CityView Vol-40 No-16 - Derry City vs Dundalk - Friday 9th August

DERRY CITY F.C. v DUNDALK F.C. LEAGUE OF IRELAND MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION FRIDAY 9th AUGUST 2024 | 7.45pm Vol. 40 - No. 16

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Welcome to...

DUNDALK 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!

Tonight we’re welcoming Dundalk to the Brandywell for the last time this season.

We welcome back also Jon Daly, his staff and players, and the officials and supporters from Dundalk who have travelled up this evening.

The last visit here for Dundalk was a memorable one for City, and not so much for Dundalk. A 4-1 win back in early April. Adam O’Reilly, Will Patching, Danny Mullen, and Michael Duffy putting City 4-0 in the lead before Ryan O’Kane pulled one back for the Lilywhites.

A 0-0 draw at the end of May left City fans disappointed because of that previous result, and the kind of scoreline that could leave fans more

disappointed at the end of the season should City fall just a few points short of the league.

But November is a long way away, and we need our away form needs to improve before that, seeing as our next home game isn’t until September now.

We need to focus on the game tonight first though and getting three points here and for all our remaining games!

Enjoy the game!

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: ROBERT HARVEY

Assistant 1: Conor Harkin |Assistant 2: Chris Campbell Fourth Official: Declan Toland

TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR:

M&D SERVICES LTD. Derry, C/O Tony O’Doherty PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR SPONSORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

I’d like to welcome Jon Daly and the players, staff and supporters of Dundalk FC to the Brandywell ahead of tonight’s game.

We’ve got ten matches each left to play until the end of the league race- so more than a quarter of the season still to go- and I suspect there will be plenty of twists and turns between now and then.

Dundalk will have their sights set on pushing their way up the table and there’s no doubt they have the players there that are capable of doing that.

As always however, I’m only concerned with what we do and we have to go out and be very positive tonight and try to get the three points.

As I said after the Shelbourne game on Monday night, I couldn’t have been prouder of the players’ efforts, especially after an early red card turned the game on its head.

Shelbourne are a really good side and it’s no accident that they’re top of the league.

Playing eleven v eleven we caused them all sorts of problems and we could easily have been two up going in at half time.

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Obviously we had to change things around once we went down to ten, but even then we looked in control and they had one shot on target in the whole 96 minutes.

It was a very good point for us in the circumstances but it could and probably should have been more.

We’ve shown a clinical side recently, particularly against St Pats in the cup and we know that those are the standards that we need to maintain week in week out until the end of tbe season.

we’ve set and be as clinical as we know we can be, and that very much applies tonight.

Our fans really got behind the team at Tolk Park on Friday night and I know the players respond to our home support every bit as much.

Hopefully you’ll get right behind us again tonight and we’ll do everything in our power to give you something to shout about.

Enjoy the game

There’s a real title race developing and there are more than two teams in it, and we’re right in the mix.

It’s important that we try to maintain the standards that

Ruaidhrí Higgins, Manager

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DERRY CITY VS LYNGBY 1995 What might have been! As the Europa League tie against FC Midtjylland in July 2017 was played at the Sligo Showgrounds, FC Copenhagen would have been the second Danish team to have played in the Brandywell. The first occasion was a visit from Lyngby FC in a friendly encounter on Thursday 2nd March 1995.

The visitors, with three internationals in their squad, had won 3-0 at Dundalk two nights previously but they were to find the Candystripes a different proposition. A persistent snowstorm saw a crowd of just 500 in attendance but those who did brave the atrocious conditions witnessed an exciting game (well, almost!) with both teams playing attractive football.

City went in front after twentyfive minutes when Liam Coyle, having picked up Paul Carlyle’s cross inside the box, sent a delicate chip to the back post

By Francie McCauley where Paul Kinnard directed his header past the Lyngby keeper.

Within five minutes Derry doubled their lead. Paul Doolin headed clear a Lyngby corner, the ball was picked up by Pascal Vaudequin who raced down the wing before laying the ball off to Doolin whose low cross was forced home by Coyle.

The visitors were in a more positive mood in the second half and with Derry having to soak up a lot of pressure home keeper Gerard Crossan came to the rescue making several outstanding saves.

The Danish club thought they had got themselves back into the game when Vistrup smashed home a rebound into the top corner after seventyfour minutes but within another minute the deteriorating weather conditions forced referee Seamus Devenney to abandon the match.

The club produced a twenty-four-page programme (seven of adverts) for £1.

There was a Welcome to the visitors, Eddie Logue penned some ‘Bits & Pieces’ about Danish football and Martin Bradley had a two-page profile on Harry Mc Court. There was the usual Half Time Quiz and the team lists were on the back page. There was also a page of current season playing stats along with some photos from the previ-

ous game against Home Farm.

Kieran Mc Grory, chairman of the Post Office Supporters’ Club, was looking for memorabilia from any period connected to the Brandywell Club as they were hoping to set up a museum in their Social Club and a page was devoted to the upcoming League of Ireland fixtures.

Since their visit to Derry Lyngby have had some difficult times and at one point, they were relegated to the amateur ranks but now as Lyngby Boldklub they are back in the Danish Superliga and by a coincidence the Danish season kicked off two weeks ago and Lyngby’s opening fixture was against near neighbours FC Copenhagen. How did it finish up? Two nil to the Magpies Europa Conference opponents.

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I DON’T BELIEVE IT! The 1990s “One foot in the grave” actor, Victor Meldrew’s famous catch phrase could be considered appropriate for the following events. Firstly our own James McClean features in this story that happened just recently when his Wrexham team took on Chelsea in a pre season “friendly “ in California - 2 minutes into the game he got involved in a bust up with Chelsea’s Levi Colwill who reacted afterJames caught him late in a tackle. He grabbed him by the collar as the pair started to wrestle before they could be separated. James later posted a photo of himself in the gym with a caption saying “ No pushing & shoving here, proper fighting ! Luckily the ref kept his cards in his pocket and the match ended in a 2-2 draw with the Premier side equalising 8 minutes from time. The next game in the news in May this year was a 4th Division fixture in Holland where the referee Jan Smit made headlines by sending off 4 away players and then adding on 15 minutes extra time allowing the home side St. George to score and lift the title. However he ended up celebrating on stage with them and singing while holding up the trophy. His antics have been awarded by the Dutch FA with a life time ban !

Another ref in “trouble” was involved in a bazaar incident in a game in 1968 between Barrow

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By Sean McGillan

and Plymouth Argyle when in the 77th minute with the game scoreless he managed to accidentally deflect a ball that was going wide past the keeper into the net. The rules state that if a ball rebounds off either the ref or linesman it is still in play and so he had to award a goal to the home side ! Back to last month when the Olympics were staged in Paris - the opening match between Argentina and Morocco had to be suspended for nearly 2 hours after the North African supporters invaded the pitch and threw bottles after Argentina scored a late equalising goal which was then ruled out by the Video Assistant Referee. Argentinian players were involved in the next strange match which took place in 1956 in Coventry. The home side were entertaining San Lorenzo on their tour of Britain. Arthur Ellis, well known international referee awarded the home side a penalty just before half time with the teams level at 1-1. The culprit Jose Sanfilippo had pushed

Dennis Uphill and immediately Ellis was confronted by the players and was kicked by Jose who was sent off. However he refused to leave the pitch despite two of his team mates trying to pull him off.

Ellis (under the rules) had no choice but to abandon the game and the Chairmen was left to announce to the 17,000 spectators that the game was over. He later described the offender as stubborn as a mule ! Incidentally Arthur was referee in 2 FAI Cup Finals - 1953 when Cork Athletic beat Evergreen United after a replay and again in 1955 he officiated at Shamrock Rovers v Drumcondra. Finally imagine going into a game 10 minutes late and asking the score from a friend. ( no score boards in 1931) We are 4 up was the reply ! This happened when West Bromwich Albion visited West Ham. The away centre forward W.G Richardson missed 2 chances in the first 5 minutes but then hit 4 in the next 5 !

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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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48

DERRY CITY

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45

Shamrock Rvrs

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37

Waterford

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37

Galway United

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37

Sligo Rovers

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37

St. Pat’s Athletic

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Bohemians

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Dundalk

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Drogheda Utd

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Last Round’s Results:

This Round’s Fixtures:

FRIDAY 2nd AUGUST Drogheda Utd 2-2 Bohemians Dundalk 0-2 Galway Utd Waterford 1-2 Shamrock Rvrs SUNDAY 4th AUGUST St Pat’s Atletic 3-2 Sligo Rovers MONDAY 5th AUGUST DERRY CITY 0-0 Shelbourne

FRIDAY 9th AUGUST DERRY CITY v Dundalk Bohemians v Waterford SATURDAY 10th AUGUST Sligo Rovers v Shelbourne SATURDAY 10th AUGUST Galway United v St Pats Athletic Shamrock Rvrs v Drogheda Utd

NEXT HOME GAME:

Derry City vs Bohemians Friday 13th September, 7.45pm

LANDMARKS: 150TH GAME FOR DUFFY In recent games, we have seen a few milestones for both the club and some players.

Firstly, in the home win over Bruno Magpies, Michael Duffy made his 150th Derry City appearance, becoming the 32nd player to reach this milestone for the club.

The first to do so was Felix Healy on 23rd Dec1990, when he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win away to St Patrick’s Athletic in the semi final of the league cup. Three days later, both Paul Curran and Paul Carlyle made their 150th appearance for City.

Indeed, Paul Carlyle opened the scoring in a 6-1 win over Galway United at Brandywell, with what was our 300th league goal.

By Brian Dunleavy

The last players to reach the 150 milestone for the club were Eoin Toal in a home game against Dundalk, while earlier this season, Ciaran Coll made his 150th appearance in a 2-0 away win to Waterford FC, in what was our 600th away game in the premier division.

Meanwhile in the home win over St Patrick’s Athletic in the FAI cup, the penalty miss from Will Patching was the 50th time we have missed from the spot.

The first player to miss a penalty was Alex Krstic in the away leg of our European game against Benfica at the Estadio Da Luz in Lisbon, Portugal, in Sepr 1989.

The next to miss from the spot was Stuart Gauld in a home game against Cork City in Sept 1991. It was his first miss after 22 successive strikes. It would be 3 years until we next missed a penalty.

28 different players have missed from the spot for the club, with Stuart Gauld and Rory Patterson having missed 5 times each, followed by Patrick McEleney with 4 misses, while Will Patching, Mark Farren and Junior OgediUzokwe having missed three each.

In the same time that we have missed 50 penalties, we have scored 182.

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LAST TWO GAMES...

DERRY CITY 3 - 0 ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC: Derry City progressed to the next round of the FAI Cup by knocking out the champions at the Brandywell in a convincing display that saw Danny Mullan and Michael Duffy on the score sheet

SHELBOURNE 0 - 0 DERRY CITY: For the third time this season, Derry and Shelbourne played on a Monday night, and for the third time this season, played out a draw. The next one will be a Friday night for the first time this year on the last game of the season here, so it’s all to play for before then!

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C IS FOR CHILDHOOD...

Who were your favourite team as a boy and what got you into them?

JACOB DAVENPORT

Man City! I always remember my dad took me to Maine Road to sit on his lap when I was really young.

D IS FOR DRESS SENSE...

Which Derry City team mate has the worst fashion sense?

I’ll go for Danny Mullen!

E IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT...

A IS FOR ANNOYING...

Which team mate would you hate to sit beside on the bus all the way to Cork and why?

I think I’ll go for Ciaran Coll because he’d be on the wind up!

He tells too many lies!

B IS FOR BOX...

What is your favourite TV show? Either at the minute or of all time.

I’ve watched a few shows, but I’d say my favourite of all time would be Game Of Thrones.

I scored a direct free kick for Morecambe in the last minute.

H IS FOR HOLIDAY...

What is your favourite holiday destination? Or where would you like to go no expense spared?

Santorini. It’s a special place as I got married there.

I IS FOR IDOL...

Which footballer did you idolise as a boy?

David Silva at City!

What CD and DVD would you play on the bus to Dublin if it was your choice?

Music I’d go for Morgan Wallen - Broadway Girls Movie, Avengers Endgame

F IS FOR FUNNY...

What’s the funniest thing you’ve seen happen in your time in football?

I was at Blackburn when Jack Evans was caught with a prank involving pull-ups. Danny Graham told it recently on the Under The Cosh podcast! (Scan the QR code to hear the story)

J IS FOR JOKER...

Who is the biggest practical joker in the team?

I’d have to say Ciaron Coll!

K IS FOR KIT...

What has been your favourite football kit that you’ve ever played in or owned?

The black & red striped Man City away kit, 11/12 season.

G IS FOR GOAL...

What’s been the best goal you’ve ever scored?

L IS FOR LIFE AFTER PLAYING...

Do you see yourself staying in football when your playing career is over?

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Yeah, I’ve just completed my UEFA B licence, so maybe

M IS FOR MEMENTO...

What is the one football memento you own that you’ll never give away?

My Burton Albion Football League Debut Shirt

Sadou Diallo!

T IS FOR TEAM MATES...

Who is the best player you’ve ever played with?

Probably Adam Armstrong at Blackburn Rovers.

N IS FOR NEXT BIG THING...

Outside of football, do you have any hobbies in your spare time?

Just a bit of golf really.

THE TIME...

How do you keep yourself entertained during away trips or overnights?

Just a Netflix Series or play the PS5.

If you could change places with someone in another sport for a day, who would it be?

Lewis Hamilton! Mostly just to experience the lifestyle with all that money!

O IS FOR OPPOSITION...

P IS FOR PASSTIME...

W IS FOR WHILE AWAY

X IS FOR EXCHANGE...

Which Derry City player do you think could be the next to make a move overseas?

Glenn McCourt Which opposition do you look forward to playing the most either this year or every year?

This year it has to be Shelbourne in the last game of the season. Hopefully we’ll have won the league by then or win it against them.

Premiership wages, I’d probably drive a Audi RS e-tron GT.

U IS FOR UNPARALLELED...

Who is the best player you’ve ever played against?

I played against Jack Grealishwhen he was at Villa. It was actually my debut.

Q IS FOR QUIZ...

Which Derry City team mate would you definitely not want in your team if you were to do a quiz?

Will Patching!

Y IS FOR YOUTH...

Where did you start your youth career, and did you always play in the same position?

I started at the Manchester City Academy when I was young.

And, no, I used to be a left winger

R IS FOR RESULT...

Which result meant the most to you in your career?

Probably the time we played Brentford away. I scored a late equaliser to get a point when we were down to 10 men.

S IS FOR SKILLS...

Who has the best skills in the team?

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V IS FOR VEHICLE...

What car do you drive now, and what would you drive if you were in the Premiership?

I drive an Audi A3 now and on

Z IS FOR ZERO CHANCE...

What club would there be no chance of you ever playing for or supporting?

Manchester United!

NEW DERRY CITY BOOK TO BE RELEASED!!

For any fans of the A-Z feature that we do every week, there’s going to be a Special Edition one-off Derry City book coming out this October that’s not to be missed!!

For 40 years, Derry City have produced our match day programme, CityView for every competitive home game. 10 years ago in 2015 under the guidance of a new editor for the first time, the popular A-Z player interview was introduced.

10 years later, and having done over 200 A-Z interviews with the current first team players, we’ve gone back to hear what some of the club legends from the 30 years previous to 2015 would answer to the now famous player interview, and we’ve made it into a special edition book to be released in October this year!

It’ll be over 200 pages long, and features special edition extended length interviews with club legends including Liam Coyle, Felix Healy, Dermot O’Neill, Denis Tueart, Kevin Deery, Sean Hargan, Tony O’Doherty, Paul Doolin, Eamon Zayed, Peter Hutton, David Forde, Gavin Dykes,

Gary Beckett and loads, loads more...

We hear amazing stories about how they signed for the club, who the best players they’ve played with are and some hilarious insights into their teammates and their time at the club, their career, and what they’re up to now.

AND YOU CAN BE A PART OF IT!!

at lunch, but all player sponsors for only £25 will get their name, or business name, or family members in the book as a player sponsor for a club legend. You’ll also receive a copy of the book a week earlier than launch with free delivery!

Contact andrew@derrycityfc. net for more information on what players are left, or scan the QR code below to pre-order the book with your name in as a player sponsor now!

We still have a few player sponsor slots available to help with costs of getting this self-published book printed, launched and distributed, and you have the first chance to get involved!

The book with be £10 +P&P

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TONIGHT’S SQUADS DERRY CITY F.C.

DUNDALK F.C.

1 - BRIAN MAHER 2 - RONAN BOYCE 3 - CIARÁN COLL 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 19 - JACOB DAVENPORT 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 39 - CONOR BARR 40 - CALUM MCCAY 41 - LUKE O’DONNELL

1 - ROSS MUNRO 3 - JAMIE WALKER 4 - ANDY BOYLE 6 - KOEN OOSTENBRINK 7 - DARYL HORGAN 8 - ROBBIE BENSON 9 - JAMIE GULLAN 10 - ROBBIE MAHON 11 - RYAN O’KANE 12 - PETER CHERRIE 15 - MAYOWA ANIMASAHUN 16 - FELIX GODDARD 17 - DARA KEANE 18 - JOSH O’CONNOR 20 - LUKE MULLIGAN 21 - PAUL DOYLE 22 - SAM DURRANT 23 - JOHN MOUNTNEY 24 - EOIN KENNY 25 - SEAN MOLLOY 26 - SEAN KEOGH 27 - SCOTT MCGILL 28 - BOBBY FAULKNER 36 - DAN PIKE 37 - NORMAN GARBETT 38 - HAYDEN CANN 39 - AODH DERVIN

Manager: RUAIDHRÍ HIGGINS

Manager: JON DALY

Tonight’s Match Sponsors:

M&D SERVICES LTD. Derry, C/O Tony O’Doherty

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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: Ben Doherty (14) + Brian Maher (1) - Mark Connolly (6) = Pat Hoban (9) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) The roof in the background has disappeared; 2) Ball has disappeared; 3) Number has disappeared from St Pats shirt; 4) Derry player on the right has disappeared; 5) Sam Todd’s left leg has disappeared

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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 Stepping up to the Fanzone “plate” tonight we welcome Niall Smyth. Niall has been supporting the mighty Candystripes for an amazing 56 years!

With that history behind him I can’t wait to see his Fanzone views. Over to you Niall……..

Best opposition player you’ve seen play?

The great Ronaldinho!

Why? Best player in the world at the time who also made time to stop and speak to my son.

What’s the best ground, apart from the Brandywell, that you’ve seen Derry play in?

Fir Park!! I can’t remember much about the ground but what a night.

What goal sticks out in your mind?

Felix’s goal at Dalymount to clinch the treble.

Name: Niall Smyth How long have you been supporting Derry City?

56 years, man and boy!

Where do you sit in the Brandywell?

Mark Farren Stand Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

Too difficult to just give one!

Can I have a wee 5 a side team? lol Liam Coyle, Felix Healy, Paddy McCourt, James McClean, with Gerald Doherty as keeper.

Why? That was the day we made history and won the treble. It has never repeated and is never likely to be repeated (at least not in the near future) Name your best Derry City team (you can pick from any era) One to Eleven with Three subs David Forde Eddie McCallion Dougie wood Mick Neville

Ben Doherty Paul Doolin Paddy McCourt Felix Healy James McClean Liam Coyle Johhny Speak Subs - Peter Hutton, Gareth McGlynn, Mark Farren, Ryan McBride ( I know that’s 4 but you’re allowed more nowadays !

Best manager you’ve seen at Derry City?

We’ve had the full spectrum from John Robertson and Pat Fenlon at one end to Jim McLaughlin, Felix Healy and Stephen Kenny at the other but hopefully Ruaidhri will eclipse them all.

Favourite half time snack?

Cup of tea and a biscuit.

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

Some half time entertainment – penalty shoot outs in different age groups/skill sets. Possibly also have a family section for those wanting to bring children along.

Why? All class players with loads of ability but all with a great affinity and love for the club and the town as well.

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MY BIG BROTHER NOEL 1945 – 2024 Tonight we’ll applaud and pay tribute to Noel Monaghan who recently went to join Grace, his loving wife of almost 50 years, in eternal happiness. To say we’ll miss him is an understatement.

Growing up in Eastway Gardens, Creggan, with 7 siblings, was an adventure filled with laughter, tears at times, divilment, great craic and endless summers.

Noel truly was ‘the big brother’, standing just over 6’ tall and the perfect fit for the Eastway goalkeeper (though he had competition from Colm, ‘Sherlock’ Holmes!).

I recall his height and of course being ‘head of the family’ were reasons he was instructed to hold up the t.v. aerial to try for a better B&W picture in the late 50’s. Having no success he decided to try the attic. The next we saw of him was when his foot appeared through the bedroom ceiling!

He learned his trade as a painter/decorator and travelled to Belfast with a local contractor, living there during the week in a caravan, working in Harland & Wolff etc. It was a tough apprenticeship. I used to be glad he was away all week as there was more room in the bed! I hope he forgives me.

During the early period of my married life he arrived to paint my new house. To show how professional and meticulous he was he proceeded to ‘fill in’ every little blemish in the new plaster to prepare the walls. My brother Peter and I offered to help but we were told to “go away” but not quite in those polite words.

Surprisingly we were forced to

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By Terry Monaghan

retire to the Point Inn nearby.

In the late 70’s or early 80’s he painted a house in Donegal and the guy was ‘disinclined’ to pay him. So Brian and I accompanied him to the house, trying to look like 2 unlikely enforcers in the background. Whatever Noel told the guy I believe he paid up shortly afterwards.

In later years, in Fergleen Park, he was a window cleaner and travelled far and wide by car and bike with his radio and a very large lunch (he had a BIG appetite). I have an image of him fearlessly cycling through a field, ladder on his shoulder.

He followed Derry City for almost 70 years and I joined him over 40 years ago. He entered hospital on June 1st and enjoyed hearing about our 4 wins in a row in June. Sadly he died on Sunday July 21st and we couldn’t share our great win over St. Pats. Your presence I miss. Your memory I treasure.

Noel and Grace have 4 great girls - Michelle, Sinead, Sabrina and Shauna and 10 grandchildren - Ethan, Ava, Cameron, Kaelan, Alex, Jake, Gracie, Elliot,

Logan and Max. A living legacy to his time on earth.

All of them were so present and attentive to his needs during his final days. I witnessed real love and affection on a deep level. Noel left this world with an abundance of hugs and kisses given warmly by everyone present on numerous occasions.

He also received amazing care and love from all the medical staff at Altnagelvin Hospital.

They attended to his needs with real affection. For which he always expressed thanks in the early days when he was able to. They talked to him in a gentle and compassionate manner, often holding his hand. Such are the ‘angels’ of our national health.

You know, over the many years attending the Brandywell, we often joked about whether we’d choose an applause or silence tonight, never thinking that day would come so soon.

You can shed tears that he is gone. Or you can smile because he lived.

Terry, your wee brother

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TEAM GB 2012 OLYMPIC SOCCER TEAM: WHERE ARE THEY NOW? GOALKEEPERS

Jack Butland & Jason Steele Jack Butland was once considered one of the most exciting up-and-coming goalkeepers in the Premier League, but his career stalled after relegation with Stoke in 2017/18. He earned nine England caps, and is now at Rangers.

Jason Steele has often had to settle for second choice ‘keeper.

He was second in line for Team GB, as well as Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers and is now second-choice at Brighton.

DEFENDERS

Neil Taylor, Ryan Bertrand, Steven Caulker, Craig Dawson, James Tomkins, Micah Richards & Danny Rose Neil Taylor was one of few Welsh players to make a Team GB squad. He saw out the rest of his playing days at Swansea City, Aston Villa, and Middlesbrough, before trying his hand at management at UAE First Division side Gulf United FC. Ryan Bertrand won the FA Cup and Champions League with Chelsea in 2012. Nowadays, he is the founder of the fintech brokerage Silicon Markets, which provides machine learning trading tools for retail.

Steven Caulker recently had to leave his role as player-manager at Malaga City due to work visa issues.

Craig Dawson still has one or two years left playing, being a regular starter at Wolves at 34.

James Tomkins recently left

Crystal Palace after spending eight years there and is now a free agent at 35 years old.

Danny Rose is also a free agent, after leaving Watford in 2022, despite still being only 34.

Micah Richards is now a very popular member of the Sky Sports punditry team.

ing a Serie A title at Juventus in 2020. He’s now back at Cardiff City, and remains a Welsh international 33-years-old.

Scott Sinclair now plays in League One with Bristol Rovers after winning three Scottish league titles with Celtic.

MIDFIELDERS

Daniel Sturridge, Craig Bellamy, Marvin Sordell

Tom Cleverley, Joe Allen, Ryan Giggs, Jack Cork, Aaron Ramsey, Scott Sinclair, Ryan Giggs Tom Cleverley is now the Watford manager.

Joe Allen still plays with Swansea City after he returned to his boyhood club following a successful 212 appearance stint at Stoke Ryan Giggs still holds the record for most Premier League titles.

But some misdemeanours in his personal life have made it very difficult to know his whereabouts in 2024.

Jack Cork has only just recently retired, having spent most of his career at Burnley.

Aaron Ramsey won the FA Cup three times, before then add-

FORWARDS

Daniel Sturridge can now be seen in the Sky Sports studio on punditry duties from time to time. He has two Champions Leagues and a Europa League to his name.

Craig Bellamy retired just two years after the 2012 Olympics.

He went on and earned his coaching badges and is now manager of the Welsh national side, having been appointed as head coach in July 2024.

Marvin Sordell’s career ended sadly in 2019 at just 28 years old. Following a failed suicide attempt in 2013he has turned himself around and is now a mental health ambassador for CALM.

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CANDYSTRIPES & LILYWHITES

By Pól O’Hare

In the past decade or so, there have been a number of players who made the move from Derry City to Dundalk, or vice-versa.

Seven players in the current City squad have played for the Louth side, a few of whom were key to the Lilywhite’s golden era in the second half of the 2010s.

Standout performers were Derry men Michael Duffy and Patrick McEleney, whilst Pat Hoban is Dundalk’s all-time leading goal scorer. Former Derry City manager Stephen Kenny won four titles and two FAI Cups at the helm in Oriel Park between 2012 and 2018, whilst current Derry boss Ruaidhrí Higgins won the 2014 Premier Division as a Dundalk player too. I’m going to have a look at these players and see what they got up to throughout their careers.

Derry City’s youth academy, Michael Duffy broke into the first team at the Brandywell as an exciting winger back in 2012. After goals in the Europa League, and a hat-trick on his 20th birthday, Duffy signed for Celtic in 2015 before joining Alloa Athletic that summer on loan. An equaliser against Rangers and a winner against Hibernian saw him loaned to Dundee in 2016. Duffy was back in Ireland with Dundalk ahead of the 2017 season, where he won eight trophies and the PFAI Players Player of the Year award in 2018. He featured in the Europa League group stages in 2020 and rejoined Derry ahead of the 2021 campaign, where he is adding to his goal tally of 38 in 147 games as a Candystripe.

Pat Hoban: A man who needs no introduction, Pat Hoban can currently call himself the top scorer in the 2024 Premier Division having bagged twelve goals this season. With more than 150 goals across two spells at Dundalk, Hoban is the club’s all-time leading goal scorer, breaking the record held by Joey Donnelly since 1943. Starting out at Mervue United, Hoban lined out for Oxford United, Stevenage, Grimsby Town and Mansfield Town before joining Dundalk in 2017. Hoban has won the League of Ireland golden boot on three occasions and, now 32, City signed the striker for €30,000 ahead of the 2024 campaign. He became the first player since Owen Da Gama to score six in his first five Derry appearances.

Patrick McEleney: After coming through the ranks at Foyle Harps, Patrick McEleney joined Sunderland in 2008. After two years in the youth teams at the Stadium of Light, ‘Fats’ was brought home to Derry by Stephen Kenny ahead of the 2010 campaign.

After winning the First Division in 2010 and FAI Cup in 2012, and despite interest from England, Stephen Kenny brought McEleney to Dundalk ahead of the 2016 season. Ten trophies, including three Premier Division titles and an inclusion in the 2016 PFAI Team of the Year followed, either side of a nine game spell at Oldham Athletic in England. The midfielder also played a part in both of Dundalk’s Europa League campaigns in 2016 and 2020, before being brought back to the Brandywell ahead of the 2022 campaign. McEleney is

Michael Duffy: A product of

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closing in on 300 appearances in red and white and has added the 2022 FAI Cup to his collection.

Cameron Dummigan: Lurgan born defensive midfielder Cameron Dummigan made his breakthrough at Oldham Athletic in 2015-16, on-loan from Burnley.

He was signed permanently at the end of the season and went on to make 74 appearances in Leagues One and Two, before signing for Dundalk in 2019.

Dummigan won the domestic double at Dundalk in 2019 and featured in the Europa League Group Stages in 2020 before making the move north to Derry in 2022. He has since been included in the PFAI Team of the Year in 2022 and won the FAI Cup for the second time in his career.

Will Patching: Manchester City youth prospect Will Patching came through the ranks alongside Jadon Sancho, Brahim Díaz and City teammate Sadou Diallo before moving to Notts County in search of game time in 2018.

After a year in Nottingham, Patching joined Dundalk ahead

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CANDYSTRIPES & LILYWHITES: PLAYED FOR BOTH continued... of the 2020 season before making an initial loan move to Derry City in 2021. Six goals in sixteen games led Ruaidhrí Higgins to sign the midfielder permanently ahead of the 2022 campaign.

Patching has recently surpassed a century of appearances in red and white and has scored 34 times.

Mark Connolly: City centre back Mark Connolly cost Bolton Wanderers £1m back in 2010 but failed to break into the senior team. He made around 175 appearances for Crawley Town between 2012 and 2019, either side of a two year spell at Kilmarnock.

Dundee United swooped for the Clones man in January 2019, where he played with current Derry City winger Paul McMullan. After a loan at Dunfermline Athletic, Connolly joined Dundalk on loan in 2022. He scored his only goal for the Lilywhites against Derry in a 2-2 draw before being recalled by Dundee United in July. City agreed an undisclosed fee to bring the defender to the Brandywell, where he scored on his debut against Oliver Bond Celtic and has been an ever present in the backline since.

Daniel Kelly: Former Bohemians winger Dan Kelly joined Derry City ahead of the 2024 season after five seasons with Dundalk. He won the league, FAI Cup and League Cup at Oriel Park and scored the winner against KÍ Klaksvík to send Dundalk into the 2020/21 Europa League group stages. The Dubliner has made three assists and scored once in the red and white of Derry City this season.

Ruaidhrí Higgins: City manager Ruaidhrí Higgins was central to Stephen Kenny’s midfield in Dundalk’s 2014 domestic double winning squad after joining from Derry in 2013. The Limavady man made 289 appearances for the Candystripes between 2004 and 2013, scoring four goals on the way to winning five League Cups and two FAI Cups. After a spell at Coleraine, Higgins retired in 2016 and took up coaching roles with Dundalk and the Republic of Ireland national team before being named Derry City manager in April 2021. After winning the FAI Cup in 2022 and President’s Cup in 2023, Higgins will be looking to better City’s back-to-back second place finishes in the league.

Dean Jarvis: Coming through at Ballymoor, before joining Derry City then Aberdeen, left back Dean Jarvis made one appearance at Pittodrie before signing for Institute in 2011. After trials at York City, Jarvis made the move back to the Candystripes in the summer of 2013, going on to make 148 appearances and netting six goals. One of the most promising full backs in the league, Jarvis made the move to Louth in January 2018 and won the league title in both of his two seasons with Dundalk. Now 32, Jarvis is preparing for his third season with Coleraine after winning the Country Antrim Shield in 2021 and 2022 with Larne.

Greg Sloggett: Signed from UCD, midfielder Greg Sloggett impressed in Declan Devine’s new-look Derry City midfield during the 2019 campaign. Then

champions Dundalk signed the Dubliner in 2020, where Sloggett would eventually claim the captain’s armband and rack up more than 100 appearances in three seasons. Despite interest from clubs north and south of the border upon the expiry of his contract with Cheltenham Town, the 28 year old recently signed for Hartlepool Town in the National League.

Niclas Vemmelund: A surprise signing ahead of the 2016 campaign, Derry City brought Denmark youth international Niclas Vemmelund to Ireland to strengthen the defence. After coming through the ranks at FC Fyn, Vemmelund had spells at Odense, Stjarnan, Marienlyst and Brommapojkarna, making just shy of 70 senior appearances before signing for the Candystripes aged 23. Dundalk snapped up the defender after shining in City’s backline. He won the League Cup with the Lilywhites in 2017 before signing for Middelfart in 2018. Vemmelund retired in July 2021, aged 29.

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This week... Derry City fan... LUKE DOHERTY 1. Which club did Tottenham sign Son Heung-min from in 2015?

4.

2. How many of the Derry City squad are former Dundalk players?

3. Which legendary striker started and ended his career with his boyhood club Hogaborgs BK? 4. Name the former Liverpool player pictured on the right?

5. Which player finished the 2023/24 La Liga season as top scorer?

6. Which Nation won the Gold medal in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo?

7. Which English League club is Dundalk ‘keeper Felix Goddard on loan from?

7.

8. Dundalk manager Jon Daly is one of the only Catholic players to have played for Rangers, but who is attributed with being the first in 1989?

LUKE’S ANSWERS: 1) It was a German club I think. Leipzig?; 2) Trying to count them... Six; 3) Zlatan?; 4) I’ve no idea who that is!; 5) Vinicius?; 6) Brazil; 7) No idea!... Stockport!; 8) Mo Johnston

LUKE’S SCORE: 2 out of 8! Can you beat it?

ANSWERS: 1) Bayer Leverkusen; 2) Seven 3) Henrik Larsson; 4) Ragnar Klavan; 5) Artem Dovbyk (Girona); 6) Brazil; 7) Blackburn Rovers; 8) Mo Johnston

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BE THE CHALLENGER! CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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