27/05/06 - Awards dinner, date deffered

The 60th Anniversary awards dinner has been deffered until September.

23/05/06 - Under 9A1 Player of the year award

Our under 9 team with Tommy O’Brien & Brian Simpson recently held their end of season party.
As is tradition with this team they also use the occasion to make their Player of the Year Award.
The decision is made by the players and management team each voting for their top three
players for the past season. This year again it was a very close run contest with Robbie Broderick and Alan King Swift being pipped by Shan Rice for the award.

The outgoing Player of the Year, Tom McDonald, made a suitable speech outlining how much he had enjoyed his past year.

Shane produced so many brilliant performances in goals this year that it is a testament to the overall team performance that he was pushed so close. However the list of unbelievable saves made this season tipped the vote in Shane’s favour.

With Man Utd having released Tim Howard and Edwin Van Der Saar slowing down, Alex Fergusson should take a look at our Shane and try to sign him while he still can.

photos

07/05/06 - Skerries narrowly beaten in Frank Shannon Shield Final

Glebe North 2  Skerries Town 1

Skerries again lost out to their near neighbours in the cup final, It is the third time this year that this scoreline has been repeated. However, the Skerries boys did not go down without a fight and were unlucky on the day

On the beautiful surface of the Amateur League Complex a smashing contest was witnessed between these two great teams. Glebe North took the lead from a corner in the second quarter when Owen Mooney finished well from 10 yards. However, Skerries fought straight back and equalized about 5 minutes  later. A corner from Sean Rocks was flicked on at the near post by Joe O’Brien and Alan Halpin was perfectly positioned to head in from 5 yards to level the score.

The game proceeded at a hectic pace with Jake Kenny going close with a couple of long range shots while Shane Rice in the Skerries goal produced his usual assured performance to mop up any danger at the back. With very little getting past Robbie Broderick and Ciannan & Fionnan Simpson at the back for Skerries while Ken Costello was commanding in defence for Glebe, the game was drifting towards extra time. With about 2 minutes remaining Glebe broke down the right. A cross evaded the Skerries defenders to find Evan Mooney at the far post who finished from 5 yards.

Try as they might, Skerries could not find a second equalizer. The final whistle was greeted with jubilation by the Glebe team and their supporters. The Skerries lads however put their disappointment behind them and congratulated each and every member of the victors squad.

A phone message was received from the Glebe manager, Padraig Costello, commending the Skerries lads on the sporting manner in which they accepted defeat. The were a credit to the club.

Our best wishes to Padraig & Carl and the Glebe boys. But remember, tiocfadh ár lá

04/05/06 - Recent Blotto Jackpot Winners

We all watched and waited as week by week the Blotto Jackpot increased to its biggest prize ever, a massive €6000. It was eventually won and shared by two winners, Ritchie McCormack and Christy Jenkinson. click here for photos. 

The blotto continues each week and the Jackpot currently stands at €700.

The draw takes place each Sunday evening at various pubs around the town, alternating each week.

Saturday 21st May:  Frank Shannon Shield Final

On Saturday, Skerries Town Under 9A1 take on neighbours Glebe North in the Final of the Frank Shannon Shield at Oscar Traynor Rd at 11 O’Clock. Why not come along and show your support to Tommy, Brian and the lads.

30/04/06 - Under 17s back with a bang

Cabinteely FC    0    10    Skerries Town  

Following their LFA youths Cup exit on Friday Skerries under 17s could have been forgiven for not been at their best when league duty resumed on Sunday morning. Skerries made the long trip to Cabinteely with only 11 fit players and even some of those were feeling the effects of Fridays bruising  encounter with Shelbourne. Out from the start were Mark Heffernan (foot), Shane Coen (ankle) along with long term injury worry Rob Hughes. Beattie played after spending 6 hours in hospital on Saturday and Bolger nursed a sore ankle and Garrett a sore knee both started the game. Into the team from Friday's game came O'Neill and Duff.  

From the off, Skerries were in no mood to let any points slip away here. The game from the start was played totally in the Cabinteely half and it was only a matter of time before Skerries scored. And so it was, Skerries were 4 goals up at half time, thanks to Beattie (2) Coleman and the pick of the bunch from Hopkins. Bolger was unable to continue after half time but it made no difference as 10 man Skerries scored another 6 without reply. Beattie helped himself to 5 in total. Coleman 3 and Hopkins and Capper completed the scoring.  

The under 17s have a difficult week ahead with a home game on Tuesday vs. Raheny and away to Everton on Thursday.

28/04/06 - Skerries Town win promotion

Our first team have achieved Senior Division status for next season following St. James's Gate's defeat to Boyne Rovers (3-2) last Friday. The defeat means that Skerries are 4 points clear of "The Gate" with both teams having just one game left. The news sparked a weekend of celebrations not seen for sometime in the town.  

It's been a magnificent season for our lads. We done to Alan, Johnny and all the squad.

Indeed if Dublin Bus fail to secure less than 2 points from their remain 2 games against Ashtownvilla and St. Mochtas and Skerries collect full points from their remaining game vs. Ashtownvilla, Skerries would end up as League Champions.  

So why not come along to The Park next Sunday when Skerries play the final game in Division 1 against Ashtownvilla. Kick off 11am.

28/04/06 - LFA Youths Cup Defeat.

Skerries Town    3    3    Shelbourne                 Shelbourne win 5-4 on penalties.  

Skerries Town under 17s are out of the LFA Youths Cup following a dramatic 5-4 penalty shoot out, having drawn 3-3 after extra time, against the mighty Shelbourne at Park Lane last Friday night. A crowd of over 300 packed into Park Lane to witness one of the best displays by a Skerries Town under age team in years. Skerries were magnificent and really should have won the tie in normal time.

Skerries opened the scoring when Steven Beattie cracked a super effort, from 25 yards, off the Shelbourne cross bar and as the rebound fell 6 yards out Beattie sprinted to head past the helpless Shels keeper. Shelbourne replied within 5 minutes when a corner on the right was headed home at the back post following some slack marking. Skerries had to reshuffle their back 3 when Shane Coen got injured and was replaced by Christopher Branagan. Skerries, however, continued to bring the game to their visitors but the scores remained 1-1 at the interval.  

The second half was much the same as the first with Skerries on top. The power and pace of Beattie and Coleman was giving the Shels defence no end of trouble. While in midfield Hopkins, Capper and Heffernan were certainly on top. At the back Brennan, Bolger and Mulvaney were in total control. With 5 minutes remaining Skerries were awarded a corner on the right. Beattie swung the ball towards the penalty spot where Brennan rose brilliantly to head home. In a desperate effort to get an equaliser Shels then pushed players forward. With less than a minute left they were awarded a free on the right some 30 yards out. The ball was played high into the Skerries area and after a number of challenges the ball appeared to be in keeper Jenkinson's hands but somehow ended up in the Skerries net.  

It was hard to see how Skerries could raise their game for the extra time after being so close. But raise their game they did. Then mid way through the second period of extra time Shels went in front for the first time in the tie. A good shot beating Jenkinson low down to his right. All over you might say but not this Skerries side. Immediately Skerries went searching for an equaliser. The hero of the extra time was Stephen Byrne who had replaced the injured Coleman.  Hopkins, Capper, Beattie and Branagan were all involved in pressurising the Shels defence and when the ball broke to Byrne he made no mistake from 12 yards.  

The penalty shoot out left no room for error as Shels scored all 5 and one can say on that performance deserve their victory. For Skerries the only blemish was Mulvaney's which was brilliantly saved by the Shels keeper. For the record Hopkins, Heffernan, Bolger and Garrett were successful.   A great night, it's a case of so near and yet so far.

Well done to Liam, Mick and all the squad.  

Team: Jenkinson, Coen (Branagan), Brennan, Bolger, Hopkins, Heffernan, Capper, Mulvaney, Coleman (Byrne), Beattie. Subs not used: O'Neill and Duff.

27/04/06 - Ladies win Matt Lauder Cup

Well done to the Skerries Town ladies have won the inaugural Matt Lauder Cup. This winter tournament for Ladies teams in the Fingal area had entries from Drogheda, Balbriggan and Donabate. Skerries completed their fixture programme loosing only once to Drogheda. In fact in the last two games they scored 26 goals conceding none. Well done to all concerned.

16/04/06 - MOORE strikes as Seniors push for promotion

St. Mochtas    0    1    Skerries Town  

A superb Bendan Moore strike in the 85 minute was enough to settle the tension filled Leinster Senior League 1 tie against St Mochtas at Porterstown last Sunday. This latest league win makes it six wins in a row and takes us another mighty step to the Senior Division next season.  

Skerries playing into a strong wind in the first half started brightly and created a number of half chances the best falling to Doherty who heading wide when in a good position after good work by Gallagher and Woodhead wide on the left and then Beggs again headed wide from 6 yards after a Bolger and Gallagher has exchanged passes again wide on the left. A worry for Skerries in the opening period was the withdrawal of Graham O'Flaherty through injury and he was replaced by Cathal Hurley.  

Skerries started the second half like a team pressing for promotion. Mochtas conceded 3 corners in the opening 2 minutes as Skerries went in search of the opening score. From the first of those second half corners, from the left, Beggs heading just over the bar from 8 yards. Then from the third corner of those early corners Woodhead firing a shot over after being set up by Beggs and Gahan.  

Then with only 6 minutes gone in that second period a moment of madness by centre back Doherty resulted in the referee showing him a second yellow card. Doherty miss-read the bounce of the ball on the half way line and handled as it bounced over his head giving the referee no alternative but to produce a card.

Skerries however continued to force the pace and efforts from Beggs on the hour and 4 minutes later Moore shot wide after Woodhead played him in. Mochtas however finally got hold of the ball in the midfield area and started to exert pressure on the Skerries goal. The Skerries defence were now working overtime. Mochtas created a number of chances but on each occasion a combination of good defending and poor finishing ensured the score remained level.  

It was the 85th minute. Mochtas played the ball back to their keeper. The ever willing Barry Davey sprinted 30 yards to force the keeper into a hasty clearance. The ball fell to Moore all of 40 yards out. There seemed little danger but Moore immediately took aim and volleyed home past the helpless Mochtas keeper Fee. This was a strike worthy of winning any game.  The goal totally deflated Mochtas and Skerries played out the remaining minutes to secure another impressive win.  

Team: Byrne, Gahan Doherty, Langan, Bolger, Gallagher (Donnelly), Davey, Woodhead (Coleman), O'Flaherty (Hurley) Beggs

15/04/06 - Under 17's in league Cup semi-final  

Raheny    3    4    Skerries Town  

Our under 17 team qualified for the semi-final of their League cup following a 4-3 extra time victory over Raheny at St Anne's Park last Tuesday. Skerries had the better of the exchanges in the opening half but were unable to turn their better possession into goals. The best of the Skerries efforts from Beattie, Coleman and Heffernan all missed the target.

The game came to life 7 minutes into the second half. A long ball to the edge of the Raheny box was chased down by Coleman and the Reheny centre back and as the two challenged for the ball at the edge of the area the Raheny centre back went down in what appeared a clean challenge but the referee for some strange reason showed Coleman a red card. The sending off seemed to kick start Skerries and within 5 minutes Skerries were two up thanks to Steven Beattie. Raheny however battled back and levelled with 15 minutes remaining. Within 5 minutes Steven Beattie had completed his hat-trick from the penalty and he was fouled in the area. Raheny fought back again a levelled with a minute remaining on the clock.

The first period of extra time ended with no further scoring. The sides were both now playing with 10 men when the Raheny centre back was dismissed for a second yellow card. With darkness descending and the penalty shoot out looking more likely, Ross Hopkins settled the tie with a shot from 12 yards that flew past the Raheny keeper.

Skerries now have a home semi-final vs. Lakelands, Stllorgan on Sunday 23rd April. Kick off time has yet to be decided.

15/04/06 - LFA Youths Cup Re-fix.  

The re-fixed Leinster FA Youths Cup semi-final tie between our Under 17s v Shelbourne now takes place on Thursday 27th April at Park Lane with a 6.30pm kick off.

14/04/06 - Ladies win again.

Drogheda    0    3    Skerries Town  

The Skerries ladies kept the 100% record intact following a convincing 3-0 win over Drogheda on Friday. Skerries were on the attach from the start and Drogheda were made defend deep in their own half. However the first half was 30 minutes old before Skerries made the break through. Drogheda conceded a corner on the left. Christine Martin floated the ball into the 6 yards area and Sinead Prendergast powered in to head home. 

Skerries totally dominated the second half and scored twice more. Sinead Cullen got the second when a dipping shot to the top left hand corner left McGuirk in the Drogheda goal with no chance. Skerries third came from a corner on the right. Siobh n Roy swung  the ball into the box and centre back Sinead Prendergast as in the first half powerfully headed the ball goalward and the Drogheda No 4 could only deflect the ball into her own net.

Skerries now play Portrane next Tuesday away. Another win should see the title come to Skerries.

10/04/06 - Skerries Senior Sunday continue winning ways.  

Workman's Dunleary    0    1   Skerries Town  

Skerries Town opened up a 4 point gap over rivals St James Gate in the race for second place and a promotion to the Senior Division next season thanks to a narrow but well deserved 1 nil victory over Workman's Dunleary at Rochestown Avenue last Sunday.  

The all important goal came on 7 minutes when Martin Beggs played a beautiful pass to Graham O'Flaherty who cleverly beat the Workman's keeper from inside the area. Skerries continued to dominate the opening period and O'Flaherty should have extended Skerries lead half way through the opening half when he was put through on goal by Davey but his shot lacked any power and failed to trouble the Workmans keeper.

Playing with the aid of a strong breeze in the second half Skerries started as they finished the first pinning Workman's back. O'Flaherty shot over after a run and cross by Bolger. And 3 minutes later the same player again shot over after good work by Gallagher and Beggs. Skerries needed a second goal to settle the nerves but it would not come. Davey left the field injured and was replaced by John Donnelly. Donnelly was immediately into the action when he shot over after another Bolger break from defence. On 80 minutes Hurley who had replaced Beggs was fouled 30 yards out and the resulting Woodhead free was heading into the top right hand corner only for the Workmans keeper to tip the ball over the bar brilliantly.  

The final 10 minutes was all Workmans. But as has been the case all season the Skerries defence of Gahan, Langan, Doherty and Bolger were outstanding during this period while midfielders of Gallagher, Woodhead, Donnelly and Moore were making sure the Workman's were never able to create a clear opening. This combination ensured the Byrne in the Skerries goal kept clean sheet number 11 of this league campaign.

A great result was Chairman Owen O'Brien's verdict after the final whistle. This is a tough place to come and get a result at any time but to get a win at this stage of the season is very pleasing.  

TEAM: Byrne, Gahan, Doherty, Langan, Bolger Moore, Wodhead, Davey (Donnelly), Gallagher, Beggs (Hurley), O'Flaherty (Coleman)

08/04/06 - Skerries 10E1 through to the semi-final of McQuaid Motors Shield.

This Skerries team has shown their true grit as they have battled through 8 games to reach the semi-final of this shield. Some of the teams who reach this stage do so in 3 or 4 games, but due to games ending level even after extra time these boys have had plenty of playing practice from playoffs and replays.

The last game against Castleknock, another replay as these teams had drawn the previous week on home ground, has shown what this team are capable of as they went on to beat Castleknock playing away.

The game got off to a sluggish start as both sides seemed lethargic. However, this soon changed as the Skerries side picked up the pace. Some fine play from midfielders Luke, Mark and Peter kept the Castleknock side on their toes. A brilliant goal from Dean Harford put Skerries in the lead. The tension built as Castleknock tried to come back but our defenders Conal, Conor and Jamie were like a brick wall the opposition couldn’t penetrate. Although Pearse and Nathan kept up the pressure on the Castleknock defence the game ended 1-0 to Skerries.

The boys will meet Dunboyne away for the semi-final. Look out Dunboyne; these are a hard team to beat!

08/04/06 - Skerries clinch Under 10A1 League Title

Skerries Town Under 10's clinch the title with a close fought 1-1 draw against rivals Dunboyne. Skerries needed just a point to ensure that the title was theirs and opened the scoring midway through the first half when Billy Hess headed home from an Aaron Wynne corner. The goal was a carbon copy of Billy's winner in the Frank Shannon Shield Final last year against the same opposition.

Dunboyne took the game to Skerries in the second half and scored a deserved equaliser with ten minutes to go. Dunboyne almost spoiled the party when a looping header beat Daire Grimes in the Skerries goal, came back off the upright and rolled along the line before Daire recovered to clear. The last few minutes were tense but Referee Gerry Newman blew for full time with the score at 1-1 and the title belonged to Skerries.

This title win was well deserved as Skerries went through the campaign with just one league defeat all season.

Well done to all envolved, players, managers Kevin and Reg and to all the parents for their continued support.

Title celebrations photo

04/04/06 - Skerries 9A1 to defend Frank Shannon Shield

Well done to Tommy O'Brien's Under 9's who have made it to the  Frank Shannon Shield Final after beating Swords Manor on Saturday. The teams had met twice before in  friendlies with both games ending in draws. This game was also a close encounter but Skerries came out on top with goals from Sean Rocks and Alan Halpin. Well done to all the lads and lets all look forward to another great day out at Oscar Traynor and hopefully we'll bring home the shield for another year.

link to Swords Manor website report of the game.

02/04/06 - Senior Report

Skerries Town    2    0    Newbridge Town  

Skerries won the battle of the "towns" with a 2 nil victory over Newbridge at Skerries last Sunday. Skerries started the brighter and early efforts by O'Flaherty and Beggs set the tone for the opening period. It was no surprise that Skerries went in front after only 12 minutes. A long ball from Byrne caused confusion in the Newgridge defence and the Newbrige keeper was forced to head clear under the challenge of Beggs. However, O'Flaherty brilliantly hit a half volley to the roof of the Newbridge net from all of 30 yards.

Skerries were now in total control and a minute later it could have been 2 nil. Woodhead played in Beggs on the right and he shoot into the side netting from an acute angle. Within minutes Beggs set up O'Flaherty but he got no power in his shot to trouble the Newbridge keeper. The second goal did come in the 38 minute. A long throw by Bolger on the right was flicked on by Doherty and Moore was on hand to score from 5 yards. Skerries pressure play continued to force Newbridge back into their own half and Skerries should have extended their lead when first Beggs smashed a shot off the post on 43 minutes and within a minute Davey lobbed the ball over the keeper and bar when it look easier to score.

Even though Skerries were in total control of the first half Skerries had to thank keeper Byrne for keeping the score to 2 nil at the break when he made a double block in first half added time.  Skerries replaced the injured Langan for Coleman at half time. The change made no difference and Skerries continued to dominate and should have increased their lead on 50 minutes when Davey found himself clear with only the keeper to beat only to see his lob come back off the cross bar. Beggs then shot tamely into the keepers arms when found well by Moore. The catalogue of missed chances continue when O'Flaherty shot over from 20 yards when another long all from Byrne caught the Newbridge defence out. Friel who had replaced Beggs also failed to hit the target when he too lobed the keeper from 12 yards but the ball also cleared the bar.

Skerries fully deserved this win and manager Alan Sweeney was delight with the way his side had played.

We are taking every game as it comes and I'm delighted with the way we played today he said after the game. I'm particularly happy with the committement of all the players, they chased and harried and never gave Newbridge a chance to play.  

TEAM: Byrne, Gahan, Gallagher, Bolger,  Langan (Coleman), Doherty, Davey, Woodhead (Hurley), Moore, Beggs (Friel), O'Flaherty,

02/04/06 - Under 17's Through to LFL Semi-Final

Skerries Town set themselves up for a semi-final date with Shelbourne in the Leinster Youths Cup following a dramatic 4-3 extra time victory over Kilnamanagh at Mourne View last Sunday. Skerries playing with the aid of a strong wind were 2 up within the opening 20 minutes. The first a delightful Paddy Duff header from a Steven Beattie corner after 10 minutes. Aidan Bolger extended Skerries lead when he fired home following another Beattie corner. Kilnamagh were offer a chance to get back into the game when Mark Heffernan mistimed a challenge on the edge of the box but the referee pointed to the spot to the surprise of the Skerries management and supporters. Jenkinson was helpless from the resulting penalty.

Kilnamanagh started the second half with the strong wind in their backs and were lever within 5 minutes. A change by Skerries manager Liam Heffernan of moving his son Mark to Midfield had immediate effect when Mark fired Skerries back into the lead after being set up by Coleman. However Kilmanagh fought back and forced the game into extra time when they equalised within a minute of full time.

The first half of extra time was very much an even affair. With Skerries playing with the aid of the elements in the second half they pressed forward for a winner. However with only minutes left and penalties looming, Kilnamanagh created the best chance of the extra time and Skerries have to thank keeper Jenkinson who saved from point blank range from the Kilnamanagh centre forward. As the game entered the final minute Skerries got the goal that won the tie. Beattie crossed into the box and a mistake by the Kilnamanagh keeper allow Shane O'Neill to smash the ball to the net from 4 yards.

Skerries play Shelbourne in the semi final next Sunday in Skerries.

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 occasions 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.