CityView Vol-40 No-18 - Derry City vs Shamrock Rovers - Friday 20th September

DERRY CITY F.C. v SHAMROCK ROVERS F.C. LEAGUE OF IRELAND MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION FRIDAY 20th SEPTEMBER 2024 | 7.45pm Vol. 40 - No. 18

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Welcome to...

SHAMROCK ROVERS

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 where tonight we’re welcoming Shamrock Rovers back for the last time this season.

We also welcome back Stephen Bradley, his staff and players, and the officials and supporters from Shamrock Rovers who have travelled up this evening.

Well, thanks to Garry Buckley’s late and spectacular own goal for Galway last week against Shamrock Rovers, we now find ourselves back in a three horse race!

4 points separates the two sides this going into this evening’s game, with Derry City also 4 points behind leaders Shelbourne.

Maybe it’s not the time to mention that Derry City haven’t actually beaten Shamrock Rovers since March 2023! That was the game that Jamie McMonagle managed to score a wonder goal after a mistake in the

Rovers defence. There’s been 6 matches between the sides since then and Rovers have won 4 of them! But there’s always time to change that!

All games are must win between now and the end of the season if we’re to be in with a chance. As the pundits say though, will the teams involved in the title race win all of their games? No. But we have to make sure that we don’t take our foot off the gas with a league and cup double on the line here at the business end of the season! Enjoy the game!

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: DAMIEN MACGRAITH

Assistant 1: Shane O’Brien |Assistant 2: Chris Campbell Fourth Official: Gavin Colfer

TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR:

CARROWREAGH LIMITED DERRY PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR SPONSORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

It’s been a while since we had two home games in a row so I’m happy to extend a welcome to Stephen Bradley and the players, staff and supporters of Shamrock Rovers to the Brandywell this evening.

A lot of people have been talking about a ‘two horse race’ over the past couple of months, but I’ve continually made it clear that we were never thinking that way at any stage.

We’re taking on a team who are not only the current champions of our league, but also a side who always seem to find a way.

Myself and Paul Hegarty went to watch them in Galway on Monday night- a difficult place to go when you need a result- and they did exactly that in the dying minutes of the match.

There has been huge interest in this game ever since that because there is an awful lot of stake for both teams this evening.

We’re coming off the back of our cup win over Shelbourne last weekend; a game where I thought we

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showed quality and control all over the pitch and where we fully deserved our win.

Those are the standards we’ve set and we need to maintain that between now and the end of the season.

There has been a spring in the players’ step all week in training- not in any way over-confident, but just the feeling that if they’re at the top of their game- they’re a real handful for any team in the league.

With half a dozen games to go, nothing will be won or lost tonight, but the three points for winning would feel a bit heavier than normal.

It’s a chance for us to back up that superb performance on Sunday with another one tonight and it’s vital that all of us- players, staff and obviously our supporters all pull together to make it happen.

Thank you for your backing last week- it made a huge difference- and it could do the same again this time.

Enjoy the game

Ruaidhrí Higgins, Manager

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DERRY CITY VS DNIEPR 1990 Due to debts, points deduction and relegation starting in 2017 the Ukrainian club Dniepr Dnepropetrovsk was eventually dissolved in 2019 but when they arrived at the Brandywell on Tuesday 4th September 1990 Ukraine was still part of the USSR and Dniepr was one of the Soviet Union’s strongest teams.

The final scoreline showed the gulf between the visitors and the Candystripes. Dniepr, with five internationals in their lineup, took a few minutes to settle but then their speedy and pin point passing, their nonstop movement off the ball and a defence which was not only aggressive but swift and skilful gave Derry, lacking the injured Joe Hanrahan and Paul Mc Gee in attack, little in the way of scoring opportunities.

Big, pacey striker Yuri Gudimenko inflicted most of the damage hitting four of

By Francie McCauley his side’s five goals. He opened his tally on twelve minutes when he drilled a pass from Yudin past Tim Dalton. His second seven minutes later was a simple dink over Dalton’s diving body and his hat trick was completed twenty minutes from half time when he smashed home a first time shot from a low left wing cross.

Just before the interval Jonathan Speak almost got City on the score sheet but his well-placed header from a Felix Healy free kick rattled Dniepr’s keeper Gorodov’s post.

The Ukrainians stretched their lead ten minutes into the second half, Shakov squared a pass to Son who rifled a tremendous drive into the back of the net. The rout was completed nine minutes from time. Shakov sent over a deep cross and with Dalton off his line the ball dropped to Gudimenko for the simplest of tap ins.

Minutes before a twentyyard shot from Paul Carlyle had been cleared off the line by Mamchur.

The twenty-four-page match programme was available for 50p. Amongst other things there was a welcome to the visitors, we also had a couple of articles on other occasions when Irish sides had taken on Soviet opposition and also an

item on penalty shootouts.

The staple Bits & Pieces by Foyleman, the football crossword and half-time quiz and middle pages photo spread (from the recent 8-0 League Cup victory over Fanad United) were included. Terry Downey was querying what constitutes a ‘drubbing’ - he was soon to find out! The programme also had the final tables for all the League Cup groups. Team line ups were on the back page. There were six pages of adverts.

Admission to the game was £4/£2. The Derry City mascot was Donal Mc Ateer.

Dniepr who were in Ireland to prepare for their upcoming UEFA Cup tie against Scottish club Hearts went on to beat Shelbourne four nil on the Thursday night.

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LANDMARKS: 50 IN A ROW FOR MAHER In recent games, we have seen a few milestones for both the club and some players.

Firstly, in the away win over Cork City in the FAI cup, Sam Todd scored his first Derry City goal, becoming the 248th player to score for the club and the 105th in the FAI cup.

For the record it was the 900th time we scored first in a game.

In the away game at Waterford, both Andre Wisdom and Sean Robertson made their Derry City debuts, becoming the 463rd and 464th players to represent the club.

Meanwhile in the cup win over Shelbourne at Brandywell, Mark Connolly captained the side for the first time, becoming the 46th player to lead out the side.

In the same game Brian Maher made his 50th consecutive appearance, the second time ha has achieved this milestone. Indeed, Brian has missed just one game since making his City debut at the start of 2022 season. It is only

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By Brian Dunleavy

the 22nd time a player has reached this milestone for the club, and just the sixth time in over 18 years.

The first player to play 50 games in succession was Paul Curran against Finn Harps at Brandywell, in the league cup in August 1990, followed four days later by Tim Dalton at home to Fanad United in the league cup, while Jonathon Speak was third in Oct 1990 at home to Dundalk in the league.

The most recent player to reach 50 consecutive appearances was Paul McMullan in August 2024.

It was also Paul McMullan’s 50th start for the club, becoming the 99th player to reach this milestone.

The first player to start 50 games for the club was Kevin Mahon in Feb 1987, on the day when we were presented with the first division trophy.

For the record, City, whose side included former Arsenal

and England midfielder Alan Sunderland, won 5-1, with a hat trick from Owen Da Gama and a penalty from Alex Krstic, the other was an own goal.

A month later Noel King became the second player to reach a half century of games for the club, when we lost 1-2 away to Bohemians in the FAI cup, with both King and Kevin Mahon being sent off, while Owen Da Gama, who scored our goal that day became the third player to play 50 games for City, when he netted a hat trick in a 5-0 home win over Limerick City in Nov 1987.

It was Jim McLaughlin’s first game in charge of the side, with Felix Healy scoring our 50th league goal at Brandywell and John Cunningham with his first Derry City strike, being our other scorers on the day.

Earlier this season, Mark Connoly, Sadou Diallo, and Adam O’Reilly started their 50th game for the club.

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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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49

Shamrock Rvrs

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45

Waterford

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43

Sligo Rovers

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43

Galway United

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42

St. Pat’s Athletic

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Bohemians

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Drogheda Utd

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Dundalk

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Last Round’s Results: FRIDAY 13th SEPTEMBER Waterford 2-1 Dundalk Shamrock Rvrs 4-0 Sligo Rvrs FRIDAY 13th SEPTEMBER Galway Utd 1-2 Shamrock Rvrs

NEXT HOME GAME:

This Round’s Fixtures: FRIDAY 20th SEPTEMBER DERRY CITY v Shamrock Rvrs St Pat’s Athletic v Waterford Galway United v Shelbourne Bohemians v Drogheda United SATURDAY 21st SEPTEMBER Sligo Rovers v Dundalk

Derry City vs Bohemians Friday 11th Octobber, 7.45pm

MUSIC PROJECT WITH ARDNASHEE & DCFC DCFC & Ardnashee announce new music project with special guests!

As part of our ‘Different Together’ project with Ardnashee School and College we visited the kids on Monday afternoon with a very special announcement. As you all know ‘Teenage Kicks’ is a theme for Derry City FC so we are absolutely thrilled to announce that The Undertones will be filming a very special edition of Teenage Kicks with the Ardnashee School and College Choir in early December at the Brandywell Stadium.

Manager Ruaidhri Higgins along with several members of the backroom team took part in the visit and received a very warm welcome from stu-

dents and staff.

It looks like being a wonderful occasion when the video comes together later this year!

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FAI CUP QUARTER FINAL ACTION...

DERRY CITY 2 - 0 SHELBOURNE: Derry City progressed to the next round of the FAI Cup by knocking out the league leaders Shelbourne last Saturday evening.

DERRY CITY 2 - 0 SHELBOURNE: The same two scorers as in the first FAI Cup game this season against St Pats, Michael Duffy and Danny Mullen, got the goals for the Candystripes to setup a semi final clash away to Bohemians

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A small sneak preview of one answer each from just some of the club legends who are involved in the new A-Zs book! There’sover 220 pages of laughs and memories from over 30 club legends!

DENNIS TUEART

call-up?

Yeah, I was playing with Millwall and there was a game that Alan Kelly came over to watch. I think I had kept something like 15 or 16 clean sheets in a row at that stage in the Championship and it obvi-

joker you’ve met in football?

I would have been up to no good myself most likely! Probably Baz though. Barry Molloy enjoyed a bit of craic in that team back in 2006, he would have been a messer as well!

Mark Farren enjoyed a laugh and a prank, even though it was quiet and stuff he enjoyed pulling a few pranks as well.

GARY BECKETT

H IS FOR HOME FARM...

What do you remember about the first home game back in the Brandywell in 1985 against Home Farm?

Well, again, what I mentioned to you about the fact that I remember that the Brandywell was absolutely jam packed!

I couldn’t believe it!

You know, they were queuing around the stadium to try and get in even when the game was about to kick off!

K IS FOR KIT...

DAVID FORDE

ously drew a bit of attention.

You always grow up hoping to play for Ireland, but I never thought it was a possibility really. I got a call then from the Ireland camp and I went into a few training sessions and found myself in the office with Alan Kelly, Giovanni Trapattoni and Marco Tardelli and it started to get a bit real then!

I IS FOR INTERNATION-

SEAN HARGAN

AL...

What do you remember about getting your first International

J IS FOR JOKER...

Who was the biggest practical

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

There was a couple of crackers, but I I’d go for the home league winning jersey. Basically because of what we did in it. There was a nice yellow one that year as well. And remember we had a good Argentina one too, you know, the blue and white striped one. Actually, you know what? I’m going to go with the Argentina type one because my supporters club have went with that jersey as well.

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people realise what’s involved in it until you do it. I listen to people who are abusing managers from the stands, but you have no idea what’s going on.

There could be anything going on that morning before the game. And as human beings, footballers are hard to manage!

TONY O’DOWD

GAVIN DYKES

N IS FOR NIGHT OUT...

L IS FOR LIFE AFTER PLAY-

Which team mate was usually the first to initiate a night out?

ING...

Did you always have a plan for after football? Was management something you always wanted to do?

No. I had no interest in management at all. I fell into it. I never applied for a manager’s job at all. I fell into them. I didn’t want to do it at Harps only Charlie McGeever left and I was stuck with it! I didn’t want to do it at Derry only Dermot Keely left and I was stuck with it! And both times everybody was saying ‘look, do it until we get out of it’, and that was me for a while then!

I enjoyed being around the players and enjoyed the coaching side of it, but no, management wasn’t for me. But I enjoy coaching and I enjoyed that part of the job. I enjoyed the underage coaching more than the senior squads. I really enjoyed that. I’ve done a lot of that at Sligo. But the management side brings too many problems. Too many headaches. I don’t think

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TOMMY DUNNE

M IS FOR MEMENTO...

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

I suppose my League Winners medal and my caps. I’d never give them away. Because they were special times and special occasions. I was hoping at some stage, and I forgot to do it at the reunion that was on a few years ago, but I was hoping to get my Derry City jersey signed by all the lads and I forgot to bring it with me! But that’s maybe another thing I’d hold on to, that league winning jersey. The Le Coq Sportif one.

Probably me! The other three Dublin lads there hardy ever went out, and I was never in! But apart from me, I’d say Curney!

Paul Curran. He loved a gargle!

But it was different then. I remember we played Cork down there in another kind of top of the table clash, and we went down there overnight to stay, you know? So we’d have the team talk in the hotel the night before. I think it was a 12 o’clock kick off or something like that.

So then Felix says ‘Right lads, you can have a couple of pints to help you sleep’, you know, take the edge off the nerves.

But he says ‘no more than five’!

I tell that to youngsters today and they’re like ‘is he for real?!’.

We probably went to bed hours before the game! And you could guarantee Curney had at least seven! We won the game though!

PRE-ORDER THE NEW DERRY CITY BOOK NOW!!

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 220 pages long, and features special edition extended length interviews with club legends including Liam Coyle, Felix Healy, Owen Da Gama, 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.

legends, or even younger fans that want to learn more about the club legends of the past 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!

PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY NOW!!

The book is available for pre-order now priced at £10 +P&P to get the book delivered to you on launch day.

It’s the perfect Christmas present for any Derry City fans who remember all those club

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TONIGHT’S SQUADS DERRY CITY F.C.

SHAMROCK ROVERS

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 - LEON PÖHLS 2 - JOSH HONOHAN 3 - SEÁN HOARE 4 - ROBERTO LOPES 5 - LEE GRACE 6 - DANIEL CLEARY 7 - DYLAN WATTS 8 - AARON MCENEFF 9 - AARON GREENE 10 - GRAHAM BURKE 11 - SEÁN KAVANAGH 14 - CIAN BARRETT 15 - DARRAGH NUGENT 16 - GARY O’NEILL 17 - RICHIE TOWELL 18 - TREVOR CLARKE 19 - MARKUS POOM 20 - RORY GAFFNEY 21 - DARRAGH BURNS 22 - DANNY MANDROIU 23 - NEIL FARRUGIA 24 - JOHNNY KENNY 25 - LEE STEACY 29 - JACK BYRNE 30 - THOMAS LEITIS 34 - CONAN NOONAN 36 - MARC MCNULTY

Manager: RUAIDHRÍ HIGGINS

Manager: STEPHEN BRADLEY

Tonight’s Match Sponsors:

CARROWREAGH LTD. DERRY

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

23 ANSWERS: SHIRT NUMBER MATHS: Patrick McEleney (10) + Daniel Kelly (27) - Mark Connolly (6) = Danny Mullen (21) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) The pillar in the background on the right has disappeared; 2) Ball has disappeared; 3) Number has disappeared from Danny Mullen’s shorts; 4) Ball Boy has appeared on the right; 5) Sponsor has disappeared from Will Patching’s shirt

Can you spot the FIVE differences between the two photos?

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

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

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SHIRT NUMBER MATHS CHALLENGE 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!!

CITY CUBS CORNER

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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 After watching the 1994 FAI Cup Final on TV our Fanzone participant tonight was hooked!

An avid Candystripe supporter ever since, tonight’s Fanzone entrant is Barry McFeely. A regular in the Southend stand Barry has some interesting views on all things Derry City.

seen play?

Jason Byrne, Shelbourne Why? He was unplayable for about 4 or 5 years with them, scored 25/30 goals every season.

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

Landsdowne Road. I still remember being at the ‘95 cup final like it was yesterday. The new stadium doesn’t have the same charm.

What goal sticks out in your mind?

Peter Hutton’s goal against St. Pats, April 1997.

Name: Barry McFeely How long have you been supporting Derry City?

30 years. I remember watching the 1994 FAI Cup on RTE television, and went to my first match in the ‘94/95 season.

Where do you sit in the Brandywell?

In the Southend Stand

Why? A. It was the goal that sealed the league title. I was up in the old Glentoran stand. The Brandywell was rammed, he scored to make it 2-0 and we knew we were champions. The roar was deafening!

Name your best Derry City team (you can pick from any era) One to Eleven with Three subs Tough one. I’ll stick with players

I’ve seen. 4-4-2.

GK Russell Payne, RB Eddie McCallion, CB Paul Curran, CB Ryan McBride, LB Daniel Lafferty, RM Paddy McCourt, CM Peter Hutton, CM Patrick McEleny, LM James McClean, ST Liam Coyle, ST Mark Farren. SUBS Sean Hargan, Ciaran Coll, Pat Hoban Best manager you’ve seen at Derry City?

Felix Healy…Until someone else wins us the league title!

Favourite half time snack?

Usually well fed before I arrive, but a wee curry ‘n chips goes down well if I’ve got the patience to stand in the queue!

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

When you’ve got 3000+ people in the ground (and far more next season), not having an inbuilt shop or facility for food is ridiculous. A couple of portable chip shops isn’t good enough.

Having a big screen somewhere to watch half time draws or old highlights would be a good idea too.

Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

Paddy McCourt Why? You don’t get the nickname ‘The Derry Pele’ unless you’re a truly magical player. The control, the skill, the dribbling. A genius on the ball.

Best opposition player you’ve

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MICK MCBRIDE REFLECTS ON...

By Mick McBride

The Two ‘Irelands’ With the Euro Finals in Germany well behind us, we’re now into the Nations League, and we still have the disappointing spectacle of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland sides struggling once more. Mind you, considering the respective populations of both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, we can’t really expect too much, although both ‘countries’ have had their ‘hour in the sun’ on several occasions.

Older fans, of my vintage, will certainly remember way back in 1958, little Northern Ireland overcoming both Italy and Portugal to qualify for the World Cup Finals in Sweden.

They then emerged from a very strong group consisting of Argentina, Czechoslovakia and Germany, after a play-off (and extra-time) only two days after their final group match, to reach the quarter-finals. Inevitably they went out to France, again only two days later, through sheer exhaustion and injuries, but returned home as heroes. Incidentally 1958 was the one and only time that all four ‘Home Countries’ qualified for the Finals. They had to wait until 1982 in Spain to qualify for the World Finals again and once more did great to reach the quarter-finals, only to lose to ... France, once again! Four years later they were back in the Finals again, this time in Mexico, only to lose out to

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Spain and Brazil. Since then, they had to wait another thirty years, until 2016, to qualify for the Euro Finals in France in 2016. losing out to Wales at the knockout stages.

As for the Republic of Ireland, they can also look back on some very successful exploits, firstly in the European Nations Cup in 1964 (when they reached the quarter-finals) and the Euro Finals in 1988, and then in the World Cup in Italy in 1990. (again reaching the quarter-finals - losing out to the hosts), in the USA in 1994, and again in Korea and Japan in 2002. They reached the last 16 in those last two competitions and returned as heroes on each occasion! Since then, they qualified for the Euro Finals in Poland/Ukraine in 2012, and reached the last 16 in France in 2016, finally losing out to the hosts.

Ireland football team in the near future probably remains a pipe-dream, you have got to admit that much, much stranger events have already taken place, not too long ago, on the political front at home! So, you just never know!

Having said that, at this moment in time, I feel that there’s a severe shortage of genuine talent, on both sides of the border, to field one really decent side, although these things seem to go in cycles for just about every country.

I dare say that many football daft fans have often selected their imaginary All Ireland sides, down through the years, and yours truly was no exception! Yes, there certainly have been some great players, representing both the North and South.

`All-Ireland’ Pipe-Dream?

Of course, we actually DID have an AU-Ireland side play against no less a team than

Whilst the prospects of an All-

All Ireland Side V Brazil

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CANDYSTRIPES & HOOPS: PLAYED FOR BOTH continued... mighty Brazil, away back on the 3rd July 1973 in Dublin, but, as usual, it was fraught with difficulties.

It all began when that innovative FIFA agent, Louis Kilcoyne, whose family were heavily involved with top Southern club, Shamrock Rovers, ( and who was the brother-inlaw of Leeds star, John Giles ) pulled off a great coup. He has persuaded Joao Havelange, president of the Brazilian FA, to bring his star-studded World Champions to play a match in Dublin, as part of their build-up to the tournament in Germany in 1974. Certainly a strong side would be required to provide suitable opposition to Brazil and it was decided that an All-Ireland side could be mustered. Given the fact that the so-called ‘Troubles’ were at their height in Northern Ireland, it was seen as a gesture of friendship and solidarity.

Moreover, it just might possibly be an ideal opportunity to present some sort of healing of divisions, both political and religious, throughout the country.

Giles and Dougan The Northern Ireland captain at the time was that controversial striker for Wolves, Derek Dougan, by now in the twilight of his football career. John Giles was recruiting the players from the South and when Dougan was approached to provide the Northern half of the side, he was full of enthusiasm

for the idea. However, the IFA were not too happy about the game taking place.

They felt that it may set a precedent which might encourage moves for the merging of the two associations. It later was suggested that the F. also had some reservations about the game. for the same reasons.

However, Dougan and Giles were determined to see it through. despite this opposition, so a team representing North and South duly took the field at Lansdowne Road.

Shamrock Rovers Select XI Amazingly. they were not allowed to call themselves ‘AllIreland’ so played in the famous ‘hoops’ under the name of a ‘Shamrock Rovers Select XI’. Furthermore, only the Brazilian flag was on display and only their national anthem was played.

A huge crowd of 34,000 witnessed an enthralling encounter which fully lived up to expectations. as the star studded Brazilians `strutted their stuff’.

They took a commanding 4-1 lead, courtesy of goals from Paulo Cesar (x2), Jairzinho, and Vlaldomiro, with Mick Martin replying for the home side.

Near the end, Dougan and Conroy brought the score to

4-3, whilst Pat Jennings denied Cesar his hat-trick when he saved his penalty kick to round off a great occasion.

Proceeds from the match went to UNICEF and the Irish Cancer Society.

For the record, the teams lined out that day, over fifty years ago, as follows: Shamrock Rovers XI: Jennings. Craig, Mulligan, Hunter, Carroll (O’Kane). Giles, Martin, O’Neill, Conroy (Dennehy), Dougan, Givens (Hamilton).

Manager: Liam Tuohy.

Brazil: Leao, Ze Maria, Luis Pereira, Piazza, Marco Antonio, Paulo Cesar, Clodoaldo, Rivellino, Valdomiro, Jairzinho, Direeu.

Manager: Mario Legal!.

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CANDYSTRIPES & HOOPS: PLAYED FOR BOTH Brandon Kavanagh: The off-season departure of Brandon Kavanagh to St. Patrick’s Athletic means that are no players in the current Derry City squad who once plied their trade for Shamrock Rovers. City signed the Dubliner, who came through the ranks at Bray Wanderers before signing for Bohemians in 2016, from Rovers prior to the 2022 season. After impressing back on loan at Bray in 2021 alongside Brian Maher, Ruaidhrí Higgins swooped to sign the then 21 year old on a three year contract. He made more than 70 appearances in red and white, scoring ten goals, before transferring to Pats ahead of the current campaign. Kavanagh has had a stellar season in Inchicore and tops the assist charts for the Premier Division.

Aaron McEneff: Derry native Aaron McEneff began his footballing career at local clubs Don Boscos, Maiden City and Institute before signing for Tottenham Hotspur in 2013.

Tim Sherwood likened the midfielder to a “young Roy Keane”, but McEneff’s contract wasn’t renewed and he left the club in 2015. He then joined Derry City, becoming a key player for the Candystripes and making over 100 appearances before leaving for Shamrock Rovers prior to the 2019 season. After winning the EA Sports Cup with City, McEneff won an FAI Cup and league title with Rovers.

He joined Scottish side Hearts in 2021, and after more than a year playing for Perth Glory in Australia, the midfielder is back

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By Pól O’Hare

on loan at Rovers for the 2024 campaign. In an injury hit campaign, McEneff has played just eight league games this season.

The 29 year old was included in the Republic of Ireland senior squad for a Nations League game against Bulgaria back in 2020, whilst his younger brother Jordan recently joined Larne FC after two years as a Derry City player.

Daniel Lafferty: Another Derry man, Danny Lafferty joined Celtic in 2006 from Oxford United, also playing for Ayr United on loan. He signed for Derry City in 2010 after being released by Celtic and made 12 appearances as the Candystripes won the First Division.

After a further 34 appearances in red and white, Championship side Burnley snapped up the left-back for £150,000 and gave him the number 3 shirt.

He made 40 appearances for the Clarets, also playing for Rotherham United, Oldham Athletic and Sheffield United on

loan. Sheffield signed him permanently in 2017 and loaned him to Peterborough United in 2019. He returned to Ireland that summer, signing for Shamrock Rovers. Lafferty won the FAI Cup that November, and the Premier Division title in 2020.

Declan Devine brought him back to Derry ahead of the 2021 season, and Lafferty left for Sligo Rovers in 2023 after winning the FAI Cup with his hometown club. Aged 34, the former Northern Ireland international now lines out for Ballymena United after playing the second half of last season at Institute. Éamon Zayed: Although he only played for both City and Rovers for one season each, Éamon Zayed is remembered fondly, particularly by Derry fans. Born in Dublin, Zayed played youth football for Leicester City before signing for Bray Wanderers in 2002. Despite spending the 2004 and 2005 seasons on loan, he scored an impressive

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CANDYSTRIPES & HOOPS: PLAYED FOR BOTH continued...

54 goals in 105 games for Bray.

He joined Drogheda United in 2006, scoring 47 times in 71 outings, and was key to their 2007 Premier Division winning squad. After a spell at Sporting Fingal, Zayed joined Derry City in 2011, scoring 22 times in 36 appearances. He also won the PFAI Players’ Player of the Year award that season. He left Derry for Iranian side Persepolis in 2012, scoring a hat-trick on his debut in the Tehran Derby to earn legendary status as his side overturned a 2-0 deficit to win 3-2. He scored another hat-trick a month later, against Al-Shabab in the AFC Champions League. Zayed returned to Ireland with Shamrock Rovers in 2013, scoring 4 goals before being loaned to Sligo Rovers.

After a year in Malaysia, Zayed had a spell playing in the NASL and USL in America before retiring. He made 8 appearances for the Libyan national team and is now manager of NASL side Northern Colorado Hailstorm.

Simon Madden: One of the best League of Ireland full backs in recent times, Simon Madden had successful spells for both Derry City and Shamrock Rovers. After playing local football in Dublin, Madden was signed by Leeds United from Shelbourne’s academy.

He made one appearance for Leeds before signing for Shamrock Rovers in 2008. Madden spent a year with Darlington after leaving Rovers in 2009, but left after his new club was relegated from League Two. He made 51 appearances for Dundalk upon his return from Eng-

Ally Gilchrist: Edinburgh native who came through the St. Johnstone youth ranks. He played for Elgin City and Peterhead before signing for Shamrock Rovers in 2018. After making 13 appearances for Rovers, he signed for Derry in 2019 and played 39 times in two seasons. Gilchrist signed for Shelbourne in the First Division ahead of the 2021 season and is currently a free agent after suffering relegation with Cork City in 2023.

land before signing for Derry City in 2012. In two seasons with the Candystripes, Madden won the 2012 FAI Cup and was named in the RTÉ Team of the Year in 2013. He signed for Rovers again in 2014, playing 130 games and winning their Player of the Year award in 2016, before leaving for St. Pat’s in 2018.

He played 73 games for the Saints and retired in 2020.

Honourable mentions Patrick Kavanagh: Signed for Shamrock Rovers midway through the 2009 season after impressing for Bray Wanderers and won the Premier Division in 2010. He also lined out twice against Juventus in the Europa League. Kavanagh left Rovers in 2011 and signed for Derry in 2013 following a season at Shelbourne. He scored once in 16 games for City and helped Declan Devine’s men finish in the European spots.

Rob Cornwall: Spent time at both St. Pat’s and Shelbourne before signing for Shamrock Rovers in 2013, where he made 35 appearances. Rovers loaned Cornwall to Derry City in 2015, scoring once in 14 games before leaving for Bohemians in 2016. He left Bohs after 5 years to become the first signing for Éamon Zayed’s Northern Colorado Hailstorm in their inaugural season in the USL League One. He’s now back at Bohemians, but a nasty ACL injury earlier in the year has forced him to miss the 2024 campaign.

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This week... Derry City fan... RONAN MCNULTY 1. Which club is Shamrock Rovers player Aaron McEneff on loan from?

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2. Samuel E’to, Marco Materazzi, David Ginola, and Paul Gascoigne have all played at different times for which Premiership club?

3. Which club did Robbie Fowler sign for when he left Liverpool?

4. Name the former Manchester City player pictured on the right.

5. At which League Of Ireland club did Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley end his playing career?

6. Which club won the 2024 UEFA Super Cup last month?

7. Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips has been out on loan for all of 2024 at two different clubs. Can you name them?

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8. Wexford have made the FAI Cup Semi Finals from the First Division, but which First Division team made it to the Semi Final last season?

RONAN’S ANSWERS: 1) I think he’s still contracted to Perth Glory in Australia; 2) Spurs?; 3) Leeds United; 4) Don’t know; 5) Shamrock Rovers; 6) Real Madrid; 7) West Ham and Ipswich?; 8) Treaty United?

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

ANSWERS: 1) Perth Glory; 2) Everton; 3) Leeds United; 4) Brahim Díaz; 5) Limerick; 6) Real Madrid; 7) West Ham United & Ipswich Town; 8) Galway United

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BE THE CHALLENGER! CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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