2006 Quarter Three
20/09/06 - Chairman's Statement on Promotion Issue
When Mr. Des Casey, the Independent Arbitrator to the FAI ruled in favour of Skerries Town F.C. following last Tuesday's hearing in the Great Southern Hotel, Dublin Airport, it finally brought a successful conclusion to a complicated and sometimes stressful process that began over four months ago.
From the outset, when it appeared that we would be deprived of our rightful promotion position due to a technicality that was not of our making, the club's Management Committee resolved to contest this issue and to deploy whatever resources necessary to ensure that justice was obtained.
It took six separate hearings/appeals which involved at various stages the Leinster Senior League, the Leinster Football Association, the Football Association of Ireland and an Independent Arbitrator before a decision was finally reached.
The complex web of rules and regulations, some of which were conflicting, plus differing interpretations across three legislative bodies, made the task of compiling our submissions for each hearing extremely challenging. Fortunately, the club possessed an individual whose talent in the field of regulatory forensics is second to none. Our Senior Football Representative, Paul Walsh, adeptly guided the club through the maze of rule books and presented our case at the six hearings. This was a mammoth task that consumed many hours of his time and energy and no words of gratitude can adequately express the club's appreciation for a job excellently done.
Also, the support that we have received over the past months from the people of Skerries plus the wider sporting community has been amazing and very much appreciated by the members of this football club.
We in Skerries Town at all times acknowledged the right of St. Jame's Gate to initiate this process as they were merely exploiting the gaps and anomalies that currently exist within
the legislative framework of football in Ireland. It was regrettable that two other fine clubs, Boyne Rovers and the then Ashtown Villa were dragged into the "mire". Both are well organised and progressive clubs who always conduct themselves to the highest standards on and off the field.
We wish St. Jame's Gate, Boyne Rovers and the newly formed Phoenix. F.C. every success in the coming season.
Skerries Town now faces its first season in the Senior Division of the Leinster Senior League. The club will be competing at the highest level in amateur football for the first time in its history. This has been our aspiration since we entered intermediate football ten years ago. Manager Alan Sweeney has ensured pre-season preparations have been
meticulous under the direction of fitness specialist Johnny Tyndall and now we look forward to our belated kick-off with confidence and enthusiasm.
John Gahan
Chairman
Skerries Town F.C.
20 September 2006
19/09/06 - It's official:- Skerries are promoted
Finally, after a summer of appeals and counter appeals, Skerries Town Senior 1st team have deservedly taken their rightful place in the top division of the Leinster Senior League.
The appeal process went all the way to the FAI and then to Arbitration who today ruled in Skerries favour.
Skerries now have a bit of catching up to do as all of the teams in their division have six games under their belts.
Next Sunday, Skerries take on Pegasus away, in the Dublin Bus C Cahill Cup 1st Round in what is their first competitive game of the season.
We wish them luck.
18/09/06 - Under 17's get their first win of the season
Brian Walls finally got Skerries off the mark against Verona FC with a super hatrick as Skerries gained their 1st win off the season in style.
The team, which is made up of a combination 16 and 17 year olds has begun to gel together and played some great attacking football with Brian excelling on the right wing and grabbing two goals to add to two excellent goals from Danny Cripps. Skerries were four nil up at half time.
The second half saw Brian complete his hatrick and some fine displays by Shane Hogan, Colm Lee and Mick Peters helped Skerries to a 5-2 victory. They can look forward to a good season.
03/08/06 - Rachel McDonough Memorial Match
6th Annual Rachel McDonough Memorial Match.
Last Sunday(30th July) saw the crowds arrive in Park Lane for the 6th running of this game in memory of Ann and Rory's little daughter, Rachel.
This is now embedded in the Skerries Town calendar and it comes with certain guarantees.
Although it's billed as a Skerries Town X1 versus Diffo's Allstars (loosely managed by John Davey), it's never clear who will end up on either team.
This year, for instance, senior Manager Alan Sweeney played against Skerries, Shelbourne's Mick Neville played with Skerries, Skerries R.F.C's Nicky McDonough played for both teams, even Skerries Harps legend, Jim Rogan donned the Green and White Hoops. In addition, families were split up with Terry Flaherty, Willy Davey and Frank Coleman playing against sons Graham, Barry and Shane.
The next guarantee is that the game ends in a draw and has to be decided by a penalty shoot-out. This year, this was not going to happen until a slightly dubious penalty decison by referee Kenny,for a foul on Johnny Beggs. This was unique in itself because in the long history of Football, it's the first time that Johnny Beggs ever got anthing from a referee.
When the penalty kicks had been taken, the result went in favour of the Diffo All-Stars on a 3-2 scoreline.
On a serious note , the proceeds from the day, which go to Temple St. Chidren's Hospital, amounted to nearly €2000.00 and thanks go to organisers John Davey and his team, to Kevin Early of the Gladstone Inn and to all who turned up on the day to support a very worthy cause.
26/07/06 - Under 16's head to paintball shootout
The under 16 celebrated their season by heading for the hills to take part in a paintball shoot out. A great time was had by all and some old scores were settled with some serious brusing to some players. Thanks goes to Paul kenny & Gerald Walsh for lending a hand and surviving the event although Paul did take some rather good shots to the midrift.
The players were presented with Player of the year jointly won by Christopher Brannigan and Danny cripps
Also most improved player of the year won by Sean McLoughlin and top scorer went to Danny Cripps.
10/07/06 - Skerries girls head to the USA Cup in Minneapolis
On Wednesday 12th July, Skerries Community College Girls Under 16 Team head to Minneapolis to compete in the Schwan's USA Cup. The squad consists of 14 girls from the College, most of whom have represented Skerries Town FC at various levels, most recently in the Grehan Cup which of course STFC won.
The squad travelling to the US has been enhanced with the inclusion of 7 players from other Irish Schools. Photo (taken at 24 hour soccer marathon)
Skerries C.C. has been one of the most successful and consistent participants in Football Association of Ireland Schools competitions during the last decade. In that time they have claimed over 15 Provincial league and cup titles, as well as 3 All Ireland (National) titles. The current squad of players have captured a Provincial trophy in each of the last 4 seasons and were U/14 National Champions in 2004.
It was around this time that the trip to the USA was first mooted, and thanks to dedicated players, parents and sponsors the dream is finally about to be realised. The Squad will be accompanied by team coach Joe Stafford and backroom staff Reg Armstrong and Marie Stafford and a number of parents will also travel with the party.
The full squad is
1 Aisling Dyer*
2 Ruth Armstrong
3 Sinead Killeen
4 Niamh Murphy*
5 Karen McGlynn*
6 Sinead Cullen*
7 Lucy Canning
8 Sinead O’Mahony
9 Hannah Dolan
10 Lauren Campion
11 Cliodhna McIlwaine
12 Emily Hannon (Kilcoole)*
13 Ellen Conlon
14 Karn McElroy
15 Yvonne Cahill (Cork)*
16 Nicola Cash
17 Catherine Cronin (Limerick)*
18 Niamh Mulcahy (Limerick)*
19 Megan Nugent (Balbriggan)*
20 Louise Shanley (Raheny)*
21 Elaine Murray (Drogheda)*
* represents players capped by FAI Schools.
Skerries Town FC would like to wish the squad every success in the competition and look forward to their return, hopefully with some silverware.
You can follow their progress this summer by visiting the USA Cup website
01/07/06 - New link to 'soccerscene' website added to links page
Check out this new soccer website which covers Senior and Schoolboy Football - also included is info from abroad and Eircom League, Womens football and International Football. Soccerscene has also included a link to our website. www.soccerscene.ie