27/03/07 - Under 9's hit the top spot

Well done to the Under 9C1 team who have taken over the top spot in their league.
Under the stewardship of managers Aidan Doyle and Simon Toft, they have now gone seven games unbeaten.

Their most recent game was away to Kinsealy Boys, who were also unbeaten up to this game. Skerries came away with a well deserved 3-1 win with goals from Mark Doyle, Daniel Donnely and Mikey Cripps.

The whole squad needs special mention as this squad was mostly made up of the first group from the academy and are all developing well. Aidan and Simon are working with a pool of about fifteen players which can make it difficult to keep everyone happy, but so far so good.

Well done to all. Keep it up.

23/03/07 - Senior and DDSL Games off this week-end

The LSL Senior Sunday, Saturday Major 1B and Premier teams all have a free week-end due to the Ireland -Wales game.

The Under 15's league game against Harolds Cross and the Under 18 Ferrari Cup game against Shamrock Rovers have both been called Off.

22/03/07 - Seniors complete double over Moyle Park

Skerries Town    1    0    Moyle Park

(Davey)

Skerries Town completed the double over Moyle Park thanks to a second half  Barry Davey strike at Park Lane last Sunday. This win lifts Skerries to 10th place in the league.

Both sides were without a number of regular starters. Niall Bolger and Steven Beattie both missed the game for a Skerries through injury while Moyle Park were without the very experienced centre back Stephen Coyne.  

Skerries started as if they really wanted the 3 points on offer and as early as the second minute a Beggs free kick caused all sorts of trouble in the Moyle Park goalmouth but Moyle finally cleared at the expense of a corner. Five minutes later Beggs controlled a Donnelly pass inside the Moyle Park area. He went to ground under the  challenged of Stokes but any penalty appeals were waved away by the referee.

Skerries continued to create chances. On 14 minutes Skerries centre back Doherty had the ball in the Moyle net but the goal was disallowed for offside. Some 5 minutes later a poor kick out by Moyle Park keeper McCormack was quickly latched onto by Beggs but he fired well wide.

Moyle Park also had chances in the opening period. Harper crossed from the right but Byrne in the Skerries goal cut out the danger. Moyle's best chance of the first half came on 30 minutes when Doyle skipped past the challenge of Lee and Kelly to whip a ball into the Skerries area but Tougher made poor contact and the ball went harmlessly wide when he should have scored. The first half ended with a sleet shower making conditions very difficult for both teams and good football almost impossible so the sound of the half time whistle was a welcome sound to all.

The second half started as the sleet gave way to sunshine. Moyle were first to attack but Doyle's effort failed to trouble Byrne in the Skerries goal. Then on 55 minutes the goal that settled this tie came. Good work by Kelly and Gallagher, who had replaced Lee, found Beggs just inside the Moyle Park area. Beggs immediately flicked the ball into the path of the in rushing Davey who carried the ball past two defenders to score from 8 yards. Skerries now had their tails up and within the space of 6 minutes should have increased their lead. First a Kelly run and cross from the left found the unmarked Moore 10 yards from goal but Moore was unable to steer the ball into the net. Then Beggs and Davey combined to set up O'Flaherty but from 18 yards he shot weak and wide.

Finally a Skerries move involving Moore, O'Flaherty and Donnelly twice saw a Davey strike parried by Moyle keeper McCormack to safety to keep Moyle in the game. Moyle Park drew hope from the fact that Skerries were unable to get the second goal and committed more men forward. Skerries were beginning to give away free kicks in dangerous areas but Moyle failed to capitalise. Moyle's best chance came on 77 minutes when following a free kick from 25 yards that smashed against the Skerries wall a flash shot went inches wide with Byrne no where.

Disputed off side and free kick decisions late on had the Moyle Park bench protesting strongly with the referee but nothing should take away from a fine Skerries performance.

Skerries Manager Alan Sweeney said after the game it's so hard to get wins in this league and today was a big game for us. I'm delighted with the 3 point and felt we fully deserved the victory.

Team: Byrne, Gahan, Lee (Gallagher), Langan, Doherty, Donnelly, Davey (Heffernan), Kelly, Moore, O'Flaherty (Hurley), Beggs. Not Used: Jenkinson, Bolger N and Bolger A.

22/03/07 - Beattie and Hopkins off to the USA

Steven Beattie and Ross Hopkins travel to Memphis USA with the Colaiste Ide football team to take part in the John Talley Showcase Football Tournament. Steven in fact is the team captain. The tournament is specifically set up for players seeking college scholarship opportunities. Steven, however, already has one offer in his back pocket from North Kentucky University.

In addition to the tournament itself Steve Heighway - Director of Liverpool FC Academy and Liverpool FC legend will be holding a Coaching Symposium/Clinic. 

I'm sure all at Skerries Town wish both lads all the best.

14/03/17 - The History of Soccer in Skerries

Skerries Town is currently researching the history of Soccer in Skerries over the past 75 years (1931-2006) We would welcome any information from anyone who may be able to contribute to the story. If you have photographs or memorabilia which they could loan to us we promise to return any such items in perfect condition after we've taken a copy.

If anyone would like to lend me a hand to this project we would welcome any offer of help as we have a tight deadline to meet to have this project completed on time for the launch in October 2007.  

If you can help with any of the above please contact:

Owen O'Brien     Mobile 087-258 4398  or Home (01) 8490191    

Mailing Address: 16, Greenlawns, Skerries, Co. Dublin

E-Mail: oboriel@iol.ie

13/03/07 - Youths Team back to winning ways

The youths side travelled to Sallynoggen to take on St Josephs last Sunday and came away with a well deserved but hard earned 2-1 victory. While Skerries were much the better side in the opening half but the sides went into the break drawing nil all. Within 5 minutes of the restart St Josephs opened the scoring. A combination of a missed tackle, a lucky break of the ball and a miss hit shot saw Jenkinson totally wrong footed in the Skerries goal as the ball sailed over his head into the net.

This Skerries side have that winning desire and immediately pushed forwards looking for the equaliser. Right winger Ross Hopkins was the player to put Skerries back on level terms when he found the Josephs net on 20 minutes to level after being set up by Shane O'Neill. Hopkins scored his and Skerries second 10 minutes later when he again found himself clear with only the Josephs keeper to beat which he did with ease from 12 yards.

This win keep Skerries well placed to challenge for league honours.

13/03/07 - Does your "99er" want to play ball?

Have you a boy or girl who was born in 1999 and who would like to play soccer with Skerries Town F.C. next September?. The club intends to field a minimum of three 7-a-side teams in the North Dublin league and is currently putting together panels of players. Those children who are currently participating in the club's Saturday morning Kids' Academy will form the basis of the new teams. However, there's always a welcome for new players - so if your son or daughter is interested - please contact:

Noeleen Bolger at 087 2802255.

12/03/07 - Under 10A Team Move To Top Of The League

A 2–0 weekend victory over Howth sees our 10A boys move to the top of their league.

This is the top division in the NDSL 9-a-side league and quite an achievement to report.

The weekend match proved to be a thrilling affair for the sizeable crowd present. Skerries managed to hit the post/crossbar on no fewer than 4 occasions. Add to this some great saves from the Howth goalkeeper plus our own Shane Rice and Sean Rocks.

The match, played in exemplary spirit from both sides, remained scoreless until 10 minutes from time with the Skerries defence of Tom McDonald, Fionnan Simpson, Ciannan Simpson and Robbie Broderick repelling all that came their way.

The match was won with two identical goals. Alan Halpin danced his way down the right wing past 3 players before squaring the ball to Luke Caffrey. Cool Hand Luke calmly controlled the ball on each occasion and stroked it home giving the goalkeeper no chance. Sandwiched between the goals was a penalty when Luke was brought down in the box. He picked himself up and took the penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way, only to see it hit the post.

It is wrong to only mention some players in a match report when all 13 played an important part in both this success and the success achieved this season to date. However all including Stephen, Jake, Jack, Joe and Alan can look with pride at all of the big name teams chasing them in this league.

08/03/07 - Senior Round-up

No game for Saturday Major Team
With no fixture schedule for last weekend the Major Saturday side could sit back and watch other sides battle it out for the points. But the weather had other ideas and only one game survived which saw Loughlinstown Celtic beat Glenville 6-0.
Skerries remain top, one point clear of UCD and Malahide United, however both the chasing sides have a game in hand.

Saturday Premier Game Off

The Saturday Premier side's game at home to Clonee was cancelled when the Mill Park Pitch was declared unplayable. With no games played in this division, Skerries remain top, a point ahead of St Patricks CY and 5 points ahead of third placed Walkinstown Athletic.

Next weekend Skerries travel to Rathfarnham Punters.

Tom Cullen Cup

The Saturday Major side have a home tie against St James Athletic next Saturday in the Tom Cullen Cup. The game is scheduled for Park Lane with a 2.30 kick off.

Metropolitan Cup

The Skerries Senior side have been drawn away to Greystones in the Q-final of the EBS Metropolitan Cup. Skerries beat CYM Terenure 2-0 in the last round while Greystones beat Clover 4-2 after extra time.

The full draw is: Belgrove v Bluebell United, Cherry Orchard v Malahide United and Phoenix FC v Boyne Rovers or Verona.

Ties are due weekending 23/24/25 March however the Skerries tie maybe deferred to 1 April.

07/03/07 - Youths advance in Ferrari

Our Youths side advance to the 2nd round of the Ferrari Cup with a well deserved 3-1 victory over Rangers at Park Lane on Sunday. The game was moved to Skerries as Rangers ground was water logged.

Skerries started poorly and conceded a sloppy goal with only 5 minutes on the clock. After that early setback Skerries dominated and were level on 17 minutes when Alan Capper out paced the Rangers defence, rounded the advancing keeper and slid the ball home from 10 yards. Ten minutes later and after constant pressure and a number of corners, Skerries took the lead. Rangers failed to clear a corner and Shane Coen reacted quickest to a loose ball to fire home from 4 yards. Good goal, the celebration needs a bit of work.

The second half was a much more even affair. Rangers however, failed to breakdown the well organised Skerries defence and when they did Jenkinson in the Skerries goal was well positioned. Skerries lost goal scorer Coen with a head injury but Rangers were unable to capitalise. Kevin Kileen pounced on a goalkeeping error to finally settle the tie when he scored on 92 minutes.

06/03/07 - Ladies Team withdrawn from league.

It is with regret the Club have announced that the Ladies team has been withdrawn from the NDSL Ladies League. A club statement says that due to the unavailability of a large number of players for training and weekend games due to studies, work etc. and the uncertainty of having a team for weekend games, it was felt that the only option was to withdraw the team.

The statement continued that the Ladies Section over the last number of years were very successful bringing many league titles to Skerries.

The Club wish to thank Jimmy Farrell for all his efforts with the ladies team, not just this season but in seasons past.

The Club have not entered a team the DDWL this summer either.

03/03/07 - Senior Games off this weekend

Sat Premier:

Todays home game against Clonee is off.

Senior Sunday:

The first teams visit to Greystones is off tomorrow. The Greystones pitch is deemed to be unplayable.

26/02/07 - NDSL Meeting for Club Secretaries; Repor

t

Please see below a report on last Thursday's meeting of NDSL club secretaries which was attended by Pat Lacey.  

A couple of points to note :

Cup matches (except cup final) to have 5 mins extra time and penalties - no replays.

Views sought from managers on playing "6 pointer games". Also playing Easter and St Patk's w/e. Playing both Sat and Sun if feasible.  

Strong reminder that 14 day rule will be strictly observed for postponements - requests for postponements will be considerd only with legitimate reasons.  

In case of cup matches - if home ground is unplayable the game will automatically revert to away ground if that ground is playable.

Full Report

20/02/07 - Sat Prem team win O'Neills team of the month

Congratulations to Dave Barnes and the Sat Premier team who won the LSL O'Neills team of the month award for December.

The team were awarded three O'Neills match balls for their efforts. Well done to all.

19/02/07 - 11Prems back on Track

After two defeats in two, the 11Prems needed a win here to break that trend. A pre-training talk on Thursday about defensive positions and tactics seems to have helped as they put in a great defensive display.

After ten minutes it looked as though this may not be the case as Skerries failed to clear a corner and were made to pay when the Swords striker stabbed the ball home from six yards. Within ten minutes, Skerries were level when Richie Armstrong chased down a Swords clearance and Aaron Wynne latched onto the breaking ball. Wynne raced into the Swords box and despite two attempts to trip him, he stayed up and passed the ball across the goal for Ben Hunter to tap home the equaliser.

Five minutes later Skerries took the lead when Hunter scored again. This time Hunter did all the work himself when he won the ball on the backline, turned two Swords defenders and slotted home from an acute angle.

The teams went in at half time after a very even and entertaining first half with Skerries probably just deservedly in front.

The second half continued as the first, with some nice football from both sides. The Skerries defensive pairing of Darragh Walshe and Ciaran Smith easily cut-out any attacks from the Swords forward line and ensured that Daire Grimes in the Skerries goal had very little to do in the second half.

Midway through the half, Skerries went further ahead with possibly the best move of the game. The ball was taken out of defence by Shane Brassington who passed down the left touch line. Hunter took one touch and flicked the ball inside to Eoghan McGabhan who played a beautiful defence splitting pass through to Wynne who brought the ball into the Swords box before slipping the ball past the advancing Swords keeper.

This goal knocked the fight from the Swords team and Skerries finished off with a fourth goal, a strike from Shane Dennis after Swords only partially cleared a corner.

Hopefully Skerries can continue with this form as they look forward to their next fixture on Sunday week against unbeaten Castleknock.

12/02/07 - Under 8's featured in Evening Herald

Manor put to Sword

By Niall Scully

SWORDS MANOR 1
SKERRIES TOWN 4

MUD, glorious mud, down at the Manor, but you weren't dealing with muck here.
An 8B1 Brackenstown blockbuster that also managed to overcome the icy rain. Many of the players wore hats, and it was hats off to both teams at the close.
Two second-half goals decorated Skerries' display, but it was a much closer game than the 4-1 scoreline suggests. Yet the slick super Hoops went quickly about their work and they were two-up inside the opening seven minutes.

In the fourth minute, Conor Lacey's right-wing corner saw Sean Graham produce a firm finish. Fintan Butler then saved brilliantly from Town's Sean Hickson, and it was `Lord' Lacey himself who got the second when his corner from the left managed to squeeze in between the hinges.

Swords' attacking play was laced with pace, and their deserved reply came when Jamie Finn's free was turned in by Aaron Gibson on nine minutes. The `Flying' Finn, a wonderful footballer, almost hit the equaliser, but her stinging shot brought a vital save from Craig Macken.

Into the second half and Hickson's rasper was only inches wide before the visitors tied up the points. Des Cooke's rising shot, eight minutes in to the half, made it 3-1, and a delightful dribble from Mike Fogarty ended the scoring.
Before the last whistle, in the best run of the day, the fabulous Finn, skating over the sodden turf, was unlucky not to have added to the home tally.

SKERRIES TOWN: Craig Macken; Sean Graham, Leo Cooke, Des Cooke, Conor Lacey, Darragh Lynch, Sean Hickson, Mike Fogarty, Ian Whelan, Cormac Hogan. Managers: Mike Lacey, Ger Fogarty.

08/02/07 - Home draw in Metro

Skerries have been drawn at home to CYM Terenure in the last 16 of the Metropolitan Cup. The tie takes place at Park Lane on Sunday 25 February with a 2.30 kick off. Senior Secretary Paul Walsh said he was happy with the draw. "When your in the last 16 of any cup all you can ask for is a home draw. A cup run is nice, however, our focus from the start of the season was to maintain our Senior Divison status and that hasn't changed"  

The full draw is:

08/02/07 - Youth players Progress to Senior Sides

Many Youth players are progressing very nicely indeed to the senior teams. Back in October Mark Heffernan made his debut for the senior squad as a replacement at Cherry Orchard. Aidan Bolger made his first appearance as a replacement for his older brother Niall at Iveagh Grounds against St James Gate recently. This weekend Ross Hopkins made his first team appearance when replacing Brendan Moore in the league game against Bluebell United.

Youth keeper Ronan Jenkinson regularly sits on the first team bench as understudy to Eamon Byrne

07/02/07 - Beggs double secures point

Skerries Town 2 2 Bluebell United
Beggs (2)

Skerries entertained Bluebell in the Leinster Senior League at foggy Park Lane last Sunday. The first half was very dower affair with both teams were guilty of playing too many long balls and neither sets of midfielders or forwards able to get a hold of the ball which meant that chances were few and far between. Most of the best efforts of the opening half fell to Bluebell but Skerries did come more into the game as the half came to an end.
Bluebell opened the scoring on 20 minutes when busy Bluebell midfielder Kevin Dempsey scored from close range with his second attempt. It was nothing more than Bluebell deserved, as Byrne in the Skerries goal had been the busier of the two keepers. Byrne indeed made one very good save going high to his left to tip a shot away for a corner.
Skerries did however finish the half the stronger. On 40 minutes a Moore, Beattie combination set up Davey but he shot over from 6 yards with only Bluebell keeper Clohessey to beat. Three minutes later a Bolger long throw from the right was flicked on by Doherty but only into the arms of keeper Clohessey.

Those who were late down from the Clubhouse after their half time cup of soup or tea would have missed the opening score of the second half. In the opening minute Bluebell keeper Clohessey stepped outside the area with the ball in hand and referee Caulwell awarded a free kick to Skerries with the help of his assistant. Beggs levelled for Skerries with a goal of the month when he beat wall and keeper with a powerful drive high to the top right hand corner of the net. Within 2 minute Skerries were in the lead. Steven Beattie picked up the ball in midfield and ran at the Bluebell back line. As they backed off Beattie played the ball to the right into the path of Cathal Hurley who crossed first time for Beggs to score brilliantly at the near post (another contender for goal of the month) for his and Skerries second.

However, the Skerries lead was short lived. Within 3 minutes Bluebell were level. A corner on the left caused all sorts of problems in the Skerries area and Bluebell centre back Niall Donnelly powerfully headed home from 10 yards.
The game was now a much more even contest with both side giving there all. The pace of the game was increasing by the minute and some of the tackling was not for the faint hearted. Referee Caulwell was forced to issue a number of players from both sides with yellow cards. The challenges were nothing more than one would expect with so much at stake. Steven Beattie did come in for a few heavy challenges but the 18 year old took them in his stride.

Skerries were very unlucky not to take the lead for the second time when on 65 minutes were awarded an indirect free just outside the Bluebell area. Beggs rolled the ball to Beattie who cracked his effort off the cross bar.
As the game entered the final period Bluebell and Skerries both continued to press forward looking for all 3 points. And it was Bluebell who nearly snatched all three in the final minute. The Bluebell no 10 found himself free inside the Skerries area. His shot deflected off a Skerries defender and Byrne looked beaten in the Skerries goal but he somehow got a hand to the ball to push it away for a corner.

The draw means that Skerries continue to lift themselves away from the drop zone and are now 6 points clear of the two relegation spots and have a game in hand over the bottom two teams Clover and Glenmore-Dundrum

Team: Byrne. Gahan, Bolger, Langan, Doherty, Hurley (Connolly), Donnelly (Gallagher), Beattie, Beggs, Moore (Hopkins)
Not Used: Jenkinson.

07/02/07 - Gary Woodhead transfers

Midfield Gary Woodhead has left Skerries Town and moved to Balbriggan side Hyde Park. Gary was a regular member of the Skerries Town team that gained promotion to the Senior Division last term. However, unable to command a regular place in the first team and his desire for first team football has prompted the move. Skerries Town manager Alan Sweeney said that Gary had given great service to Skerries and will always be remembered at the club.

Skerries Town wish to thank Gary for his tremendous service to the Club and wish him every success with his new team.

07/02/07 - Majors Win

Skerries Town Saturday Major side had a convincing win over Swords Celtic last weekend. The 2-1 score line certainly does not reflect the dominance of the Skerries side throughout. The sides were level at half time. David Coleman opening the scoring for Skerries with the opening 3 minutes. Swords levelled with their only attack of the half while at the other end Skerries missed chance after chance. Harry O Toole ensured all three points for Skerries with a strike mid way through the second half.

With UCD loosing 3-0 to Loughlinstown Celtic and Malahide United and Glenville drawing

1-1, this win leaves Skerries in second place 2 points behind UCD with a game in hand and a point ahead of Malahide United with the same number of games played.

However, with only 4 points separating the top 4 teams it s still all to play for.

04/02/07 - Premier Saturday sides winning run comes to an end.

Skerries Premier Saturday side went down 3-0 to Walkinstown Athletic at Walkinstown on Saturday. A run of nine wins from their last 10 game propelled the Skerries Premier side to the top of the table. While Skerries remain on top Saturdays defeat has opened the door for St Patrick s CY and Walkinstown Athletic. St Patrick CY are now only a point behind Skerries and have 3 games in hand. Third place Walkinstown Athletic are a point further back, have 2 games in hand on Skerries.

With each of the topsides having over 10 games to play, the title is still in the balance.

04/02/07 - Youth Advance in Leinster Youths Cup

The Skerries Town Youths team advanced to the last 16 of the Leinster Youths Cup with a hard fought win over a plucky St Malachey s side at the Mill Park last Sunday. Malachey's opened the scoring in the first half when Keith Whelan was quickest to react to the re-bound of a free kick beating Jenkinson low to his left.

On 35 minutes Skerries levelled when Ross Hopkins weaved his way past 3 defenders to slot home from 6 yards.

Skerries were always in control but the well-organised St. Malacheys defence thwarted many a Skerries attack. Skerries were constantly caught off side as the Malachey s back division held a line near the half way line. Skerries persisted and on 80 minutes Sean Lynch who had replaced Shane Coleman skipped down the right and crossed for Andy Mulvany to score from 2 yards.

31/01/07 - Saturday Premier side go 4 points clear

Skerries Premier Saturday side are now 4 points clear at the top of the table thanks to a well deserved 4-0 victory over Rathfarnham Punters coupled with second place St Patrick's CY 1-1 draw with Dundrum Athletic last Saturday.  

The first half of the Skerries - Rathfarnham Punters tie can best be described as a dour affair. Neither side was able to created a clear opening and play was generally scrappy with passes regularly going astray.  

Whatever was said to the Skerries side at half time certainly had the desired effect. Within a minute of the restart Skerries were in front. Robbie Armstrong pounced on a ball in the Punters area and steered the ball past the advancing keeper with ease. For Skerries this was just what the doctor ordered. The passing of Tolan and Potter was now much improved from the first half which gave Skerries a platform to build attack after attack. In the space of half an hour a Kevin Farrell hat-trick sealed victory.  

Next Saturday Skerries travel to Walkinstown Athletic. Walkinstown drew 1-1 with Lucan United last weekend so Skerries can expect a fight on their hands

30/01/07 - Two Side keep 100% league record

Two goal from Ross Hopkins and another from Paul Brennan was enough to see off Kildare County in the DDSL Super league game at Park lane last Sunday. Skerries were always in control of this game and early goals settled the tie before the break. Skerries with maximum points from 5 games are top of the table.

Next weekend the Youths side are at home to St Malachy's in the Leinster Youths Cup, a competition they reached the semi-final last season.  

Another team top of the table and with a 100% record is the under 15s. Last weekends 2-0 victory over Ballybrack Boys was the Skerries side's ninth straight win and puts them 15 points clear at the top and they have scored over 50 goals. This team even at this early stage must be favourites to lift a league title.

Next weekend the 15s continue their league programme with an away fixture to Firhouse Carmel.

28/01/07 - Skerries Win in Metropolitan - Gate now Closed

St James Gate        1        2    Skerries Town                                             

                                            Hurley, Moore

Skerries Town qualified for the last 16 of the EBS Metropolitan Cup with and easy 2-1 win over St Games Gate at the Iveagh Grounds in Crumlin last Friday. Manager Alan Sweeney gave a number of fringe players the chance to impress by handing starting places to Graham O'Flaherty, Barry Davey and Cathal Hurley. Added to that Sweeney handed Aidan Bolger his first taste of Senior football when he was introduced with 10 minutes remaining.

Skerries started the brighter and forced 3 corners in the opening 6 minutes. However scoring chances were few and far between. O'Flaherty went close from a Hurley free kick after Gahan had been upended following a good run. A Beattie run ended with a corner on the right. Hurley's deep corner was headed back across goal by Doherty and Beattie was narrowly wide from 12 yards. As a dower and energy sapping first half came to an end the impressive Skerries midfielder Donnelly set up Moore who quickly set Beattie free down the left but again Beattie's shot was wide of the target.  

Skerries continued to forces the pace in the early stages of the second half. Hurley and O'Flaherty combined but O'Flaherty fired wide. The first time the Skerries defence found themselves in trouble was from a long Gate clearance. Byrne was slow coming off his line but the Gate forward was unable to capitalise. With Skerries in total control some of the Gate tackles were flying in. Beattie was coming in for most of the close attention from the Gate back line but the skilful Skerries winger continued to torment the Gate defence and on the hour mark was again unlucky to see his effort go narrowly wide when set up by Niall Bolger who had replaced Gallagher.  

Skerries got the break through their play deserved on 75 minutes. Midfield play between Donnelly and Davey set up O'Flaherty on the edge of the Gate area. As O'Flaherty controlled the ball he was clattered from behind and the referee awarded Skerries a free on the edge of the D. Hurley coolly beat the Gate wall and keeper to give Skerries a deserved lead.

Within 5 minutes Skerries were 2 up. Hurley this time caused the Gate defence problems down the right, his crossed found Moore unmarked and he drilled home from the edge of the area. Within a minute Niall Bolger after receiving a kick in the face, was replaced by his younger brother Aidan. Some of the Gate tackling was now over the top and it was no surprise when their no. 15 was sent off by referee Geoghegan for a kick on Beattie.

St James Gate were given a glimmer of hope on 93 minutes when they were awarded a penalty. A free on the right was half cleared by Langan and Moore in his attempt to block the resulting shot was adjudged to have handed the ball inside the area. It seemed very harsh as Moore was no more than a yard from the kicker as he shot. Skerries held on and are now in the draw for the next round.  

Team: Byrne, Gahan, Gallagher (Bolger N) (Bolger A), Langan, Doherty, Hurley, Donnelly, Davey (Beggs), Beattie, Moore, O'Flaherty. Not Used: Jenkinson (GK) and Woodhead

27/01/07 - Keeper O’Neill is a star for the Town under 9s

By Fergal Maddock:- Fingal Independant  [January 27th 2007]

Two second-half goals gave Skerries Town victory and broke Home Farm hearts in this pulsating encounter in Skerries at the weekend.

Despite a goalless first half, both sides went close but neither could just get that decisive breakthrough to give their team the advantage at half-time.
Both sides had chances to get the upper hand with Emmet O'Neill going close for Skerries with a long distance shot and then Home Farms Carl Ivory narrowly missing the target with a fine strike.

But the second half was a brilliant advert for schoolboy soccer, with some great play by both sides.
It got off to a flyer with Cian Fogarty going close for Home Farm only for his effort to be tipped over the bar. And then at the other end, Skerries had a half chance through Barry McDonald but his effort also went narrowly over the bar.

And then three times Home Farm were denied by the brilliance of Martin O'Neill who was goal minder for the second half to keep his side in the game and give them the platform for victory. At a crucial point in the second half, he pulled off a sensational double save to deny Home Farm and then two minutes later, he pulled off another magnificent save to keep the visitors at bay.

And just two minutes later, his side took the lead through Eoin Dennis, who flicked the ball beautifully into the far corner, giving in the Home Farm keeper no chance.
But Home Farm didn't let their heads drop and had a half chance when the ball fell to Jack Dennis but again the Skerries keeper managed to get a hand to the ball and push it out for a corner.

And then just at the end with only seconds left on the clock, Skerries grabbed their second with Emmet O'Neill nipping in to fire the ball home.

Skerries Squad:
Eoin Dennis, David 0'Dwyer, Ciaran Frawley, Emmet O'Neill, Martin 0'Neill, Aaron Mullen, Adam Boyle, Ben McBrien, Barry McDonald.

26/01/07 - Youths Team keep their 100% Record

Our under 18s travelled to play Dundalk at Oriel Park last Sunday evening and came away with a 2-0 win. Having not played for over 2 months it must have seem like the first game of the season all over again. Dundalk played a nice passing game but the more direct approach from Skerries paid dividends mid way through the first half. Right winger Ross Hopkin rounded the Dundalk full back and fired a shot which the Dundalk keeper could only parry. The in-rushing Johnny Garrett had an easy task to pass the ball into an empty net from 5 yards.

Garrett should have scored his and Skerries second 10 minutes later. Garrett, with the Dundalk defence looking for offside, raced into the area and with only the keeper to beat he brought the ball too wide and the chance was lost.

Skerries wrapped up the points on 55 minutes when Hopkins ran onto a through ball some 35 yards from the Dundalk goal. There seemed little danger but Hopkins released a thunderbolt that crashed into the Dundalk net at angle of post and crossbar.

This result keep the under 18s with a 100% league record and joint top of the table.

26/01/07 - Want to play Football

Over the next 4-6 weeks Skerries Town will be forming groups of players to play in league teams next season i.e September 2007. If you are a boy or girl born in 1999 and interested in being part of a Skerries Town team next season then contact Noeleen @ 087 2802255 for more information. Members of the Skerries Town Kids Academy or members of existing teams need NOT apply as they will be contacted directly.

22/01/07 - Senior Matches Off  

The bad weather caused the cancellation of all the Skerries Town Senior games over the weekend. Skerries Seniors V Bluebell United was called off on Saturday when it became clear the Town Park pitch was unplayable. The Premier Saturday side's top of the table clash with St Patrick CY was also cancelled when the venue Ringsend Park was declared unfit for play.

22/01/07 - Some Schoolboy games survive bad weather  

The under 8A team travelled to Whitehall to take on Home Farm but the game lasted only 10 minutes when the referee called the game off due to a severe sleet shower.  

The under 8B1 team player out a 1-1 draw against local rivals Lusk United. Skerries lead 1 nil at half time thanks to a strike from Sean Graham. Lusk played better in the second half and deserver a share of the point.  

The 9B team had a convincing 2-0 win over Home Farm. Second half goals from Eoin Dennis and Emmett O'Neill set Skerries on the road to victory but the outstanding goalkeeping of Eoin Dennis in the first half and Martin O'Neill in the second were major factors in this win.  

The under 10B1 team had their best result to date beating Ashbourne 5-1. Skerries held a slender 1 nil lead at half time but a Ryan Daly hat-trick sealed victory.  

The 10B 9-a-side team were very unlucky to go down 2-1 to Castleknock Celtic with the last kick of the game. Skerries were 1-0 up at the break through a Jack Clear strike. This lead flattered Castleknock as Skerries missed chance after chance in that opening period. But as often happens in such games Castleknock were level minutes into the second half. Both side went in searched for a winner as the game entered the final minutes. A corner in the last minute led to Castleknock securing victory. Sean Hughes gave a man of the match performance for Skerries while left winger Cathal Azzapardi caused Castleknock trouble all day. Keeper Peter O'Neill and Conor McKenna also performed well.

16/01/07 - Newsflash for over 40's

Senior members football - Yes real football is back for the over 40's :- Thursdays 9 to 10 on the Astro starting this Thursday. Why suffer alone? bring a friend and your birth cert.

Mick Bolger

15/01/07 - Belgrove too strong for Seniors

Belgrove    3    0    Skerries Town

Skerries Seniors travelled to Whitehall for this league encounter with third placed Belgrove last Friday. A poor opening first half performance  saw Skerries lucky to only be 2 down at half time. Belgrove's crisp passing combined with great movement upfront caused Skerries all sorts of problems from the start. In the opening 15 minutes Belgrove created four  clear openings and it was only a combination of poor finishing and last ditch defending that kept the scores 0-0. In a rare attack, Skerries midfielder Beattie did manage to keep the Belgrove defence alert when he shot over from 20 yards after a poor clearance by a Belgrove back.  

On 17 minutes Skerries midfielder Connolly was booked for what seemed an innocuous challenge but 3 minutes later was lucky to stay on the pitch when he brought down Lynch inside the area. Lynch calmly picked himself up and opened the scoring from the resulting spot kick.  

Belgrove continued to pressurise Skerries. Lynch, within minutes of scoring, again found himself free inside the Skerries area but failed to hit the target with only Byrne to beat. However the second goal was not long in coming. On 33 minutes, Belgrove midfielder O'Brien darted into the Skerries area and slotted home past Byrne with ease. Belgrove now with their tails up pushed forward more and more and Skerries can thank Byrne for keeping the scone to 2 nil when he saved well following a corner on the right.  

Skerries replaced Langan with Donnelly and moved Kelly to centre back just before the break. Donnelly's no nonsense approach seemed to upset the Belgrove midfield and Skerries finished the half with their first real opportunity when a Beggs shot had the Belgrove keeper gathering at the second attempt.  

Skerries started the second half with more purpose. Their passing was much better and it was Belgrove who found it difficult to get the ball out of their own half. O'Flaherty replaced Beggs on 55 minutes and within minutes of coming on a combination of Woodhead, Bolger and O'Flaherty set up Moore but he shot over when well placed. The impressive Beattie then set up O'Flaherty but his effort looped over the bar. Moore was again out of luck on 63 minutes when he found himself unmarked inside the Belgrove area but took too much time and allowed a Belgrove defender to blocked.  

With Skerries continuing to press forward looking for the score to get them back into the game Belgrove struck with the classic counter attack. Beattie attacked the Belgrove defence down the right and as he cut inside lost possession. Belgrove with three passes were on the edge of the Skerries area and Lynch, with a strong suspicion of offside, scored Belgrove's third and his second to settle this tie.  

Skerries lost Bolger with a knee injury with 10 minutes remaining but the 10 men continued to press for a score. Kelly weaved his way from midfield into the Belgrove area but shot wide. Beattie, O'Flaherty and Moore all had chances to score but it was not to be.

Manager Alan Sweeney was upbeat after the game. "We have got to take the positives from a game like this. Belgrove are a fine side but I thought if we had a bit of luck in front of goal during that opening period of the second half, things might have turned out differently.

Team:    Byrne, Gahan, Langan (Donnelly), Doherty, Bolger, Beattie, Kelly, Connolly, Woodhead (Hurley), Beggs (O'Flaherty), Moore.

15/01/07 - Saturday Sides Update

Darren Barlow's Major side's game away to Swords Celtic was victim of the weather. In fact only one game survived the weather St James Athletic beating Dalkey United 3-0. As none of the top team were in action Skerries remain in second place 2 points behind UCD.

Next Saturday the Majors are at home to Orwell. These sides met in what was Skerries last league game back on the 9 December. The game was a 1-1 draw and another close affair is expected on Saturday.  

Saturdays Premiers had no fixture last weekend. Of the league games that were scheduled in the Premier League only one survived Dundrum Athletic and AFC Belgave drawing 1 all. This result keeps Skerries 2 points clear at the top of the table from St Patricks CY and AFC Belgrave with Walkinstown Athletic only a point further behind.

Next Saturday Skerries travel to Ringsend Park for a table topping encounter against St Patricks CY. When these teams met back last September Skerries won 3-1 but a much tighter game is expected this weekend.

11/01/07 - Annual Charity Match Report and photos

Wynne’s a Wiinner

Wynnes Wizards      2-0      Walshes Warriors                   Photos

Once again a big THANK YOU to everyone who turned up to support our Annual Charity Match on New Years Day.
Special appreciation goes to all envolved, the players, referee, “tea makers” and all the helpers who contributed to a very enjoyable day. A big WELL DONE also goes to the under 11 and under 12 teams for their efforts in an entertaining warm-up game which ended up in a diplomatic 0-0 draw.

With M. Bolger away for the New Year, Kevin Wynne took up the challenge to take on last years winners, Walshe’s Warriors.
Just like last year, Rafael Walshe put together a young squad of players concentrating on youth with a large contingent from the under 18’s team.

Wynne on the other hand went for experience with a very strong back four of Barnes, McKenna, Neville and O’Flaherty and of course Sweeney in nets.

Unfortunatly the photographer had to leave early and his pre-match photo shoot missed out on a few players including the eventual star of the show, Mr Wynne himself.

The game itself was very evenly balanced in the first half with both teams playing a neat passing game but with both defences on top there were few chances created and both keepers had an easy time.

Not so in the second half. Midway through the half, the ball was played to Wynne with his back to goal and standing on the penalty spot. Would he lay it back?? Not Kevin Wynne, he flicked it up and performed the best bicycle kick seen in the park for some time. The ball looped over the advancing Jenkinson and nestled in the top corner of the net. 1-0 for the Wizards. It took three of his teammates help him back to his feet.

This goal stunned the Warriors into action but try as they might, they could not breach the Wizards’ defence and when they did Sweeney was in outstanding form in goal. The man in black, Gary Tolan tried to even things up with a dubious penalty for the Warriors and when Johnny Beggs stepped up to take the kick, Sweeney dived to his right to smother the shot.

With the Warriors pushing forward for the equaliser, they left gaps in defence and the Wizards capitolised on this when Seamus Farrell latched onto a through ball, marginally..........onside and squared the ball to Wynne who coolly slid the ball past Jenkinson for his and the Wizards second. That was that, there was no coming back for the Warriors and the game finished 2-0 for Wynnes Wizards.

Chairman John Gahan was asked for his comments after the game. “Kevin Wynne, what can I say about him” so he said nothing.

Lets not forget what this game was about. The proceeds from the event will go to the Andy Murray Fund. Andy sufferd a horrific injury while playing for our neighbours Glebe North earlier in the season. He will require extensive rehabilitation and therapy.

We wish Andy well.

10/01/07 - Brenfer Returns

Next weekend sees the return of the NDSL league programme after the Christmas break. All Skerries team from under 8 to under 14 are due in action.

We wish them all the best of luck in the weeks and months ahead.    

10/01/07 - Solar Travel Holiday World Cup

The Solar Travel Holiday World Cup take place this year from the 8th - 11 April in Liverpool University. The age groups catered for are under 9 to under 15 and each team can expect to play 4 games. This year participants can enjoy Premiership football as tickets are available for the Bolton Wanders v Everton game on Monday 9th April. Tours of Anfield and Old Trafford are also available. Any manager interested can contact Noeleen Bolger who has further details.

09/01/07 - Premier side go to the Top of the Table

Dave Barnes has led his Premier side to the top of the league after a hard fought 2-0 victory over lowly Parkvale. This victory combined with the shock 2-1 defeat of AFC Belgrave by Dundrum Athletic see Skerries 2 points clear St Patricks CY at the top.  

The Premier side  have now collected 21 points from their last 8 league games. Saturdays victory came courtesy of two goals, one from Daniel Lamont just before half- time and the other from Shane Burke just after the break. Parkvale pressed Skerries all the way to the final whistle but the superior quality of the Skerries side proved too much.

A great start to 2007 for the Premiers.

09/01/07 - Seniors First League Win at Home  

After three draws and a defeat in the previous home league games Skerries Seniors finally got the win they so deserved with a 1-0 victory over Wayside Celtic last Sunday courtesy of a second half bullet header by Martin Beggs.

The rain poured down as the game kicked off at 2pm and from the off Wayside went in search of the early goal. For the next half an hour Skerries were forced to defend in numbers as Wayside pushed forward. In that opening period Skerries conceded 10 corners but the Skerries defence held firm and in reality Wayside failed to create one clear opening in that opening half hour. Their best chance was when Wayne O'Callaghan fired a volley high and wide from a good position following a corner on the right. With all the possession it took Wayside all of 35 minutes to create a clear opening. Alan McHugh slipped the off side trap 10 yards inside the Skerries half but as he steadied himself to shoot Byrne came flying out of his goal to hack the ball to safety.

This scare seemed to kick start Skerries into action and within 2 minutes a Bolger long throw from the right was flicked on by Beggs and with Kelly helpless on the goal line  the ball came off the near post and wide. Within a minute a Beattie run set up Moore just inside the Wayside penalty area. However, the ball seemed to stick under Moores feet which allowed Kelly in the Wayside goal to make the block at the expense of a corner. As the half entered added time a long punt by Byrne was controlled by Beggs on the edge of the Wayside area. Beggs under close attention from Wayside centre back O'Neill slipped a pass inside of full back Cherry to Woodhead but Woodhead fired into the side netting.

The early stages of the second half became a kicking contest between the two keepers as Byrne and Kelly exchanges kicks with each other. It was 55 minutes before Beattie brought some control to the game with a fine run down the right. His cross into the box was a little behind Beggs and his spectacular overhead failed to threaten Kelly. The game was a more even affair than the first half and possibly Skerries were shading the exchanges. Wayside did have a chance on the hour mark but Green took too long to shoot and allow Langan to make a block.

Skerries replaced the hard working Woodhead with Hurley after 68 minutes and he had an immediate impact. Hurley was set free down the left by Skerries midfielder Kelly. His cross into the box was put behind for a corner by O'Neill. From the resulting corner Hurley whipped the ball into the Wayside area where Beggs powered his header to the net.

Q celebrations from the now large Skerries support.

Wayside try as they might, were unable to muster another real scoring opportunity. There best chance came with 10 minutes remaining when Quaid went down under the challenge of Langan some 20 yards from the Sherries goal. But Wayside wasted the chance by firing the resulting free kick high and wide.

After an additional 4 minutes of added time the final whistle sounded and Q even more celebrations from the Skerries supporters. This was a fine victory and nothing more than Skerries deserved.

All 14 players deserve credit for the victory and lets hope its the start of many. The win lifts Skerries away from the relegation places. Management and players can be proud of their achievements to date.  

Team: Byrne, Gahan, Langan, Doherty, Bolger, Beattie, Donnelly (Davey), Kelly, Woodhead (Hurley) Beggs (O'Flaherty) Moore. Not Used: Connolly  

03/01/07 - Training Times for All Weather Pitch 2007

The new timetable for the all weather pitch has been published. The timetable is effective from next Tuesday 9 Jan. I hope I have managed to give everybody the times they wanted.

I have spent numerous hours on this task so unless there is a major problem ............................... (need I say more!).

Anyway, thanks to everyone for being so understanding. Please check both your time and pitch space allocated. Some spaces have been changed around for reasons of improved safety (i.e. trying not to have small kids right beside older ones).    

I have marked out the times that the coaches are available and assigned them to different teams. It's up to managers to ask the coaches for assistance. Time allocations start on the hour or half-hour. Please also note that teams should finish 5 minutes before the next team is due to start to allow for change-overs.

Regards & Happy New Year     Brendan