CityView Vol-40 No-12 - Derry City vs Galway United - Friday 7th June

DERRY CITY F.C. v GALWAY UNITED F.C. LEAGUE OF IRELAND MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION FRIDAY 7th JUNE 2024 | 7.45pm Vol. 40 - No. 12

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Welcome to...

GALWAY UNITED F.C.

DERRY CITY FOOTBALL CLUB Formed:

1928

Ground:

Brandywell Stadium

Manager:

Ruaidhrí Higgins

Asst Manager:

Paul Hegarty

Coach:

Conor Loughrey

Fitness Coach:

Kevin McCreadie

GK Coach:

Michael Dougherty

Development:

Mark McChrystal

Perfor Analyst:

Seamus McCallion

Opp Analyst:

Gerard Boyle

Physio:

Michael Hegarty

Equipment:

Gerry Sheppard

Kit Man:

Gavin Doherty

Kit Man:

Philip Johnson

Doctor:

Dr. Noel Boyle

CITYVIEW is the Official Match Day Programme of Derry City FC. The views expressed are, however, not necessarily those of the Board Of Directors, or indeed the Programme Committee. Design and Layout by Andrew Cassidy. Photographs courtesy of Maiden City Images, Event Images unless otherwise stated. Cover image

by Ramsey Cardy. Printing by City Print, Springtown Industrial Estate. Please support all of our sponsors. For queries about CityView contact andrew@derrycityfc.net

HONOURS:

League of Ireland Premier Division: 1988–89, 1996–97 FAI Cup: 1988–89, 1994–95, 2002, 2006, 2012, 2022 League of Ireland Cup: 1988–89, 1990–91, 1991–92, 1993–94, 1999–00, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2018 League of Ireland First Division: 1986–87, 2010 League of Ireland First Division Shield: 1985–86 Irish Football League: 1964–65 IFA Cup: 1948–49, 1953–54, 1963–64

Welcome back to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium for the second home game this week.

Welcome also to John Caulfield, Ollie Horgan, and the staff, officials and supporters who travelled up from Galway this evening.

One loss and one draw against Galway this season so far, so surely we have to even it up with a win for Derry tonight.

Before Stephen Walsh’s 85th minute winner here back in March, Galways last win at the Brandywell was a 2-0 win back in May 2015 with Jake Keegan and Padraic Cunningham getting the goals.

Our biggest win against Galway in recent years was a 6-0 win here at the Brandywell back in 2011 when a very strong Derry City team

including our manager Ruaidhri Higgins, as well as goalscorers on the night Patrick McEleney, James McClean, and Eamon Zayed with four goals!

We have one more game to go next Thursday night at Bohemians before the summer break, so we need two wins from two to keep pressure on the top spot.

Enjoy the game, enjoy the Euros, and we’ll see you back here on the 28th!

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: EOIN O’SHEA

Assistant 1: Richard Storey |Assistant 2: Shane O’Brien Fourth Official: Paul Norton

TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR:

www.mccambridgeduffy.co.uk 028 7137 6888

PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR SPONSORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

I’d like to extend a warm welcome to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium to John Caulfied and the players, staff and supporters of Galway United ahead of our game tonight.

John and his assistant manager, Ollie Horgan, have done a superb job at their club since they paired up, but that is little surprise given that they are two very smart and very shrewd football men with many years of experience between them.

I fully believe that the reason the league race is so open this year is because of how good the two newly promoted teams- Galway and Waterford- have been.

As I’ve said this week, Galway have found a style of play that suits them and they’ve stuck by it. I can’t imagine it will be any different tonight, but just because we know what to expect doesn’t make it any easier to play against.

We will have to be patient and look to stick to our own game plan and if we do that, I’ve no doubt the chances will come.

After the disappointment of the Dundalk match it’s fair to say we were delighted with how the players responded against Waterford on Monday night.

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We played some quality football, especially in the first half, and those are the standards we want to set for ourselves on a regular basis.

While it was an impressive display, the second half was clearly overshadowed by the injury to Patrick McEleney.

Patrick has obviously had his share of injuries in the past few years but I wish people could see how much playing for his hometown club means to him.

require surgery, and that will happen as soon as possible, because the quicker it’s done, the quicker we’ll get him back.

We’ve certainly seem over the past few games how much he brings to the team, both in quality and leadership.

And as we head into the summer break next week, I’m hoping you’ll get right behind the team tonight as we look to maintain our challenge into the second half of the year.

Enjoy the game

He is desperate to play and just as hungry to bring trophy success to this club. Nobody knows more than him what the club means not just to our supporters, but to the people of the city.

Patrick’s elbow fracture does

Ruaidhrí Higgins, Manager

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OMAGH SELECT V DERRY CITY 1988 The opening event of the 1988 Omagh Festival was a match at the Showgrounds, for the Laird Festival Cup, between an Omagh Select and Derry City on Wednesday 27th July. The Cup was to be presented at a special function in the Omagh Town Social Club after the game. John Mc Daid had been given permission by the Candystripes to guest for his home town.

The 700 supporters in attendance were treated to an entertaining game with Derry running out worthy winners by a 4-2 scoreline despite finishing the game with just nine players on the field. Pascal Vaudequin and Stuart Gauld had to come off with injuries in the second period but City had already used their substitutes at the start of the half.

Paul Hegarty and Paul Carlyle had both gone close for Derry before Carlyle opened the scoring when his shot deflected off a defender’s boot and curled over the keeper. On the half hour Hegarty sent Vaudequin away down the right wing and received the Frenchman’s cross on his chest before driving a right foot shot into the corner of

By Francie McCauley

the net.

Five minutes before the break Jonathan Speak made ground on the right and from his accurate pass Gauld rammed the ball home from close range to put City three in front.

In the second half the Omagh keeper Mc Gread had made an excellent save from Kevin Mahon before the home side began to make use of their numerical advantage and Bonner took advantage of a right wing cross to beat Tim Dalton with a powerful header into the Derry net.

But the Candystripes continued to press and Mahon hit the post, Carlyle had an effort flagged offside and the home keeper made good saves from a few longrange shots before Thatcher got Omagh’s second when Dalton was faced with three

opposing forwards. It was City who finished the scoring though five minutes from the end when Mahon rolled the ball to Hegarty who crashed a superb twenty yard shot past Mc Gread.

Admission to the game was £2/£1 but there was no price shown on the twenty-page programme of which only five were adverts. There were plenty of messages – from the Festival Director Paddy Mc Laughlin, from the Omagh Council Chairman Brian Mc Grath, from the Omagh Manager Paul Mc Anea and from Derry manager Jim Mc Laughlin.

Pat Mc Glinchey and Stephen Mc Kenna both penned an article on the history of football in Omagh and there was an item on City’s opening seasons in the Irish league. ‘The Omagh Connection’ was a profile of John Mc Daid.

Photos of various teams from Omagh over the years were spread throughout the pages.

Strangely, only the Omagh squad list was included.

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143 CUP FINALS I attended my first Irish Cup Final in 1964 at Windsor Park where I watched the Candystripes beat Glentoran 2-0.

Before that I was limited to watching the FA Cup Finals on black & white television usually on the last Saturday in May. The first live televised Final in colour was between West Bromwich Albion & Everton in 1968 but we only had a monochrome set then.

I finally managed to acquire a colour TV in 1974 & enjoyed spending Cup Final Saturdays in front of the box. In those days the BBC coverage would start early around 11 am with Grandstand live from Wembley introduced by the late Frank Bough. Members of the two teams would be interviewed at their respective hotels before Jimmy Hill would chat with the opposing supporters on their way to the famous ground.

There followed a feature on the teams - Newcastle & Liverpool who contested that 1974 Final - showing highlights of their previous endeavours - the Magpies had won all their 5 Cup Finals while the Reds had one success from 3 appearances. At around 12.30 pm the 2 Managers were interviewed by David Coleman before a bit of levity was introduced with “Its a Knockout “ featuring members of the opposing supporters’ clubs. The goal of

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Sean McGillan the season was next up before the cameras honed into the old Stadium at 1.30 pm for a display by marching bands that preceded an Athletics event with World Record holder over 2 miles Brendan Foster in a 3000 meters race with a field of international athletes.

Next up was the traditional singing of the hymn “Abide with me” & the teams being presented to one of the Royal Family. At the final whistle usually around 4.45pm the winners climbed the steps to the Royal box to receive their medals & of course the coveted trophy. The players on the winning team were interviewed by Barry Davies before the 6 hour programme ended at 5.10pm with “Final Score” which included a report on the Scottish Cup Final. To conclude I have listed below some interesting facts about the famous Cup. 143 Finals have been played with the latest winners, Manchester United,lifting the Cup for the 13th time in 22 attempts.

Only Arsenal with 14 wins are ahead of them. The first winners of the trophy in 1872 were Wanderers who lifted

it 6 times in the first 9 years of its existence. The first Final to be shown live on TV was in 1938 when only 10,000 people had sets. The Cup Final was played in the Millennium Stadium Cardiff from 2001 to 2006 while Wembley was being rebuilt. The first Wembley final was in 1923 with a estimated crowd of 126,047. The first substitute to play in the showpiece was Dennis Clarke for West Bromwich Albion v Everton in 1968. Their have been 5 cups made & used to date. The first Cup was stolen from a shop window in Birmingham in 1895 and Aston Villa as holders had to pay £25 to get a new one made !

63 years later a kleptomaniac pensioner owned up to the theft !

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OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S LEAGUES

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE LEAGUE

2024 LEAGUE TABLE: Pld Pts Shelbourne

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DERRY CITY

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35

Shamrock Rvrs

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31

Waterford

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28

Galway United

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27

Sligo Rovers

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25

Bohemians

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24

St. Pat’s Athletic

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Dundalk

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16

Drogheda Utd

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Last Round’s Results:

This Round’s Fixtures:

MONDAY 3rd JUNE Sligo Rvrs 2-1 Drogheda Utd Bohemian P-P Shelbourne DERRY CITY 3-0 Waterford St Pat’s Athletic 2-3 Dundalk Galway Utd P-P Shamrock Rvrs

FRIDAY 7th JUNE Waterford v Sligo Rovers Shamrock Rvrs v Bohemian DERRY CITY v Galway Utd Shelbourne v Dundalk Drogheda Utd v St Pat’s Athletic

NEXT HOME GAME:

Derry City vs Drogheda United Monday 28th June, 7.45pm

REMEMBERING THOSE GALWAY DAYS Whenever I write a piece for the programme, relating to our opponents, I tend to have a wee browse over previous encounters between the two sides.

Tonight’s visitors, Galway United, threw up quite a few notable landmarks when I performed this exercise this week.

The first game of note was away back in October 1987 when Galway ran out 3-1 winners against City at a very wet Terryland Park. It was our first experience of the Premier Division, having romped the First Division under player/manager Noel King, and we confidently felt that we would take the step-up in our

By Mick McBride stride. However, both on and off the pitch, things were not going well for the club. The public rift between King and General Manager Jim McLaughlin had split the town in two. Derry were also struggling to find their feet in the higher division, and this performance was the last straw for our very demanding fans.

King, who formerly could do no wrong, was incessantly barracked during the game, after which he resigned.

Mind you, the following season, in 1988/’89, Derry went on to win the ‘Treble, during which time we defeated Galway three

times, scoring ten goals and conceding only two in the process.

GALWAY ‘NOT AT THE RACES’

However the very next season was remarkable for two games in particular. One was at Brandywell against Galway, when we recorded our biggest ever victory, in the League of Ireland, winning 9-1. This was followed two months later by our highest away winning margin in the Premier League when we hammered Galway 6-0 on a quagmire* of a pitch at Terry-

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REMEMBERING THOSE GALWAY DAYS continued...

land Park, as it was then called.

(We did win 7-0 away to Salthill Devon, but that was in the First Division). For good measure we also defeated them on two other occasions that season, bringing our total goals scored to 20 goals, whilst conceding only one goal! It was interesting to note that a certain Pat Dolan and player/manager Paul McGee played for Galway in both those hammerings, as did goalkeeper, Declan McIntyre. Alan Matthews played in the away Galway game, where Paul Doolin scored his only hat-trick for Derry. Both of them, of course, went on to have careers in management.

To be fair, it wasn’t all sunshine for Derry! On October 1993, we travelled down to Galway only to find that the game had been switched to nearby Crowley Park, as Terryland was being redeveloped. At that time, Derry were once more in disarray both on and off the pitch, following the departure of manager Roy

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Coyle. Tony O’Doherty had taken over the reins and big names Neil McNab and Luther Blissett, along with Paul Kinnaird, made their debut that day. Former England International Steve Williams was playing his second, and as it turned out, his final game for City. Scott McGarvey and a young local called Peter Hutton were also in the side that lost 2-1, after leading at half-time.

Former A.C. Milan and England International, Blissett scored his one and only goal for City that day. From the San Siro to Crowley park, Eh!

HEALY’S COMETS!

Galway and Terryland Park also featured in another watershed moment in our history on December 1994. It was Felix Healy’s first game as Derry’s manager, and Harry McCourt (older brother of Paddy) made his debut and scored twice in a great 4-1 victory. This game kick-started our dismal season, as Derry suddenly went on a tremendous run, which took us from near bottom to top of the league. Alas, it culminated in that disastrous final day at Athlone when a draw (and a penalty miss) cost us the title. Mind you, we did win the Cup, two weeks later!

We had some not so good memories of Terryland also! I well remember one game around the year 2000, we lost 2-1AND had THREE players sent off in a five minute spell near the end of the

game in a comedy of errors by the referee! Enough said!!

On August 2003, Derry, under the very short reign of Dermot Keely, went out of the Cup, losing 2-1, at Terryland, less than three full days after playing Apoel Nicosia in Cyprus. Alan Murphy scored both Galway goals and his overall display is what prompted Derry to sign him. As for Keely, well things went from bad to worse for him, as he resigned not too long afterwards.

Almost exactly a year later, City were back at Terryland, again in the Cup, and with Peter Hutton as caretaker manager. This time, Murphy was in our side, with Alan Gough in goals for the Tribesmen. Gareth McGlynn scored the only goal of the game to take us through to the third round, when Stephen Kenny took charge for the first time, in the game against Shelbourne.

Stephen had since broken former manager, Kevin Mahon’s record of 202 games in charge, in October 2009 again against Galway at Terryland Park, which we unfortunately lost 3-1. *In fairness, after the redevelopment, the playing surface was voted the best in the League by the F.A.I. in 2007, 2008 and 2015 and the ground’s name was changed to Eamonn Deacy Park after the former Galway, Aston Villa and R.O.I. International, who tragically died, aged 53, following a heart attack in February 2012.

Incidentally, the Galway Football Association had purchased the grounds for £250 from Eamonn Deacy’s grandfather in 1950!

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fo him as welll maybe if he brought his guitar!

E IS FOR EXCESS COLM WHELAN

BAGGAGE...

Which team mate takes more stuff than they need to on an away trip or overnight?

I’d say Brian Maher! Goalkeepers in general seem to bring a lt of gear!

F IS FOR FUTURE MANAGER...

A IS FOR ANGRY...

Which team mate has anger issues on the pitch?

It has to be Adam O’Reilly! He gets fired up at the smallest of things!

Which team mate is the most likely to become a future football manager?

I’d go with Sam Todd you know! Not what most people would think, but I’d say he’d be good.

Ronan Boyce would be quite handy I’d say!

H IS FOR HAIR...

Which team mate is the most likely to get annoyed if their hair fell out of place during a match?

I’d say Ronan Boyce again!

I IS FOR INFLUENCE...

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far?

I’d say my father would have been a big influence growing up. He always had good advice at the right moments

J IS FOR JOB...

If football hadn’t worked out, what other career might you have followed?

I’m not sure. Maybe a city planner.

K IS FOR KIT MAN...

B IS FOR BOOTS...

Which team mate has the most annoying or specific requests for the kit man?

Goalkeepers usually have a lot of gear as I say, but I’ll actually go for Will Patching for that one!

Which team mate has the worst boots?

That’s a tough one, maybe Daniel Kelly actually for the ones he has!

C IS FOR COLD...

L IS FOR LADIES MAN...

Which team mate is always complaining about being cold?

Which team mate thinks they’re the biggest hit with the girls?

I don’t know really! Probably Cameron McJannet!

I’d have to give that one to Cameron Dummigan!

D IS FOR DESERT

M IS FOR MUSIC...

ISLAND...

Which team mate would be the most use to you on a desert island?

I’m not sure! Maybe Tadhg Ryan. He’s a keen fisherman, so we’d be well fed and I’d get a bit of entertainment out

been used?

G IS FOR GOALKEEPER...

Which outfield player would you choose to go in nets if the goalkeeper is sent off and all subs have

Which team mate has the worst taste in music?

Adam O’Reilly! Not that his stuff is bad, it’s just not what I’d be in to at all!

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N IS FOR NUMBER...

What was your first ever squad number, and do you have a preferred squad number?

10 was my first squad number when I was very young. I suppose I’d say 10 would be my preference as well maybe.

O IS FOR OPPOSITION...

Which opposition in the world would you love to play against that you’ve never had the chance?

I’d love to play against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

chael Duffy, Jordan McEneff... I’d actually go for Jordan McEneff maybe.

R IS FOR RADIO/READ...

Which team mate hates to do interviews? And who always jumps at the chance?

Me! I hate doing them! I’d say Brian Maher would be the one who jumps at the chance!

S IS FOR SIGNING...

Do you remember the story of you signing for Derry City came about?

Yeah, Ruaidhri got in contact with me and we spoke a few times and it just went from there. It didn’t take very long at all to get over the line after that.

T IS FOR TALENT...

Which team mate has a hidden talent outside of football?

Or can you show us something yourself?

It’s probably one you’ve heard before, but Tadgh Ryan sings and plays guitar.

U IS FOR UNRIVALLED...

P IS FOR PHONE...

Which team mate is never off their phone or tablet?

Brian Maher! i’m surprised he doesn’t take it on the pitch with him!

Q IS FOR QUICK...

Who’s the fastest player in the squad?

There’s a few...Daniel Kelly, Mi-

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Outside of Derry City, who do you think is the best player in the league?

For me, the best player in the league outside of Derry would be Neil Farrugia at Shamrock Rovers (Right)

V IS FOR VOICE...

Which team mate is the worst singer? And who might have a chance on X Factor?

The worst singer is Cameron McJannet. He hasn’t a note! And Tadgh Ryan would be the one to go on X Factor.

W IS FOR WISDOM...

Who is the most intelligent player in the squad?

I’d say Shane McEleney would probably be the smartest.

X IS FOR EXCLUSIVE...

Tell us something about yourself that no one knows!

I’m not sure there’s anything too shocking! I’ve got a cat called Patrick!

Y IS FOR YOUNG...

What is your earliest memory of going to a football match?

I just remember going to my brother’s games when I was younger.

Z IS FOR ZONE...

Do you have any pre-match superstitions or rituals to get you in the zone?

No, nothing at all! I’m just pretty relaxed, but I don’t believe in any kind of superstitions affecting my game.

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TONIGHT’S SQUADS DERRY CITY F.C. 1 - BRIAN MAHER 2 - RONAN BOYCE 3 - CIARÁN COLL 4 - CIARON HARKIN 6 - MARK CONNOLLY 7 - MICHAEL DUFFY 8 - WILL PATCHING 9 - PATRICK HOBAN 10 - PATRICK MCELENEY 11 - COLM WHELAN 12 - PAUL MCMULLAN 14 - BEN DOHERTY 15 - SADOU DIALLO 16 - SHANE MCELENEY 17 - CAMERON MCJANNET 21 - DANNY MULLEN 22 - JORDAN MCENEFF 23 - CAMERON DUMMIGAN 24 - SAM TODD 26 - TADHG RYAN 27 - DANIEL KELLY 28 - ADAM O’REILLY 30 - EVAN OVENDALE 31 - TIERNAN MCGINTY 32 - SEAN PATTON 39 - CONOR BARR 40 - CALUM MCCAY 41 - LUKE O’DONNELL Manager: RUAIDHRÍ HIGGINS

GALWAY UNITED F.C. 1 - BRENDAN CLARKE 2 - CONOR O’KEEFFE 3 - REGAN DONELON 4 - ROB SLEVIN 5 - KILLIAN BROUDER 6 - MAURICE NUGENT 7 - STEPHEN WALSH 8 - AOBH DERVIN 9 - WASSIM AOUACHRIA 10 - DAVID HURLEY 11 - KARL O’SULLIVAN 12 - LEO GAXHA 15 - PATRICK HICKEY 16 - JOE WRIGHT 17 - VINCENT BORDEN 19 - FRANCELY LOMBOTO 20 - TOM COSTELLO 21 - COLM HORGAN 22 - CONOR MCCORMACK 24 - ED MCCARTHY 26 - GARRY BUCKLEY 30 - AL-AMIN KAZEEM 33 - JEANNOT ESUA

Manager: JOHN CAULFIELD

Tonight’s Match Sponsors:

www.mccambridgeduffy.co.uk | 028 7137 6888

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FIRST FOR SPORT IN THE NORTH-WEST bbc.co.uk/radiofoyle 22

CITY CUBS CORNER Send us in your photos and drawings to citycubs@derrycityfc.net and we’ll get them printed on the City Cubs page in the programme!!

SHIRT NUMBER MATHS CHALLENGE

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Can you do the maths with the shirt numbers to find out the name of the hidden Derry City player?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you spot the FIVE differences between the two photos?

ANSWERS: SHIRT NUMBER MATHS: Paul McMullan (12) + Ben Doherty (14) - Ciaran Coll (3) = Cameron Dummigan (23) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) Referee has disappeared from the left; 2) Rooftop on the left has extended; 3) Letter ‘C’ in the stand has gone; 4) Linesman’s flag has disappeared; 5) Player on the right’s number has changed from 2 to 12

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Home & Away Live Match Commentary From our Match Night Live team on 105.3fm and online at www.drive105.co.uk

Drive105mnl 28

FANZONE: MEET THE FANS Tonight we welcome into the fanzone, long time Derry City fan Seamus Murphy.

Supporting the mighty Candystripes since 1986 Seamus gives his views on the team, the league of Ireland and lots more.

Why? He was a joy to watch on the ball with his dribbling ability and his uniqueness made him a football fans favourite worldwide What’s the best ground, apart from the Brandywell, that you’ve seen Derry play in?

The Aviva Stadium What goal sticks out in your mind?

Kevin Mahon vs Finn Harps

Name: Seamus Murphy How long have you been supporting Derry City?

38 years!

Where do you sit in the Brandywell?

No particular seat to be honest. It varies really.

Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

It’s a toss really between Liam Coyle and Kevin Mahon

Why? On a cold, miserable evening at Finn Park playing on an awful, heavy pitch he cut inside from the wing and after beating a couple of defenders with pure skill he rifled one into the top corner from all of 35 yards or so.

That goal sticks out for me as it was not only an individual masterclass but it lit up the Stadium and sent the Derry fans home happy with a Derby win!

Name your best Derry City team (you can pick from any era) One to Eleven with Three subs GK - Ger Doherty

RB - Eddie McCallion CB - Paul Curran CB - Ryan McBride LB - John Coady M - Kevin Mahon M - Felix Healy M - Dennis Tueart S - Alex Krstic S - Mark Farren S - Liam Coyle Subs - Owen Da Gama, Peter Hutton and Stuart Gauld.

Best manager you’ve seen at Derry City?

Jim Mc Laughlin Favourite half time snack?

Chips of course!

What one thing would you introduce that you feel would improve the match day experience?

Possibly half time local dance group or musicians could perform for 10 mins. Another idea that some ex-players could be invited by the club as a guest and come to the centre circle at half time to be recognised for what they did and announced via the speaker for the fans to show their appreciation

Why? Both players were very gifted but if I had to choose I would go for Liam as his hold up play, skill and vision was something else Best opposition player you’ve seen play?

I loved watching Ronaldinho when he played in the Brandywell

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AWAY DAYS: BOHEMIAN (THURSDAY 13TH JUNE)

By Joseph & Leo McGeehan

Ground: Dalymount Park, Phibsborough, Dublin 7, D07 YXW0 Directions: Follow the M1 Southbound past Dublin Airport, the road then becomes the N1 at Santry. Keep following the N1 towards Dublin City Centre then shortly after passing beneath the Drumcondra Railway Station Railway Bridge turn right into Whitworth Road alongside the Royal Canal, then at the junction turn left into Prospect Road.

You will then see a tall office block in front of Phibsborough Shopping Centre, with the floodlights of Dalymount Park to the right-hand side.

Turn right into Connaught Street, then left into St Peters Road and the ground is down on the left.

The ground can now also be reached via the Luas (Dublin Tram System). The Green Line now has a stop at Phibsborough which is just three minutes’ walk to the ground.

The stop is below street level and after walking up the steps you immediately see the large St Peters Church just along the road. By the time you reach the church, you will have seen the floodlights just across the road’.

Alternatively, from the centre of Dublin you can catch Bus Numbers 4 and 83 both pass along Phibsborough Road beside the ground.

Parking: Dalymount Park is one of the more difficult grounds for parking. Normally, you just must take your chances in the surrounding side streets close to the ground, while some spaces can be found to the rear of the nearby Phibsborough Road Shopping Centre.

Visiting Fans: Visiting fans are allocated Opposite the Jodi Stand is the former Connaught Street Terrace which now houses the temporary ‘Mono Stand’

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which provides a covered stand for 450 away fans. It is a decent structure and does offer good views of the pitch.

Away fans enter now via an alleyway close to the junction of Connaught Street and Phibsborough Road, it is about 50 yards along Connaught Street after you pass Eddie Rockets.

Ticket Prices: Bohemians away tickets must be bought in advance - Ticket prices are as follows: Adults: €16 Students & OAP’s: €12 Kids Under 12: €8 Programmes: Match programmes are on sale from sellers at every game up close to the Mono Stand. They are priced at €5 and contain interviews with players, a message from the manager, news, facts, match photos and much more.

Food/Drink: There is hot food available in the ground via a decent local based hot food van just beside the Mono Stand, with Tea and coffee are also on sale as well as a range of cold drinks, sweets, and snacks. Burgers, chips, etc are of a very good standard although typically overpriced.

Staff are friendly and helpful. They do serve an excellent Peri-Peri

chips.

From personal experience ‘Abrakebara’ directly opposite the Phibsborough Shopping Centre serves a brilliant Kebab; and is highly recommended and only 3 minutes’ walk from the ground.

There is also a lot of good chain eateries within the shopping centre itself including , Kung-Fu Buffet and Eddie Rockets. McDonalds is also on the opposite side of the street.

Bars: While there are three bars for home fans below the Jodi Stand, unfortunately way fans do not have access to these bars in match day. However, there is a great array of good local bars very close to the stadium including The Bohemian Pub, The Bernard Shaw, The Back Page, Doyle’s Corner and Clarkes which was recommended to us by some Bohs fans.

History: Dalymount Park or “Dalyer” as it is affectionately known is one of the few football grounds to retain all the history and characteristics that many older fans insist is missing in modern all-seater stadiums. Situated in the north of Dublin, in the suburb of Phibsborough it is surrounded on two sides by Victorian housing, a school and a 1960’s concrete shopping centre, however, its tall floodlights-erected in 1962, are

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AWAY DAYS: BOHEMIAN (THURSDAY 13TH JUNE) continued... visible from miles around. Up close the ground is very much hemmed in by its surroundings and having bare concrete walls on three sides the rear of the Jodi Stand with its dark grey cladding, red and white turnstile entrances is a very welcome sight, as is the iron arch bearing the club’s name. As far as we are aware the iron arch originally stood above the black gate entrance to the St Peters School end but was moved to its current position after Bohemian won the League title in 2005.

Once inside it is easy to see why Dalymount Park was once capable of holding 45,000 capacity crowds in its heyday, when it regularly hosted both international fixtures and FAI Cup Finals up to 2002. Sadly, for safety reasons, the last decade has seen the stadium capacity drastically reduced, as the clubs awaits the green light for a complete redevelopment.

The newest part of the stadium is the Jodi Stand, on one side which was opened in 1999 at a cost of just over £1 million. This replaced the original low wooden Main Stand.

It has 2,742 dark grey seats on a single tier concrete deck, with the players dressing rooms and an executive lounge built into the concourse below. Unusually players emerge through a tunnel towards the east corner rather than on the pitch centre line. The stand offers an excellent elevated view of the pitch though it does have a couple of columns that may impede your view.

Opposite the Jodi Stand is the former Connaught Street Terrace which now houses the temporary ‘Mono Stand’ which provides a covered stand for 450 away fans. It is a decent structure and does offer good views of the pitch.

At one end is the Phibsborough Road Terrace (aka the ‘Tramway End’), which extended around to the Connaught Terrace which must have looked awesome when packed to capacity.

Opposite at the other end is the Des Kelly Carpets Stand, which is at the St Peters School End. The great news for Bohemians is that the club recently finally received planning approval for the complete redevelopment t of the stadium. The current plan is to develop a new four-sided municipal stadium with capacity for 8,034, featuring the reorientation of the pitch to a North/South Axis and installation of a new sand-based grass pitch.

New stands to the east and west side with provision for c. 6,240 seats and two new terraces to the north and south with provision for c. 1,794 standing are also included in the plans, as well as a public thoroughfare connecting North Circular Road and Connaught Street to include various eateries and a new public plaza.

It is hoped that the redeveloped stadium will be completed by the start of the 2027 season.

Positive Features: We always bring a good support down to Dalymount, and a stadium were going back as far as 1986, we have enjoyed a great record. Our first ever visit in September 1986 saw us beat Bohs 1-0 in a League Cup game via an Alex Krstic rocket.

While over the next few seasons we brought huge crowds down to Dalymount for the Cup Finals in 1988, 1989, and a top of the table league clash with Shelbourne in January 1987 which had been switched from Harold’s Cross to accommodate the large Derry travelling support. We also brought a massive crowd down for a Cup Quarterfinal against Bohs in 1988, where we crashed out 1-2, after a volatile game that saw Kevin Mahon and Noel King both sent off.

Other notable games to remember including Cup Semi-final wins in 1994 and 1997, a great league cup semi-final win in 2002, a brilliant league cup final win on New Year’s

Day 1991 thanks to a Johnny Speak goal, and obviously the 1989 Cup Final (replay) win over Cork City, where Felix Healy’s first-half goal completed the historic ‘Treble’.

In recent years, we have continued our good form with a 1-0 win and a 2-2 draw last season, while in 2022 we won both games 3-2 & 2-1. In 2021 we won 2-1 (two Cameron McJannet goals) and drew the second game 3-3 in a pulsating game where after James Akintunde put us 3-2 ahead in the 91st minute, Georgie Kelly broke our hearts with a stunning volley in the 96th minute to equalise. Unfortunately, this good run ended back in March this year, when we lost 1-2. We conceded two very sloppy goals (former favourite James Akintunde with the second) and while an excellent long range Ronan Boyce strike got us back into the game, we simply didn’t do enough on the night to take anything away from the game.

Patrick McEleney and Ruaidhrí Higgins both list the stadium as their favourite away ground, due to the great playing surface, the wideopen spaces, and the historical background to the stadium where it is viewed as ‘The Home of Irish Football’.

It will also be good to see the progression of Dalymount Park’s redevelopment in becoming another excellent stadium in the league to rival Tallaght and lead the way for future stadia renovations throughout the league.

Negative Features: Simply the car-parking; it can be difficult to find a place to park close to the ground.

Ratings: Atmosphere: 8/10 Accessibility: 6.5/10 Parking: 2/10 Facilities: 7/10 Historical Record: 9/10 Overall: 7.5/10

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CANDYSTRIPE TRIBESMEN: PLAYERS WHO HAVE PLAYED FOR BOTH Conor McCormack Conor McCormack left Manchester United in 2008 after a lack of first-team opportunities and joined Triestina Calcio in Italy. After two and half years and no senior appearances, he signed for Shamrock Rovers and played a role in their Europa League group stage campaign in 2011. McCormack signed for Derry City for the first time in 2015 following a season and a half at St Patrick’s Athletic before leaving for Cork City in late 2016, where he would win the Premier Division title a year later. The Louth native, who has made more than 300 League of Ireland appearances, rejoined the Candystripes in 2020 but left for Galway United in 2021 where he captained the Tribesmen to the First Division title in 2023.

Tadhg Ryan After leaving Huddersfield Town in 2018, Tadhg Ryan signed for Galway United – then in the First Division. He left after one season and lined out for Cork City, Waterford, Treaty United and Bohemians before signing for Derry City ahead of the 2023 campaign. He was named Treaty United’s Player of the Year in 2021, before making 13 appearances as a Bohemians player prior to his move to Foyleside. The 27 year old has played in the FAI Cup and in friendlies for the Candystripes but has only been kept out of the starting eleven due to Brian Maher’s consistency.

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By Pól O’Hare

Colm Horgan Colm Horgan came through the youth system at Salthill Devon before signing for Galway United in 2014. After four years the defender moved to Cork City and scored ten minutes into his debut against Bohemians April 2018. He spent the 2020 season on Foyleside, before moving to Sligo Rovers in 2021. Horgan was part of the Galway United side that won the First Division in 2023, alongside Conor McCormack, and has surpassed 170 appearances for the Tribesmen.

scored a rocket against Dundalk on the final game of the 2017 campaign. Hale scored the winning goal for Derry City in the League Cup semi-final against Sligo Rovers – a tournament which City would go on to win that season. After 40 appearances in red and white, and a year at Crusaders, the midfielder joined Cliftonville in 2021. He has surpassed a century of appearances for the reds and recently won the Irish Cup in May, with his brother Ronan bagging a brace against rivals Linfield in the final.

Rory Hale Belfast native, and grandson of Derry City legend Danny Hale, Rory Hale joined the Candystripes alongside his brother Ronan ahead of the 2018 season. He came through the youth ranks at Aston Villa, captaining their Under 23 side, before joining Galway United in 2017. An attacking midfielder by trade, the then 21 year old

Armin Aganovic Swedish defender Armin Aganovic began his career with Mjällby AIF, making 18 appearances between 2013 and 2015.

After a loan at Kristianstad in 2014, where he netted 7 goals from centre back, the 21 year old signed for Galway Untied in 2016. He impressed at Eamon Deacy Park, and following a move to Raufoss IL in the

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CANDYSTRIPE TRIBESMEN: PLAYED FOR BOTH continued...

Norwegian third tier, where he again bagged 7 goals, Aganovic joined Derry City ahead of the 2018 campaign. Aganovic made just two appearances in red and white before mutually agreeing to cancel his contract. He did, however, score on his City debut against Waterford and now plies his trade back at his local Kristianstad after moves to FK Karlskrona & Nosaby IF, aged 30.

Bastien Héry A product of Paris Saint Germain’s academy, Héry played for Rochdale, Carlisle United and Accrington Stanley in the English Football League before moving to Limerick in 2017.

After impressing in his season in Limerick, Héry became integral in the Waterford midfield and won the club’s Player of the Year and Goal of the Season awards in 2018. A move to Linfield in July 2019 followed, before switching to Bohemians in 2021. After a solitary start in Phibsborough, Héry signed for Derry on loan in July of that

year – failing to score in eleven appearances. Now 32, the midfielder finds himself at Longford Town in the First Division after spells at Finn Harps and Galway United.

Mikey Place Versatile midfielder Mikey Place began his League of Ireland career with Sligo Rovers, breaking into the senior team in 2016.

He made 21 appearances for the Bit’O’Red, scoring once, before moving to Derry City in July 2017. Place spent just half a season with the Candystripes before moving to Finn Harps in 2018. He was top scorer at Finn Park that campaign as Harps gained promotion back to the Premier Division, before leaving to sign for Galway United ahead of the 2020 season. After eight goal contributions in two years for the Tribesmen, Place signed for Ballymena United in January 2022, where he is closing in on a century of appearances.

Enda Curran Striker Enda Curran has played his entire career in the League of Ireland, starting out with

Mervue United as a 17 year old in 2010. He has had three separate stints with Mervue, three stints at Galway United and two stints at Athlone Town, alongside spells at Salthill Devon, Derry City, Longford Town and Treaty United. Curran made four appearances in his first campaign with Galway United, back in 2011. He joined Derry City ahead of the 2014 campaign and scored twice in eleven games before leaving for Galway United midway through the season. Curran netted thirteen goals in 26 games in the Premier Division in 2015 before joining Longford Town in 2017.

Moves to Athlone Town and back to Mervue United followed before Curran was once again back in Galway, this time in 2020. He signed for Treaty United after another spell at Mervue and has racked up 40 goals in Limerick, including one against Derry City in the semi-final of the FAI Cup in 2022. Curran bagged a hattrick against UCD in the quarterfinals of the Cup that year too. 32 next Tuesday, the forward has scored twice so far in the First Division in 2024.

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This week... Derry City fan... AIDAN TEMPLE 1. England lost the UEFA Euro 2020 Finals on penalites after a 1-1 draw at 90mins, but who scored the goal for England?

4.

2. Which stadium hosted that UEFA Euro 2020 Final?

3. Club legend Marco Reus has left Borussia Dortmund after 12 years at the club, but which club did they sign him from?

4. Can you name the former Liverpool player pictured on the right.

5. Manchester United have had two players in on loan

3. this season, Sofyan Amrabat, and which other player?

6. Which EFL Championship club have the biggest ground in terms of capacity?

7. Who preceded John Caulfield has manager of Galway United?

8. Who was the last player to leave Galway United and sign directly for Derry City?

AIDAN’S ANSWERS: 1) Harry Kane; 2) Was it Wembley?; 3) No idea!; 4) That’s wee Jay Spearing; 5) Reguilon from Spurs left in January; 6) Must be Leeds? Elland Road; 7) Tommy Dunne; 8) Can’t honestly remember!

AIDAN’S SCORE: 4 out of 8! Can you beat it?

ANSWERS: 1) Luke Shaw; 2) Wembley Stadium 3) Borussia Mönchengladbach; 4) Jay Spearing; 5) Sergio Reguilón (Spurs); 6) Sunderland’s Stadium Of Light (49,000); 7) Tommy Dunne; 8) Rory Hale (2018)

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BE THE CHALLENGER! CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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