2008 Quarter One
21/03/08 - Grand International Match Report
Last Sunday, our Senior Team took a break from the pressures of the LSL to entertain the famous Uruguayan side, Old Christians.
The sporting club from Montevideo tragically made world headlines in 1972 when, on their way to play a rugby game in Chile, their plane crashed into the Andes, leaving just 16 survivors. This event was subsequently made into the movie “Alive” which told the story of the heroic efforts of the survivors and how they overcame their ordeal.
Skerries Town were honoured on Sunday to have with us the leader of that group, Dr. Roberto Canessa.
On the playing front, Skerries Town were more than hospitable in a exciting game before a large and enthusiastic crowd, where although taking the lead twice, we still managed to lose 2-3 to the fit and skilful South Americans.
Joe Doherty made the biggest impression in the game scoring the first and last goals. Unfortunately for the home side the last one was an OG
At the after match reception in the clubhouse, Skerries Town Chairman, John Gahan, presented Roberto Canessa with a copy of the “Skerries Soccer Story” as a memento of their time in Skerries.
See the attached photos of Sundays event.
19/03/08 - Under 12 Premier Match Report
Skerries delight at a first league victory
by Rory Kerr Fingal Independent
There was no disguising Skerries joy at the end of the final whistle as they celebrated their first league win of the season in some style with this fantastic win at Brackenstown Park on Sunday morning.
There were terrific scenes after the game between the management, supporters and players alike as the win they had been waiting so long for finally materialised.
It all came right for Skerries in the second half who once reclaiming the lead through Masudi ‘Essien’ Penekito never looked back.
A perfectly executed strike from Kian Coleman had handed Skerries the lead early on and they continued to plug away with the midfield pumping plenty of quality balls into the forwards.
Swords however came close to an equaliser soon but Skerries keeper, Daire Grimes, was on hand to avert the danger after Mark Lenihan had tried to chip him from inside the box.
Lenihan however found the back of net soon after when he converted Carl Kennedy's corner from the left.
Skerries then came close to restoring their lead when Ben Hunter was just off target after connecting with Aaron Wynne’s cross from the left.
But just before half time, Swords were awarded a penalty after Skerries had handled off a corner.
Grimes, a member of last year's Celtic Cup NDSL winning team, however saved the spot kick and then straight after the restart, Richard Armstrong converted at the far post following a cross from Penekito.
Penekito then rose high to head home an Armstrong cross from the opposite side with Penekito then scrambling the ball over the line for goal number four.
A tremendous chip from Derek Moore saw Skerries put further distance between the two and he then drilled in another terrific shot off the post to the delight of an elated Skerries bench.
Swords however finished the game well with Stephen 0'Connor clipping crossbar in the dying seconds.
Skerries Town: Daire Grimes, Eoghan MacGabhainn, Peter Lacey, Luke O'Connor, Cian Archbold, Ben Hunter, Richard Armstrong, Aaron Wynne, Derek Moore, Masudi Penekito, Adam Johnston, Kian Coleman, Nathan Andrews.
13/03/08 - Easter Camp
Skerries Town are hosting an Easter Camp for 5-11 year olds at the Astro Pitch beside the Skerries Community Centre on Friday 21 and Saturday 22 March. Each camp starts at 10am and concluded at 1pm each day. FAI qualified coaches will be in attendance.
The fees club members €15, non members €20
To reserve a place ring 087 2802255 before 5pm Wednesday 19 March.
Places are limited.
Those attending should bring warm waterproof clothing, runners or astro shoes, shin pads and football boots as some sessions may take place on grass
12/03/08 - Kids Academy
All places in the Kids Academy for children born in 2001, 2002 and 2003 are now full. A waiting list in now in operation. There are, however, still a limited number of places remaining for children born in the years 1999 and 2000. These age groups will be entered on league team next September.
To register your child for any of the above please ring Noeleen @ 087 2802255.
11/03/08 - Vincent Barlow R.I.P.
It was with sadness that we learned today of the death of Vincent Barlow, father of Darren, second team manager. The Skerries Town Management Committee, members and players of the club would like to extend their sincerest condolences to the Barlow family on the recent death of their father, Vincent.
10/03/08 - Skerries Soccer Story reaches California
See below, some nice feedback from the other side of the world. The email was received via our webmail contact :info@skerriestown.ie
Nice to see the book and website are reaching out to places afar.
Hello,
I just wanted to tell you how beautiful The Skerries Soccer Story book is. I live in California, but my Dad grew up in Skerries. His name is Noel Ellis and he played on the Skerries team. He now lives in California too. His sister sent him the book and I was able to take a look at it. Good Job!
I enjoyed seeing my Dad in the book as well as my Uncles' Gerry and Vinnie Ellis!
Thanks so much for putting together such a nice piece of history.
Adrienne Medrano
21/01/08 - Poet Ray makes the Herald
Extract from the Herald - 21/01/08
Skerries poet Ray so well versed!
There have not been many footballing poets. John Toshack was an exception. In his Liverpool days, he wrote a book of poems called 'Gosh, it's Tosh.'
At Anfield, he played up-front with Kevin Keegan. They had a brilliant understanding. Toshack would knock the ball down and 'Mighty Mouse ' would do the rest.
Skerries have their own resident poet, Raymond O'Driscoll. He's only 92. In his playing days, he was an accomplished right half.
At the launch of the 'Skerries Soccer Story', Raymond thrilled the audience with his charming verse. It captured Skerries in a golden era of years gone by. On the page, Raymond brought those happy days to life once more.
It's a cracking good read, and all proceeds go to Charity. It's available locally or ordered on the club's website www.skerriestown.ie
15/01/07 - Newsflash for over 40's
Senior members football - Time to shake off the cobwebs. Yes, real football is back for the over 40's :- Thursdays 9 to 10 on the Astro re-commencing this Thursday.
Bring a friend, the more players we have the easier it is for everyone.
14/01/08 - Poor away form continues for Skerries
Phoenix 2 0 Skerries Town
Skerries started in 2008 poorly when going down 2-0 to Phoenix at Navan Road last Sunday (6/1/08). Skerries were a goal down within the opening 6 minutes when Phoenix striker Glen O'Neill ran from the half way line and beat Eamon Byrne with a low drive from the edge of the area.
Skerries best efforts came from Niall Bolger's long throws into the Phoenix area when on 12 minutes Beggs headed just wide from 8 yards and two minutes later Moore headed wide from six yards.
Eamon Byrne however kept Skerries in the game on 16 minutes when making a point blank double save from O'Neill. Skerries were finding it hard to create any clear openings. A Ben Gahan cross did cause the Phoenix defence trouble but Beggs failed to connect at the back post. Skerries lost midfielder Kelly with a hip injury and was replaced by John Donnelly. Skerries then had a let off on the half hour when the Phoenix number 9 shot well wide from 8 yards with only Byrne to beat. Skerries were however 2 down on 34 minutes. A cross into the Skerries area was not fully cleared and after an all mighty scramble the ball ended up in the Skerries net.
Skerries replaced Paul Doherty with Aidan Bolger at the start of the second half with his brother Niall moving to centre back to partner Trevor Langan. The early stages of the second period was much more competitive. Skerries were having a bit of joy down the right side when Ben Gahan was getting forward. It was from these runs that Skerries created a number of half chances but the goal to get them back in the game failed to arrive. The best chances coming from Neil Gallagher and Barry Davey long range shots.
With Skerries pressing forward there was always the chance they would be left stretched at the back. As so it was but Byrne in the Skerries goal kept the score to 2-0 nil by making 3 outstanding saves in the space of 4 minutes in the final quarter.
MOTM..........Eamon Byrne - showed again why he's a serious contender for the LSL team.
Referee watch: Referee Alan Duffy had a fine game getting most decisions spot on. Both teams concentrated on playing football which made life easy for him.
Team: Byrne, Bolger N, Doherty (Bolger A), Langan, Gahan, Capper, Kelly (Donnelly), Gallagher (Yuen), Beggs, Moore
14/01/08 - The 7-a-side and 9-a-side Report.
As our 7-a-side and 9-a-side schoolboy teams prepare to start back after the winter break we reflect on their season so far.
Our three under 8 teams have settled into their first league campaign and performances can be described as ok.
The 8A1 side under management team Martin Kavanagh and Stephen Guildea share top spot with Castleknock Celtic. Both teams have a perfect record with 3 wins from 3 outings. This team can expect some stiffer encounters when play resumes later in January.
The 8C side under Kevin McCarthy and Brian Connell are sponsored by Mulvaney Hire and they have recorded one win from four outings. A win or two would shoot this team up the table when they get back to action. Our near neighbours Loughshinny and Rush Athletic top this group.
Our 8D1 side sponsored by MandN Davis Plumbing with Garrett Walsh and Paul McGrath in charge are another side sitting top. They share top spot jointly with Dunshaughlin Youths, both side having won 3 from 3 games
The 9A side under Paul Kenny and Joe Cunningham are very well placed in joint second place with Woodlawn FC. Skerries and Woodlawn FC on nine points after 4 games are only one point behind league leaders Corduff FC who have also player 4 games. Having been beaten 5-0 by Corduff FC in the first game the home encounter will determine where this side finishes.
The 9B1 side with Ger Fogarty in charge will be hoping for better fortune in 2008 after failing to record a league win up to the winter break from 3 outings. Two of those defeats were against league leaders Castleknock Celtic so thing are not as bad a they seem.
The recently formed 9E side under Tom Fletcher are just finding their feet. With two games played they are still waiting their first points. So the only way is up in 2008.
The 10A1 team under Kieran Mullen and Timmy Dennis have not had the best of starts. They have played 3 league games but are still waiting to record their first points. However it should be note that the opening fixtures were against the top 3 teams. A nice footballing side it should not be too long before they get off the mark and rise up the table.
The 10B side with Aidan Doyle and Simon Toft in charge have collected 4 points for 4 starts. This seems a very competitive league with only Darndale remaining unbeaten. This side can expect to improve their league position as the season progresses.
The 10B side with manager Martin Cripps in charge are waiting to record their first points after 3 games. The only under 10 side playing in the 7-a-side league, they can look forward to improved performances in 2008.
07/01/08 - Training on the all-weather pitch resumes
Managers please note that training resumes on the all-weather pitch on Tuesday the 8th of January.
Timeslots for teams remain unchanged. Click here for reminder.