30/09/07 - Skerries lose out on top spot

The under 9’s A team played Rivervalley. 29/9/07

It started off bad for Skerries when Rivervalley scored in the second minute and it
got worse when they scored two more goals. Rivervalley were leading 3-0 but
not for long when Dylan Coleman scored a free kick from 25 yards straight in to
the roof of the net. Skerries had a few chances then Willie Scully blew up for
half time.

In the second half Skerries had loads of chances but then Dylan Coleman crossed
The ball in and Luke McKenna got a touch and enough to score it was 3-2,

Skerries kept on playing but could not find the back of the net, even though Luke McKenna and Titti had gone close in the last few minutes. Dylan Coleman hit the crossbar from 20 yards The ref blew up the match was over it ended 3-2 to Rivervalley.

By Aaron Kenny
(under 9 A player)

06/09/07 - Kids Academy Returns

It's back!!   The Kids Academy returns on Saturday 15th September.

The Academy providers football coaching for the 5, 6 and 7 year olds from Skerries and the surrounding areas. It runs from September to December and February to April at the Skerries Town Clubhouse each Saturday from 10am until 11.30 am.

12/08/07 - Training and Trials updates

To contact managers for the new season;- click here for contact details

U12 Trials for (players born in 1995) will continue next Thursday 16th August and the following Wednesday 22nd at 7.30 at the Mill Pitch.

U13 Pre-SeasonTraining for (players born in 1994) will commence next Wednesday 15th August 6 pm at Downside.

U14 Trials for (players born in 1993) will take place in Mourne View on Thursday 9th August at 7.00 pm.

U15 Trials/training

for (players born in 1992) will take place on Thursday 9th in Town Park (Community Centre) at 7.00 pm.

16 July 2007 : Matthew Ward (aged 19 years) RIP

The committee, members and players extend their deepest sympathy to the Ward family on the untimely death of Matthew who passed away on Monday evening. Matthew played schoolboy football with the club for a number of years. Despite having been diagnosed as having a brain tumour at 10 years of age he recovered and got back to playing football. In 2004, Matthew became the first recipient of the Declan Friel Memorial Endeavour Award. His friendliness and determination made him a firm favourite with everybody who was privileged to know him. Matthew had a great sense of fun and despite a deterioration in his health over the past two years he kept his spirits up. He will be greatly missed by us all. His funeral takes place on Thursday after 12.00 Mass in St. Patrick's Church. Our thoughts and prayers are with David, Mona, Rebecca, Robert, Kate, Daniel and Mokey, his wider family and his many friends.

May he rest in peace.

17/06/07 - First 'Funday' a great success

Well done to all who took part in our first Family Funday. The day proved to be a great success with parents and kids taking part in many events including various skills games, X-bar challenge, keepy uppy, dribbling skills and old favourites like egg (potato) and spoon race, sack race.

Well done also to the catering staff who kept everyone well fed between the events.

Have a look at this video clip to get a feel for the day.

05/06/07 - An interview with Major side's Player Manager Darren Barlow.  

WM    You made a very good start to the season

DB    Yes, we started the season with 3 great wins. Away to Malahide United (1-2) and two home victories Glenville (3-2) and St James Athletic (1-0). Those 3 victories gave us confidence and the winning habit which is very important.

WM    A poor performance against Dalkey.

DB    Ya, we never really got going against Dalkey. The important thing though was to bounce back and the following week we had UCD at home and we knew they would be contesting for the league title so if we were to have any chance we needed to get something from that game. The game ended 1-1 and I feel we should have collected all 3 points.

WM    You were beaten the following week by Loughlinstown, were you concerned

DB    I'm always concerned when we lose a game but on the day Loughlinstown were the better side and we felt that they (Loughlinstown) would be fighting for the league title and with that take points from other teams. After that we went on a run of six games without defeat, winning 4 and drawing 2. We felt the two draws were good results. We drew 1-1 with UCD thanks to a penalty save by Keith Farrell. So at the Christmas break we were right up there.

WM    Was it hard to get the team motivated after the Christmas break  

DB    The Christmas break lasted longer than we would have liked. We played Orwell on 9 December (1-1) and our next league outing was 3 February away to Swords Celtic where we were lucky to come away with a 2-1 victory The following week we played Orwell again and lost 2-1. However after that we had a marvellous run winning our remaining 7 games. Well we got points for 7 games, Boyne Rovers withdrew. During that run we scored 12 goals and conceded none. It was that run the won us the league title.

WM    The last game at Trinity was a tense affair.  

DB    Ya, it was a Tuesday night (17 April) and we need to win to ensure the league title. Trinity were really up it. They were fighting to hang onto their Division 1B status so the game was not easy. On the night one goal decided it. It was a marvellous individual effort by Harry O'Toole. It was all the more remarkable as twelve months previously we need to beat them (Trinity) to avoid relegation.

WM    What was the major factor that contributed to this league win.

DB    There are a number of factors that contributed to this league success. We had great spirit within the squad but the defence deserve special credit. We only conceded 15 goals in the 20 game programme and keeper Keith Farrell had a special season saving a staggering 6 penalties thought the year.  

WM    You made some signings during the summer months.  

DB    We made 4 new signings at the start of the season, Harry O'Toole, Ally McDonagh, Mark Costello and Anjay Yuen who had played with the youths team the previous season. These players brought pace and skill to an already solid foundation. Add to that the influence of Johnny Beggs, who came out of retirement and one can see how we done so well.

WM    So what's next  

DB    The team have now got the taste of success and want more. We want to play at the highest level of Saturday football. We are determined not to rest on our laurels but I know there are areas we need to improve on.  

WM    What area are those

DB    We need to improve our disciple and a prolific goalscorer would be nice. The club is in great shape right now and the very successful youths team will surely have players capable of playing at this level. So the competition for places will improve performances.

WM    Darren well thank you for taking the time to talk to us, have you anything to close with

DB    I would like to pay tribute to assistant manager Paul Walsh and to Ian Bosonett who helped out in Paul's absence. I would also like to thank first team manager Alan Sweeney who's advice and experience was invaluable throughout the season.

Finally, I would like to name the full squad:

Keith Farrell, Ciaran Connolly, Paul Kane (Captain), John Beggs, Ger Grimes, Shane O'Donoghue, Mark Costello, David Coleman, Ally McDonagh, Harry O'Toole, David Sheridan, Colm Noone, Robbie Klingen, Derek Earley, Anjay Yuen, Peter Henry, Cieran O'Brien, Colm Durkin, Eoghan Fagan, Trevor Russell, Ian Bosonett and Darren Barlow

WM    Darren, thanks.