joe and the joy of his team mates. You never have that camera with you to capture moments of pure joy like this.
It is witnessing little things like this that make us realize and remember why we give so much to this wonderful game.
This article was written by his long suffering manager (and father)
21/11/05 - Sunday Match Reports
Under 18
Skerries Town 1 Home Farm 6
Not a good day at the office for our under 18s in the Leinster Youths Cup. The day started brightly enough when Gavin Friel opened the scoring after a free kick by Shane Burke found Cathal Hurley on the edge of the Home Farm box and his turn and shot was only parried by the keeper for Friel to pounce. Skerries went into the half time break 2-1 down however, after Home farm goals in the 25th and 40th minutes.
In the opening 20 minutes of the second half Home Farm made sure of their victory with 4 goals in that period. While Skerries kept trying to the end, on the day there was only going to be one winner.
Under 17
Skerries Town 4 Ballybrack 1
Skerries advanced to the last 16 of the All Ireland Cup with a hard fought but convincing win over Ballybrack at Park Lane on Sunday. The pitch was in excellent condition for this early game and congratulations must go to goundsman McMahon and his staff.
The game was played at a very quick pace and both sides were intent on playing fast open football. Ballybrack struck first. On 7 minutes Bolger was unlucky to be adjudged to have handled the ball just outside the box. From the resulting free kick Ballybrack's no 7 Neville curled a beauty into the top left hand corner of Jenkinson's net.
Skerries were back on terms on 16 minutes. A Beattie free from the right was whipped into the box and Coleman was on hand to score from 6 yards. Skerries were now on top. A cross by Coleman was headed down by Mulvaney to Hopkins and his goal bound shot was deflected for a corner by the Ballybrack defence. The Skerries pressure finally paid off right on the stroke of half time. Coleman got the ball on the right and his pin point cross found Mulvaney 6 yards out at the back post and he doesn't miss from there.
Chances in the early stages of the second half were few and far between for both sides. The turning point of the second half came when a long punt from the Ballybrack keeper caught out the Skerries defence and left 3 Ballybrack players charging at Jenkinson in the Skerries goal. One of the Ballybrack players knocked the ball past Jenkinson but he somehow reacted to stop the ball crossing the line. Not only did he save a certain goal but he immediately passed the ball to Beattie who ran the full length of the field turning the full back several times before crossing to Coleman to score from 8 yards. Skerries wrapped up the game and a place in the last 16 when Capper slotted home after Hopkins had flicked on a Bolger throw.
Skerries have that combination of skill and commitment........a combination that's hard to beat. One concern is the injury to Garrett but hopefully the weeks rest will do him good. Skerries play Everton at home in the next round. That's Everton from Cork not the other one.
Senior Sunday
Skerries Town 3 Workman's Club Dunlaoire 1
Injuries before the game to Graham O'Flaherty (Hamstring) and Eamon Byrne (Bruised Ribs) meant that there would be some changes to last week team. Neil Gallagher was fit enough but only for the bench. Manager Alan Sweeney started in goal while McCaffrey returned to left back. The return of Paul Doherty after suspension allow Brendan Moore to partner Martin Beggs to play up front after his exploits in midfield last week. It must be said that this was a very entertaining game and the best Skerries have played for some time.
The first real action of the first half was a goal for Workman's following a corner on the right. Agnew must have taught it was his birthday as he rose totally unchallenged 6 yards out to head home. All the action from their on was played between the two penalty areas with both defences well on top. It was the last minute of the first half that Skerries created their first real chance. Coleman ran down the left then crossed into the box where Doherty headed over under pressure from the Workmans defence. The final action of the first half saw Davey came close only to be denied by Kelly in the Workman's goal.
Skerries seemed more up for it in the second half and within a minute Davey shot over the bar from 25 yards. A Skerries corner was headed off the line by the full back. The early Skerries pressure paid off when Skerries were awarded a penalty after good work by Beggs and Coleman. Beggs despatched the spot kick with ease. Two minutes later Skerries were ahead. A Coleman's cross found Doherty inside the box and he despatched it to the net with ease.
Worksman's came storming back and exerted great pressure on the Skerries defence without ever creating a clear cut chance. However, efforts in the 32 and 40 minutes hit the post but Sweeney in the Skerries goal claims he had both efforts covered.
Skerries sealed victory 3 minutes into injury time when Moore pick up the ball some 30 yards from the Workman's goal, beat two markers and as cool as you like slotted the ball under the advancing Kelly.
Happy days in Skerries right now. Next Wednesday the long trip to Newbridge (7.30 kick off) when we have to do it all over again.
14/11/05 - Senior Sunday Report
Ashtown Villa 3 Skerries Town 3
This was certainly a game of two half's and a few strange referee decisions. The first half was all Skerries, well at least the first 35 minutes was, as Skerries raced into a 3 goal lead thanks to a brace from Martin Beggs and one from Graham O'Flaherty. Beggs's first, after only 3 minutes, was good individual effort when on the run he shot low to the keepers left giving him no chance. His second was a "Beckham like" free kick from 20 yards with the ball entering the net at the angle of crossbar and post with the keeper stranded. In between O'Flaherty opened his account for the first team when he deflected a Beggs cross into the Villa net. Injury in the opening 5 minutes to full back McCaffrey resulted in him being replaced by Gallagher.
However, on 38 minutes Ashtown Villa scored after some hesitation in the Skerries defence. Indeed Villa could have had a second before the break when their no. 10 shot wide from 5 yards. The 3-1 half time score never seems enough.
The second half from the start was all Villa. Attack after attack from Villa was making the Skerries defence work overtime and they held firm until 75th minute. A long ball into the Skerries box was cleared by a combination of Byrne, Bolger and Langan and with the ball finally cleared to the half way line the referee gave an indirect free kick (the first strange decision) to Villa on the Skerries 6 yard line. Villa's first attempt was blasted over the bar but the referee called play back for a retake (another strange decision) and from the retake Villa scored.
Skerries were now battling for the 3 points contesting for every ball all over the park. Gary Woodhead and Ben Gahan replaced Davey and Beggs and Skerries were now playing a 4-5-1 formation. Coleman was working hard to relieve the pressure but Skerries were reduced to long balls to O'Flaherty. It was from one of these long balls that Skerries can be most aggrieved with the referee. O'Flaherty picked up the ball some 10 yards inside the Villa half with only the centre back between him and goal. After twisting and turning the centre back O'Flaherty was about to fire in his shot from the edge of the box when the referee whistled for a free to Skerries. Why he did not allowed O'Flaherty to shoot we'll never know and there was no card for the defender. The free kick was sent high and wide.
With only minutes remaining Villa equalised. Another of those long balls into the Skerries box from the right was punched half clear by Byrne who seem clearly impeded by a number of Ville attackers. However, the referee ignored the Skerries claim for a free and as the ball landed at the edge of the box a Villa forward slammed it to the back of the Skerries net.
Injuries to McCaffrey, Beggs and Byrne may prove more costly in the long run than the 2 dropped points.
14/11/05 - Kennedy stars on debut against league leaders!!
New goalkeepeer Peter Kennedy pulled of a series of great saves to keep Portmarnock at bay and the rest of the team grew in confidence after taking the lead from a corner, Sean McLoughlin scrambling the ball over the line after 20 minutes.
This is when PK's cat like skills payed off as Portmarnock pushed for the equiliser before half time but to no avail.
The second half started at a fast pace but Skerries settled first with a through ball from Shane Hogan(Huggy) to Danny Cripps. Danny tried to chip the keeper but the keeper scrambled backwards and managed to catch it. The next period between Skerries second goal was a scrappy one with equal chances for both sides and PK again showing his skills. Then with another through ball to Marcel Brennan Skerries got there second.
Now Pormarnock's frustration started to show as two of their players got sent off for lashing out at Skerries players. Even when Portmarnock got a goal back Skerries did not lose their cool and got a third as Huggy Hogan went on a mazy run and finished by slotting the ball calmly past the keeper. The Pormarnock defence was now falling apart, Skerries again were able to break and got a third with Kevin Dalton.
It was a poor ending as Skerries had a player sent off for chasing the Portmarnock keeper round the pitch but all in all it was a fantastic performance from the entire team and it shows that Skerries will be a force to reckon with in this league and can be potential winners
06/11/05 - Senior Sunday Report
Skerries Town 2 Boyne Rovers 0
Skerries Town had a very convincing win over Boyne Rovers at Park Lane Skerries on Sunday.
Skerries started the brighter and after 6 minutes a half chances fell to Doherty who flashed a header just past the post after good a movement the full length of the field involving goalkeeper Byrne, Lee and Coleman.
Coleman was involved again when he hit the post after 7 minutes with a shot after Moore and Gallagher worked the opening.
Some minutes later Doherty seemed to be pushed to the ground inside the box after a long throw from Bolger but his pleas for a penalty were turned away by referee Coombes.
On 20 minutes a long ball from the Boyne defence was half headed away by Gallagher. The ball somehow hit his arm as it bounced in the breeze. The linesman however flagged and the referee pointed to the spot. Justice was done when Byrne in the Skerries goal dived to his left to save.
Skerries had one final chance in the first half when Doherty had his shot blocked by Lennox in the Boyne goal after Bolger had headed on a corner by Gallagher. Boyne also had their chances in that first half but Byrne was equal to there efforts. Boyne s best chance being a shot from their No 6 from 20 yards which Byrne saved easily. Much more easy that the spectacular dive suggested.
The second half started with Skerries introducing Barry Davey for Neil Gallagher and within 4 minutes of the restart Skerries were in the lead. Niall Bolger collected the ball well within his own half. He carried the ball into the Boyne half and as the Boyne defence backed off he slid a perfect through ball to Brendan Moore who finished a cool as you like from 18 yards.
Skerries were now well on top. It was no surprise when Skerries went 2 up. A similar move to the first goal but this time Doherty was the provider for Beggs. Doherty collected the ball on the half way line, moved forward and played an inch perfect pass to Beggs who beat his marker twice to score in the bottom left hand corner of Lennox's net.
The final half an hour saw neither side created anything much in goal scoring chances with both defences well on top. All in all Skerries will be very happy with their day s work which moves them up to 5th place in the league with 14 points from 8 games.
30/10/05 - How did Shane Rice save that one?
A display of extreme and natural athletic quality occurred recently in a match between Swords Manor and Skerries Town Under 9 A1 which should not pass without due recognition.
The incident warrants comparison to –
- Shay Given’s penalty save against Cyprus
- Peter Cech’s save last year against Bolton
- Pat Jennings save from Derek Doogan
- Gordon Banks save from Pele
All moments of magical demonstration of the art of goalkeeping.
It came in the third quarter of the match with Skerries leading 1-0. The ball broke to the Swords big midfielder who struck his shot high into the top left hand corner of the net from 15 yards. From somewhere a left hand appeared, with most of the ball over the line and managed to claw the ball out of the net. Shane then managed to pounce of the loose ball while all of the players froze in disbelief.
Their manager, Tommy O’Brien, had to be resuscitated on the sideline. When he came to he was of the firm belief that it was all a dream and that the score was 1-1.
Shane was later beaten by a half volley from 6 yards which he managed to save but the referee deemed to have crossed the line.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw but the score was incidental to the amazing feat witnessed by all of those present.
If Alan Sweeney is stuck some Sunday afternoon for cover between the sticks he could do worse that to call on Shane to help him out.
23/10/05 - Under 17's win again.
Skerries Town under 17 proved much too strong for Rivermount Boys at Finglas last Sunday. Skerries opened the scoring after 15 minutes when Shane Coleman finished after good work by Ross Hopkins. Derek O'Brien headed home Skeries's second from a corner 6 minutes later and the first half scoring was complete when Andy Mulvany set up Shane Coleman for his second 4 minuted before the break.
Skerries started the second half as they finished the first pushing forward in search of more goals. Within 5 minutes of the restart Skerries were 4 up. A free kick on the left was driven into the Rivermeade box by Aidan Bolger, Ross Hopkins controlled the ball on the end line, pulled the it back to Shane Colemen who rifiled it to the roof of th net from 10 yards for his hat-trick. Andy Mulvany made it five 10 minutes later after good work by Steven Beattie.
Rivermeade scored what was a consolution goal after 68 minutes from their No10 but Skerries were always in control. Rob Hughes replaced Derek O'Brien and Conor O'Neill replaced Johnny Garrett who was injured after a tackle witha Rivermeade player and Monir Seid replaced Shane Coleman.
A good 3 points on their march to a league title.
02/10/05 - Under 16's progress in the cup
The Under 16s got the win they have been looking for with a performance that was a credit to the club. They played great football and goals from Chrissy Brannigan, Danny Cripps and Ian Mullvahil,l rising like a salmon to meet a cross to head the third put skerries 3-1 up at half time.
Mid sutton did hit back twice catching the tired central defence over the top but Skerries were still playing well. Chrissy Brannigan slipped back to help the defence and Ross keogh went in to midfield.
Skerries began to get the upper hand and Ross Keogh delivered the fourth goal with 10 minutes to go. Steven O'leary and Kevin Dalton made some fine tackles to keep Skerries going to the final whistle and gain a deserved win.
02/10/05 - Under 15 Report
Castleknock Celtic 1 Skerries Town 1
The under 15s finally kickstarted their season with this excellent result away to one of the top teams in the division. After a couple of heavy defeats on their travels - they have already played 5 away matches out of the 6 played to date - they produced a fine display of character and skill to earn a well deserved draw here.
After weathering an early storm from the home team, Skerries proceeded to play some fine football and created a few chances that should have seen them ahead by half time. The defence was rock solid with centre backs Cian O'Driscoll and Colm Lee being ably assisted by Stephen Branagan and Mike Palmer. Joe Scully hardly put a foot wrong with an excellent display in front of the back 4. Further afield, there were solid performances from Colin Harrison, Conor O'Brien and Keith O'Callaghan.
Roberto Wilde, who had come on as a substitute for the injured O'Callaghan just before half-time, caused major problems for the home team down the right flank and it was from one of his runs that Skerries took a deserved lead through Brian Walls. Castleknock came back strongly and equalised with a shot from the edge of the box that gave Darragh O'Hanlon no chance. There were chances for both teams before the end but a draw was probably a fair result in a game that was played in a very sporting manner and well handled by referee Buckley.
Next up for the under 15s is a welcome home cup fixture against Premier Division Mullingar Athletic. If Skerries can continue where they left off against Castleknock, they should soon start climbing the league table and hopefully get a few good cup runs in the coming months.
02/10/05 - Under 21's make five out of five
Skerries Town Under 21's kept up their winning start with a fifth win out of five away to Parkvale.
Skerries started off well in bad conditions in Terenure and got off to a good start when, after 20 minutes, Kevin Farrell got his head to a cross and looped the ball over the Parkvale keeper.
Skerries took the game to a very physical Parkvale but failed to add to their tally in the remainder of the first half. Skerries continued to press but were caught on the hop when Davey lost the ball in midfield and Parkvale took advantage and scored from the breakaway.
Skerries went back in front within five minutes when Johnny Carroll crossed in a free-kick from the half-way line and the Parkvale centre half headed past his own keeper.
Davey made up for his earlier error, when midway through the second half he picked up the ball on the half-way line and seeing the keeper off his line, hit a brilliant strike to the top of the net to extend the Skerries lead.
Parkway didn't sit back and after putting the Skerries defence under a lot of pressure,won a corner on the left. The Parkvale centre-half dived low and scored a fine header past Shannon in the Skerries goal. Although Parkway had brought the score back to 3-2, Skerries continued to look for another and were rewarded when the hard working Graeme O'Flaherty broke through and lobbed the keeper from just outside the box. It was almost five just at the end when Robbie Armstrong, just on for the injured Matthew Brady, was put through by Davey and was just foiled by the outstretched leg of the Parkvale keeper.
02/10/05 - U16's lose out to Northway Rangers
Skerries lost 4-2 after a lack lustre 1st half display that saw Skerries 2-0 down. A few words at half time lifted their spirits and a great display from Ian Mulvihill bolstering the Skerries midfield allowed Skerries to pull back to 2-2, Danny Cripps scoring twice.
Pushing forward Skerries conceeded late on to again lose a game they should have won. Chrissy Brannigan did well in the Skerries defence and Darragh McNally pulled off a fine double save to to keep Skerries in the game.