2006 Quarter One
26/03/06 - Senior Sunday Report
Skerries Town 2 1 Verona
Skerries maintained their push for promotion to the Senior division of the Leinster senior league with a hard fought victory over Verona at a very wet Park Lane on Sunday. Goals the first on 46 minutes by Barry Davey and the second on 69 minutes by Martin Beggs settled this tie. Skerries started the brighter and after only 5 minutes O'Flaherty went close when the Verona keeper failed to deal with a Bolger cross field ball.
On 20 minutes a Gary Woodhead fee was played square to Bolger who fired in a sweetly struck effort which the Verona keeper did well to push behind for a corner. from the resulting corner the keeper again saved Verona blocking efforts from Doherty. Three minutes another free from Woodhead on the right skidded across the six yard area with Doherty and Bolger just failed to make a contact. In between Verona has half chances of their own. There best coming when their No 10 found himself free in the box but Skerries keeper Byrne was smartly off his line to block.
The second half was only a minute old when a corner on the right by Ben Gahan caused all sorts of confusion in the Verona box and Davey smashed a rocked to the Verona net from six yards. Verona went looking for an equaliser immediately and pushed Skerries back into their own half. However, Verona with men committed on 65 minutes Skerries broke. Gahan won a header in midfield and Beggs took the ball in his stride and from a acute angle slotted the ball into the Verona net. Verona just above the drop zone give them selves so hope on 75 minutes when Larkin was pushed over in the box by Langan. Larkin got up and slotted the spot kick past the helpless Byrne. As has been the case for most of the season the Skerries defences were not to be beaten again. The win firmly keeps Skerries in the hunt for promotion and with 4 games remaining it's everything to play for.
Skerries Town Manager Alan Sweeney was delighted at the final whistle. "This victory keeps the chance of mixing it with the big boys in our own hands" but he conceded "The final 4 games will be both a test of nerve as much as skill"
Team: Byrne, Gallagher, Bolger, Langan (Hurley), Doherty, Gahan, Davey (Donnelly), Moore, Woodhead, O'Flaherty, Coleman (Beggs)
12/3/06 - Skerries exit Metro at the hands of last year's finalists
Skerries Town 2 4 Wayside Celtic
Skerries got off to a flyer in this Metropolitan Cup game at Park Lane in front of the biggest crowd of the season. Within a minute Skerries were one up after an altercation in the box Wayside box resulted in Skerries being awarded a penalty. Paul Doherty slotted home giving the Wayside keeper no chance. Skerries continued to press forward and their all action style kept Wayside firmly pinned back in their own half. So much so that it was 15 minutes before Wayside had their first real chance when Ben Gahan was forced to head a dangerous cross over his own cross bar for a corner.
Two minutes later a Wayside free on the right caused confusion in the Skerries goalmouth and Callaghan headed over from 10 yards. Skerries however, continued to press forward and were rewarded with a second goal on 33 minutes. A long ball was played to O'Flaherty which he controlled beautifully and on the second attempt slammed the ball into the Wayside net. Skerries were immediately forced to make a change Cathal Hurley replacing the Gary Woodhead. This change allow Wayside's best player Ian O'Callaghan more space to display his skills and it was his prompting that forced Skerries back for the final period of the first half. On the stroke of half time following a Skerries corner Langan was injured following a challenge and after some treatment left the field. As the seconds ticked to half time that man O'Callaghan forced his way into the Skerries box and a poorly timed challenge from Beggs resulted in the referee pointing to the pot. O'Callaghan dusted himself down to fire the spot kick past an unlucky Byrne in the Skerries Goal. The half time whistle sounded immediately.
Langan failed to recover from his injury and was replaced by Brendan Moore. As in the first half the second started with a goal in the first minute. This time it was Wayside turn. Donnelly was caught in possession right from the kick off and when the ball finally fell to Paddy Kavanagh he fired past Byrne from 10 yards. Skerries now found themselves under immense Wayside pressure. The O'Callaghan brothers Ian and Wayne and Kenny Simpson were now dominate in midfield. Skerries however, did continue to create half chances. O'Flaherty set up Coleman but he shot over from 20 yards. Moore after good work by Beggs and Hurley failed to get any power in his shot to trouble the Wayside keeper. With the game entering the final 15 minutes Wayside got the break their play deserved. With the Skerries defence looking for an offside that never came a cross into the box was smartly headed home by the in-rushing John O'Neill to give Wayside the lead. Within 2 minutes Wayside had booked their place in the next round. A mix up between keeper Byrne, Gallagher and Hurley allow Wayne O'Callaghan to nip in a score with ease. Skerries had one final chance when Beggs beat the Wayside keeper to a long free by Bolger but his effort was cleared off the line.
Wayside go into the next round of the Metropolitan while Skerries continue their quest for promotion starting with an away fixture to Kinvara Ards next week.
Skerries: Byrne, Gahan, Bolger, Doherty, Langan (Moore), Coleman, Donnelly (Davey), Woodhead (Hurley), Gallagher, Beggs, O'Flaherty
17/03/06 - St Patrick's Day Raffle
Thanks to all who supported the raffle. Details of winners will be posted here. Watch this space.......Results
17/03/06 - St Patrick's Day Parade
A great effort was made this year for the St Patrick's Day parade. This year, as well as the usual great turnout from the Academy and the seven-a-side teams, we also had a very impressive float celebrating our sixty years in Skerries. Well done to Timmy, Kevin and Reg for their work in putting this together.
10/03/06 - Senior Cup week-end in Skerries
This week-end sees two cup games in the Park. First up is the Saturday Premier team who take on St Francis, also from the Saturday Premier league, in the Quarter Final of the O'Reilly Cup. This promises to be close game as only two points seperate the teams in their league campaign, although they have yet to meet.
Come along and support. Game kicks off at 2.30
On Sunday the First team take on Wayside Celtic in the Second round of the ESB metropolitan Cup. This is another tough one for the first's as Wayside are challenging for the top spot in the league above Skerries.
Again, show your support by coming along to support your team.
Game kicks off at 2.30
10/03/06 - U14 and U15 Squads Head for Glasgow
25 boys on the U14 and U15 Squads will be heading for Glasgow over the St Patrick's Bank Holiday weekend under the guidance of Tom Brady, Tony O'Brien, Frank Savage and Liam Archer. The lads will be departing by private bus in the (very) early hours of Thursday morning and heading North to catch the ferry to Scotland. They will arrive at the Normandy Hotel in Glasgow for lunch and will be lodging there for the following three nights. On Thursday afternoon a visit to see the Celtic players in training has been arranged by the tour organisers Top Flight. The boys will be trained by Celtic coaches all day Friday and on Saturday will play a match against a local team.
On Sunday the entire tour party will be going to see Celtic take on Dunfermline in the CIS Cup Final at Hampden Park. As soon as the match is over the bus will be waiting to take the party home, with arrival in Skerries likely to be some time in the early hours of Monday morning.
The managers and players are very grateful to team sponsors Logancourt Properties, Ferdia McMahon Construction and Jim Glennon for their ongoing support. We would also like to thank the parents who supported the numerous fund raising events over the past ten months and also the ESB and the many local businesses who contributed sponsorship and prizes.
21/02/06 - Senior Sunday Report
TEK United 0 1 Skerries Town
Skerries Town went back to second place in the LSL Division 1 following a hard fought victory over TEK United at Stradbrook on Sunday. The opening period was all TEK and Byrne in the Skerries goal was needed on two occasions to keep the score level. Skerries slowly got more of the ball and in the space of 5 minutes had two good chances to take the lead. The first came after 12 minutes when Doherty flicked on a free kick from Daire Lee to Beggs but Beggs dragged his shot wide. Two minutes later a mazy run by Hurley set up Moore but he shot straight at the keeper. After 21 minutes Moore took a hefty challenge from the TEK centre back and had to go off the field for treatment to an eye injury. From the resulting free kick Beggs curler was excellently tipped around the post by Kane in the TEK goal. Moore was replaced by Coleman. The final action of the first half was another Skerries effort. A long ball by Byrne was flicked on by Doherty to Beggs but Kane denied him with a smart save.
Ten minutes into the second half TEK had the ball in the Skerries net but celebrations were halted by a lineman's flag. Skerries continued to press. Bolger broke from defence and found Beggs wide on the right but his lob beat keeper and bar. Then on 65 minutes came the goal that was to be the decided. Byrne's long free was headed on by Beggs to Coleman who had still a lot to do. He took on the centre back and hit a beauty to the top left hand corner of the net to the joy of the Skerries travelling supporters. Skerries however had to withstand 15 minutes of TEK pressure. However during this period the full Skerries team worked their socks off. In particular the back four of Lee, Langan, Bolger and Gahan were immense in front of keeper Bryne. It was the full backs that Skerries can thank for all 3 points when in the final minutes both Lee and Gahan made crucial blocks on the goal line.
Team: Byrne, Lee, Gahan, Bolger, Langan, Hurley (Davey), Donnelly, Doherty, Woodhead (Gallagher), Beggs, Moore (Coleman) Not Used: Friel and McCaffrey
21/02/06 - All 3 senior men's win.
All 3 of the men's senior team won their respective games this weekend.
The Major Saturday team had an easy 5-0 victory over Clover United where Gavin Friel grabbed himself two goals for the second week running. Wins in the last two weeks are of great help to this team as they strive to avoid relegation.
The Premier Saturday team also had a win, much easier than the 5-4 score line might suggest over Lucan United. Skerries in fact were leading 5-2 with 5 minutes remaining but two easy goals at the end took some of the gloss of what otherwise was a fine performance. The pick of the Skerries scores was a Kevin Farrell effort from 25 yards that rocketed into the Lucan net mid way through the second half. This win keeps Skerries in second place, 7 points behind Walkinstown Athletic but crucially Skerries have 5 games in hand.
22/02/06 - Ladies Win
Our Ladies team continued on their wining ways with a 3-1 home win over Portrane. This was our ladies biggest test so far and they coped very well. Manager Duane Crean was delighted with this performance. "We passed the ball well but our fitness is still suspect and we need to work on that" Next week Skerries are at home to Balbriggan Town. This fixture has a 2.30 kick off at Park Lane.
19/02/06 - Under 10's prove they have bounceback ability.
Skerries Town 3 Dunboyne 1
After sufferring their first league defeat the previous week-end against the same opposition, Skerries needed to bounce back with a win in this top of the table contest.
And bounce back they did. This was the Skerries we know so well. They had something to prove and were much more determined and quicker to the ball than previous week. It was always going to be a tough encounter against Dunboyne, our rivals from those epic Shield finals last season.
Skerries settled better and went in front after 10 minutes when Aaron Wynne latched on to a clever chip from Billy Hess and blasted the ball past the Dunboyne keeper. Dunboyne played their part but were knocked back when Hess jinked his way into the box and was taken down for a penalty.
Hess dusted himself down and coolly took the penalty himself, striking the ball with the outside of his right foot to find the net.
The first half finished 2-0 for Skerries and they resumed in the second half just where they left off. Mid through the second half Skerries scored again when Kian Coleman followed up when the Dunboyne keeper couldn't hold on to a ball and made no mistake to make it 3-0.
Dunboyne never gave up with some neat approach football but never really troubled Grimes in the Skerries goal until McGrath received the ball on the left of the area and he hit a great strike which the unsighted Grimes in the Skerries goal could not stop.
This was the last action of the game and it could not take from a great performance from the super hoops.
17/02/06 - A new soccer Tournament for Ladies
Skerries Town have entered the Matt Lauder Cup, a tournament for Ladies teams in the Fingal area. While the ladies team will continue to play in the Dublin Woman's League during the summer months this tournament is an ideal way to prepare for the summer season. Some even say this has the potential to be better that the summer league.
At present teams from Rush, Swords, Portrane, Ringcommon, Balbriggan and of course Skerries will participate in the 10 game event over the coming weeks. Each team will play the other teams on a home and away basis. Matches mainly take place on Sunday afternoons.
So any lady wishing to play please contact Jimmy Farrell @ 085 1444221.
As of now the Skerries Ladies have played two matches, winning both. On Sunday 5th February our ladies had a convincing 5-0 win against Swords Celtic at Balheary and last Sunday 12th February we had another good win over a Ringcommon Wanders side 8-0 at Ringcommon. So after 2 rounds of matches Skerries lead the way on 6 points with Rush Athletic and Portrane Athletic joint second on 4 points.
Next weekend 28th / 19th February (day and time to be decided) Skerries Town play there first home game vs. Portrane Athletic. This should be a sterner test for our girls than the first two outings.
16/02/06 - Tickets on sale
Skerries Town are holding a St. Patrick's Day raffle with excellent prizes. All schoolboys currently have tickets for sale, so when they come knocking please give your support.
Tickets 3 each or a book of 10 for 25. First prizes is 1000, second is 500, third 250 and 4th, 5th and 6th prize is 100
16/02/06 - Night at the Theatre
Skerries Town have tickets for the opening night that's Wednesday 22nd February 2006 of the Marian Society, Skerries Theatre Group's production of The Drawer Boy. Tickets are available, 10 for 2 from Mick Bolger @ 087 2802279. That's two tickets for the price of one on normal prices. The full proceeds of the evening is going to the Saturday Morning Kids Academy.
13/02-06 - Senior Report.
Seniors lose in top of the table clash.
Skerries Town 0 1 Dublin Bus
A strike from all of 25 yards by full back Baba Izka was enough to settle this game. Following a short corner on the right Izba found himself with time and space to strike a beauty to the delight of the travelling Dublin Bus fans. Skerries never let this setback effect them and immediately went in search of an equaliser. On 24 minutes Barry Davey broke from midfield and his run was brought to a halt when he was fouled just outside the box. Beggs fired over from the resulting free. Skerries best opening in the first half came after 35 minutes. Bolger broke from defence, his through pass found Beggs inside the box, Beggs rounded the keeper Blake only to see his goal bound shot blocked by sweeper Nolan. From the resulting corned Bolger flashed a header goalward but Blake somehow get a hand to the ball to claw it away for another corner.
The second half was only 7 minutes old when a Bolger long throw landed in the six yard box and somehow a number of Skerries players failed to get a touch to help the ball over the line. Skerries replaced Barry Davey with Cathal Hurley. Skerries were now pinning the Bus back into the own half but hard as they tried they could not get the breakthrough their pressure play deserved. In fact Dublin Bus from a breakaway should have wrapper up the game on 66 minutes when a forward crashed a header of the crossbar from 6 yards when it look easier to score. In the final 10 minutes Skerries continued to press for an equaliser getting plenty of balls into the Bus area but half efforts but O'Flaherty, Moore and Beggs failed to get the score Skerries needed. Dublin Bus have now put themselves in prime position to collect the Division 1 title. Skerries remain third one point behind St. James Gate and will not be giving up on the runners up spot.
Team: Byrne, Gahan, Lee, Bolger, Langan, Coleman (Gallagher), Woodhead (O'Flaherty), Doherty, Davey (Hurley) Beggs, Moore
Major 1B
While the first team were going down to Dublin Bus, on Saturday, both the Major and Premier sides were having deserved wins. The Major side had a well deserved 5-4 win over Glenville in Palmerstown. Currently at the wrong end of the league table this win will hopefully help our Major lift itself up the table and away from the relegation area.
Premier
Out in Rathfarnham our Premier side were more than convincing with a 7-0 win over Rathfarnham Panters. This win keeps our Premier side well in the hunt for league honours.
13/02/06 - There's no stopping the under 17's.
Skerries Town 7 0 Everton
The under 17s had another convincing win, this time, over Everton from the Blanchardstown area. The first have was even enough but Skerries still managed two gaols before the break from Beattie and Hopkins. A rush of goals early in the second half resulted in the referee calling time with half an hour still left to play. For the record Skerries scored 5 in the opening 15 minutes of the second half. Beattie collected 3 more and Coleman 2 completed another good day.
11/02/06 - Congrats to Ian
Congratulations go to Ian Tolan from our under 11A side who this week was selected on the Brenfer North Dublin team which competes in this seasons Celtic Cup in Scotland. Ian is our under 11 keeper and regularly attends coaching sessions at the Oscar Traynor road complex.
Best of luck Ian from all in Skerries Town.
26/01/06 - 16S trip to Reading has been cancelled
The 16S trip to Reading FC has been cancelled due to Sky TV showing live, the game on friday night v Southampton. A small deposit was lost on the hotel but they will try again to go this season hopefully with no intervention from Sky.
The Madjeski Stadium is easy to get to and Steve Staunton should cast his eye over the 3 Irish super royals Kevin Doyle /Steve Hunt and Shane Long. He could also take in London Irish on the Sunday for good measure where they broke the Guinness drinking record last Patricks Day.
23/01/06 - Senior Sunday Report
Skerries Town 0 Pegasus 0
With all other teams in Division 1 in cup action this weekend Skerries knew that if they could avoid defeat they would move into the vital second spot and a promotion place. Skerries made two changes from the team that started last week against Drogheda town. Barry Davey retained his place in midfield in place of Paul Doherty and Graham O'Flaherty replaced the ill Cathal Hurley.
The first real opening fell to Skerries after 10 minutes. Pegasus keeper Gallagher conceded a corner when there was no need after a weak shot from Donnelly was going well wide. From the resulting corner by Woodhead, swung the ball into the near post and Beggs flashed a header goalward but Gallagher redeemed himself with a wonderful one handed tip over.
Skerries kept the pressure on and Gahan shot wide on 19 minutes. Graham O'Flaherty nearly got in only for Gallagher to collect at the second attempt after a long kick down field by Byrne in the Skerries goal. In this period on one of the rear occasions when Pegasus got near the Skerries goal Sassi brought a save out of Skerries keeper Byrne from 20 yards. However Skerries remained in control and the opening goal seemed likely. On 29 minutes Graham O'Flaherty's turned in the box and his cracking shot came back off the post and Pegasus's Boyle cleared to safety. Three minutes later from a foul on Davey on the left Beggs cracked the resulting free of the crossbar with Gallagher beaten. Within 3 minutes from a Bolger throw the same played brilliantly controlled the ball only to see his shot crash off crossbar and post. O'Flaherty and Moore rushed in but neither could force the ball over the line. The half ended with a Pegasus attack when after good work by Hussey and Sassi set up a chance for Timmins but he shot straight a Byrne.
The second half started with Skerries introducing Doherty for Donnelly with Bolger moving to midfield. Skerries continued to press forward. Efforts from Davey after been set up by Moore and O'Flaherty however failed to trouble Gallagher in the Pegasus goal. The best chance of the opening period of the second half fell to Langan, when a corner on the right was swung in by Woodhead, but he headed narrowly wide. Pegasus players Timmins and Hussey were getting more of the ball in midfield. O'Keeffe was starting to cause the Skerries defence more problems without ever really treating the goal. Then as the game entered the final 10 minutes two brilliant pieces of goalkeeping kept the score to 0-0. First Gallagher made an excellent save from Davey when it seemed his shot had beaten Gallagher but somehow got a hand on the ball to deflect it for a corner. Within minutes Byrne in the Skerries goal produced a similar brilliant reflex save. The ball was crossed into the Skerries box and Sassi cracked a shot goalward from 10 yards but Byrne somehow dived to his right to concede a corner. The final scoring chance of the game fell to Skerries forward Moore from a difficult angle his header went wide off the post .
Teams: Skeries - Byrne, Lee, Gahan, Bolger, Langan, Moore, Donnelly (Doherty), Woodhead, Davey (Gallagher), Beggs (Coleman), O'Flaherty
Pegasus - Gallagher, Lennon, Boyle, McCrudden, Bierne, Weddick, Timmons, Hussey, Sassi, O'Keeffe.
23/01/06 - Under 17's win again.
Our under 17's continue their quest for league honours with a convincing 3-1 win over Swords Celtic at The Town Park on Sunday.
Skerries opened the scoring after 16 minutes when Andy Mulvaney attacked the Celtic defence from the right. It appeared he was bundled over as he was about to shoot and as cries for a penalty rang out from the Skerries line Shane Coleman settled the issue by cracking a shot to the back of the Swords net. Swords were almost on level terms with 2 minutes when their No. 7 shot into the side netting from a good position with the Skerries defence missing. Steven Beattie should have made it 2 nil after 32 minutes but he shot weak at the Swords keeper. However, he didn't have to wait long for his goal. It started with excellent work down the right by Capper. He avoiding 3 challenges before crossing to the back post where Brattie had time and space to pick his spot and score past a helpless keeper.
The second half was much the same as the first with Skerries pressing forward but with many of their attack being halted by the referees whistle for offside. Chances continued to fall to Beattie, Coleman and Hopkins but all failing to hit the target. Skerries however, sealed victory on 60 minutes when Mark (Heffo) Heffernan created the opening for Beattie. he collected Heffernan's through pass in his stride, rounded the keeper to score with ease. Skerries replaced Coleman with Hughes and Coen with O'Neill and while Swords did fashion a late score the result was never in doubt.
Skerries Town - Jenkinson, Garrett, Duff, Heffernan, Coen (O'Neill), Bolger, Capper, Hopkins, Coleman (Hughes) Mulvaney, Beattie
23/01/06 - Under 16 match report
Skerries put on a superb show, capped by a fine freekick by Ross Keogh some 20 yds out. Ross had been nominated to take kicks from this range & duly obliged cracking the ball in to the top corner. A one arm celebration from one end of the pitch to the other prevailed & Ross deserved his momment of glory as the rest of the team flattened him.
Ross had put Skerries 2-0 up after Danny Cripps scored a fine opening goal. Shane Hogan having a great game in midfield scored a classic header to put skerries 3-0 up before Clontarf scored against the run of play.
Danny cripps was soon on target again to put skerries 4-1 up at half time .
The second half began with a Clontarf goal and a bit of doubt began to creep in when Skerries conceeded a penalty only for there cat like keeper Peter Kennedy to pull of a great save. Skerries got some shape back and scored again through Shane Hogan to come out 5-2 winners and just maybe they might push the league campaign all the way.
A special mention for Chrissy Brannigan who has been in super form all season now fully fit after breaking his ankle last season. The team have a fine captain in Chrissy and his determination is rubbing off on the other players. Keep up the good work.
17/01/06 - Skerries go joint second in Division 1
Skerries Town 3 Drogheda Town 0
Following the 1-1 draw between St. James Gate and Dublin Bus on Saturday, Skerries knew that a win over Drogheda would lift them to a share of second place. That was achieved with a 3-0 win over Drogheda at a wet and windy Park Lane on Sunday.
Skerries started the better and after only 10 minutes a sweeping move across the pitch from left to right created the opening goal. Ben Gahan won the ball on the left, played the ball to Martin Beggs who immediately played the ball inside the full back to the in-rushing Cathal Hurley. The 18 year olds pace took him into the box where he unleashed a cracker that beat Drogheda keeper Sweeney at his near post.
After that good opening Skerries seemed to take their foot off the pedal and allowed Drogheda much more possession. Skerries manager Sweeney replaced Doherty with Davey after 32 minutes. Davey was a lot busier in midfield and even with the bigger share of the ball Drogheda failed to trouble the Skerries keeper Byrne. It took them until the 38 minute to get a shot on the Skerries goal when Byrne had to deal with a Farrell snap shot and that was from 25 yards. Skerries should have made it 2 nil before half time break when on 43 minutes a Bolger long throw into the box was flicked on by Moore but Beggs and Woodhead failed to get a touch and the ball ran harmlessly wide.
Skerries started the second half as they had started the first pushing Drogheda into their own half. Chances fell to Beggs after 50 and 55 minutes but the Drogheda defence held firm. Skerries increased their lead on 63 minutes when another Bolger long throw caused confusion in the Drogheda six yard box and a combination of defender, goalkeeper and Beggs the ball ended up in the Drogheda net. Beggs claiming the goal.
Like the first half Skerries took their foot off the pedal again and allow Drogheda more possession than they deserved. O'Flaherty was introduced for Beggs and Gallagher for Donnelly after 75 minutes. With the clock running down and the 3 points secure a long ball from Byrne was headed down by Moore to Davey who saw the Drogheda keeper Sweeney off his line and lobbed him from 25 yards to make it 3 nil. This was Davey's first goal for the 1st team and a goal his general play deserved.
Another plus from the game was the return to first team action of Ben Gahan after over 2 years out with a knee injury. Ben had a steady game at left back and his return can only be good news for the Skerries management
.
Next Sunday another home game v Pegasus and a win would lift Skerries into a clear 2nd place. Come on the Town.
Team: Byrne, Lee, Gahan, Langan, Bolger, Hurley, Donnelly (Gallagher), Doherty (Davey), Woodhead, Beggs (O'Flaherty), Moore. Not Used: McCaffrey
17/01/06 - Under 17's win in LFA Youths Cup
Skerries Town 2 St Mochtas 1
Skerries Town under 17's qualified for the 3rd round of the LFA Youths Cup with a 2-1 win over St Mochtas last Sunday in Clonsilla. Goals in the first half by Coleman and Mulvaney were enough to secure the win. Skerries had numerous chances to put the game beyond Mochtas during the second half but Coleman, Mulvany and Beattie failed to increase Skerries's lead. Beattie was also denied a penalty when he was taken down in the box from behind but the referee waved away the Skerries appeals. These misses could have been costly when Mochtas No 8 scored 10 minutes from time. However, the Skerries defence were not to concede again to secure a well deserved victory.
16/01/06 - Quiz Night in aid of squad trip to Glasgow
A Quiz Night will be held in Keane's Bus Bar on Monday 23rd January at 8.30pm to raise funds for the Under 11/14/15 Squad's trip to Glasgow Celtic in March. The cost of a table is EUR24 for a maximum of 4 persons.
If you would like to book a table please text Frank Savage at 086-0778307.
01/04/06 - Saturday Premier back to winning ways
Skerries Town 2 0 Rathfrnham Punters
After two recent defeats, to St Francis in the Cup and last week to Dunboyne in the League, Skerries needed to get back to winning ways.
They did just that on Saturday where they continued their push for league honours with a well deserved win over Rathfarnham Punters at a wet and windy Mourne View Park. The poor weather conditions made sure this game was never going to be a classic. Skerries adopted to the conditions much better than their opponents and tested the Punters keeper on a number of occasios in the opening 20 minutes. The pick of his saves came from efforts by Tracey, Armstrong and Murray. The breakthrough Skerries were waiting for came in somewhat fortunate circumstances. Tracey crossed a harmless ball from the left side into the Punters box and with no danger whatsoever the Punters centre half controlled the ball with his hand and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Mangan dispatched the spot kick with ease.
The second half continued much that same as the first with Skerries well on top but with both teams struggling to cope with the cross- field breeze. Skerries cause was not helped midway through the second half when Colm Tracey received a second yellow card for foolishly kicking the ball away. Skerries weathered the brief storm from Rathfarnham and wrapped up the points with fifteen minutes remaining when Seamus Farrell made a great run to the back line and crossed (yes, with his left foot) to the back post where Robbie Armstrong scored with a rare header. This goal killed off any further threat from Rathfarnham as the ten men of Skerries eased their way to the three points.
The side now travel to Malahide on Monday where the fight for 3 more points continues.
16/01/06 - Rosco gets his goal
First match back after the Christmas break and Skerries Town U12 Premier lined out against Grange Woodbine in miserable conditions.
The pace was fast and furious with both sides wanting to get their first points of 2006 and went at it right from the off with possession equally shared for the first fifteen minutes.
Front men Kevin Miley and Aaron Farrell were both denied by some strong Grange defending but with the link up play all through the Skerries side you could sense a Goal was not far away. It came five minutes from Half time when Skerries won a corner. Shane McDonald directed the ball into the centre of the area where Sean Marry rose highest to direct his header over the Grange Keeper and into the Far corner.
The second half began with changes to the Skerries side Conor Deegan and Ross Coleman coming on for the unlucky duo Kevin Miley and Aaron Farrell. Conor dropped into Midfield and Paul Cashman pushed up front with Ross Coleman Skerries were pushing hard again with Sean Marry and Shane Mc Donald both raiding up the wings from defence and linking well with Dylan Mc Namee and Oisin Hand all threatening the Grange Goal.
After 10 mins of the second half hard battling Oisin Hand had to be replaced after a knock to the ankle, ever dependable Caoimhe Halpin came on and dropped into “Mudfield” beside Conor Deegan which allowed Paul Reid push out to the right where he utilised his speed to run at the Grange Defence.
Almost midway through the second half with the score still at 1-0 Sean Marry broke down a Grange attack and broke from defence playing one twos with both Dylan Mc Namee and Ross Coleman, when the ball came back to Ross Coleman he sidestepped a Grange challenge and hit a powerful looping “chip” which sailed over the Grange Keeper and into the back of the net. To say the Skerries contingent erupted is an understatement as Ross has waited four years to score a goal and it was worth waiting for, he was nearly hugged to death by his team mates as he is the last member of the team to score a goal.
Grange heads dropped a bit after that and Skerries continued to push hard for more goals with shots from Paul Cashman, Dylan McNamee, Greg Reddin and Sean Marry all saved by the Grange Keeper who had a good game. Paul Reid used his speed from the right racing at the defence taking them all on and cutting back to deftly slot the ball home, the last goal came from a sweeping passing move involving six Skerries players which ended with Paul Cashman finishing with a strong right foot drive, 4-0 game over.
This was not a stroll by any means as Grange were a good side but Skerries were too strong on the day, all attacks were broken down quickly by the back four, Greg Reddin and Paddy O Leary who were dominant in central defence with Shane Mc Donald and Sean Marry tackling hard and raiding up the wings. Keeper Dylan Monaghan thankfully did not have a lot to do but what he did have he dealt comfortably with and continued to spur on his back four.
Wet and Happy we retired to Mc Donalds to celebrate.
Thankds to the travelling support and Greg Reddin as always for the team transport.
01/01/06 - Charity Match Result
Walsh's Warriors steal the game in penalty shoot-out after a pulsating encounter finished in a 4-4 draw.................
Bolger’s Battlers 4 :: Walsh’s Warriors 4
(Warriors won 2 -1 on penalties)
Over €500 raised for Irish Cancer Society in STFC Annual Charity Match
A big THANK YOU to everyone who turned up to support our annual charity match on 1 January. Special appreciation goes to the players, referee, “tea makers” and all the helpers who contributed to a very enjoyable day. An even bigger THANK YOU and WELL DONE goes to the under 7 and under 8 teams for the skilful display of their talents during the half-time break interval.
While there was plenty of generosity off the pitch there was little charity on the pitch.
It took a penalty shoot out to separate Walsh’s waltzing Warriors from Bolger’s bulging (well some of them) Battlers in this epic encounter. The Battlers would argue that a critical turning point came mid way through the second half when their goalkeeper, Ed Fynes, was forced to retire after a collision with Warriors’ Martin Cripps. Some might say it was a cynical ploy by the Warriors to take out the keeper given the pivotal role played by Fynes in stabilising the Battlers’ defence when he replaced “Postman Pat” Kenny who, in fairness, was struggling with the after effects of a family wedding the night before.
The Warriors had received a significant boost at the eleventh hour when their manager, Paul “Rafael” Walsh, outbid his rival for the services of star player Gavin Bolger (on loan from a top London club) to join up with his brothers Niall and Aidan. Rafael also persuaded Alan “Picasso” Sweeney to ply his artistic trade between the posts.
Even before the game started it was clear that Rafael Walsh was going all out to win. His masterful plan of arriving just a few minutes before kick-off seemed to cause confusion in the opposition ranks as they thought he had chickened out. However, Jose Bolger, was not going to be easily put off by any such fowl play and he had a few ideas of his own as to how to ruffle the Warriors’ feathers.
The Warriors were quicker to settle and it was no surprise when they took the lead during the first half when Ray Oliver opened the scoring. However, in spite of their early dominance, the Warriors were shocked by one of the best goals ever seen at Park Lane when the classy Kevin Farrell sent a rocket past Sweeney from 30 years out. The Battlers moved up a gear and took the lead when the persistent Duane Crean created an opening for stylish Sinead Cunnane to tap in from close range. The lead was short lived as the Warriors’ intrepid playmaker Gav Bolger brought the game level before the break and a well earned breather for both teams.
The second half saw the Battlers taking the game to the Warriors in the initial stages. Inspirational player manager, Mick “Jose” Bolger, entered the fray to set up their skilful striker Gavin Friel whose sweetly struck shot from the edge of the 18 yard box found the far corner of the net to see the Battlers go 3-2 ahead.
With Archer raiding along the right flank for the Warriors and Armstrong belying his years with powerful runs along the touchline for the Battlers the game settled into a fairly even pattern in the second half. However, as limbs began to tire and the ball took on a mind of its own (it failed to respond in the manner intended by some players) it seemed more likely that the game would be lost rather than won.
The Warriors started to take control and their pressure paid off when Donal McGavisk made the score 3-3. It looked curtains for the Battlers when Gav Bolger struck his team’s fourth goal with only a few minutes left but all was not over as the Battlers dug deep and swept up field where Friel, showing very tricky footwork to stave off 3 Warrior defenders, set up Kevin Farrell to fire past Sweeney to bring the game to a penalty shoot-out.
The Warriors rolled out their Big Guns for the penalty shoot out and while given a close run by Jose Bolger’s veteran Battlers the Warriors took the honours on the day.
Teams :
Bolger's Battlers:
Manager: Mick "Jose" Bolger
Kevin Wynne, Reg Armstrong, Paul Kenny, Brian Malone, Terry O'Flaherty, Kieran Mullin,
Conor “The Badger” Sheridan, Liam Heffernan, Gavin Friel, Eddie Fynes, Kevin Farrell, Duane Crean, Bernie Peters, Sinead Cunnane, John Archbold
Walsh's Warriors:
Manager: Paul "Rafael" Walsh
Alan Sweeney, Martin Cripps, Liam Archer, Ray Oliver, Martin Burke, Niall Bolger, Gavin Bolger, Aidan Bolger, Danny Cripps, Larry Gaffney, Jamie Maypotter, Siobhan Roy, Timmy Dennis.
Referee : Gary Tolan
(Note : Accounts of the match provided in local watering holes after the game may differ to varying extents from the above version which was penned by an impartial reporter.)
SKERRIES TOWN F.C. – OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
ANNUAL CHARITY MATCH -- 1 JANUARY 2006
Managers Jose Bolger and Rafael Walsh have announced their squads for the STFC New Year's Day Annual Charity Match which this year is in aid of the Irish Cancer Society. Both managers have, however, refused to confirm their starting eleven and we understand that neither will do so until just before kick off. Walsh has for some strange reason included himself in his squad. Bolger commented earlier today that was a desperate measure by a desperate manager.
The Christmas period appears to have taken its toll on both squads and many changes can be expected between now and kick off time.
The game takes place on Sunday 1 January at Park Lane and kick off is 2p.m.
During half time the Skerries Town under 7s manager by Paul Kenny and Donal McGavisk will play the Skeries Town under 8s mentored by Kieran Mullin and Timmy Dennis. The under 7s were recent winners at the NDSL indoor tournament at Gormanston while the under 8s are in 4th place in their league with games in hand.
So come along and support a great cause. Players will be contributing not only their skill to the event but also their cash while spectators are asked to donate €3 (or more) which includes entry to a raffle for some nice prizes. The draw will take place in the Clubhouse immediately after the game. Anyone wishing to make a donation to the cause may do so on the day.
Skerries Town are delighted that Gary Tolan, the highly rated NDSL referee, has been appointed to take charge of this fixture.
Probable squads (reportedly from an inside source):
Bolger's Battlers:
Manager: Mick "Jose" Bolger
Kevin Wynne Reg Armstrong Paul Kenny Brian Malone
Terry O'Flaherty Kieran Mullin
Liam Heffernan Gavin Friel Eddie Fynes Duane Crean
Bernie Peters
Walsh's Warriors:
Manager: Paul "Rafael" Walsh
Kevin Walsh Mick Neville Martin Cripps Liam Archer
Ray Oliver Tom Brady
Martin Burke Brian Potter Paul Walsh Aidan Bolger
Danny Cripps