CityView Vol-40 No-21 - Derry City vs Shelbourne - Friday 1st November

DERRY CITY F.C. v SHELBOURNE F.C. LEAGUE OF IRELAND MEN’S PREMIER DIVISION MONDAY 1st NOVEMBER 2024 | 7.45pm Vol. 40 - No. 21

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Welcome to...

SHELBOURNE 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 as we bring the 2024 season to a close.

Welcome also to Damien Duff, his staff, players, officials and supporters from Shelbourne who have travelled up this evening.

Well, we’ve known for months now that tonight would be a title decider, but we had imagined that we’d be a part of it in a different way.

With two games left of the league, we needed to wins to win the title, but our 1-0 defeat last week to St Pats brought all that hope to an end.

Instead, we play the role of king-maker. A Derry City win tonight means Shamrock Rovers just need a win against Waterford to become champions and earning their 5 in a row that they set out for, showing perhaps one of the greatest comebacks in league history!

A Shelbourne win tonight will see them win the league for the first time in 18 years! But a Shelbourne win also leaves Derry City needing to win the FAI Cup next weekend against Drogheda to qualify for Europe.

History is made over the next 90mins. Where the trohpy ends up remains to be seen, but although we don’t have a hand on it, we do still have a say on it!

It really in the greatest league in the world!

Enjoy the game, enjoy the drama, and we’ll see you at the Aviva!

TONIGHT’S MATCH OFFICIALS: Referee: PAUL NORTON

Assistant 1: Emmett Dynan |Assistant 2: Darren Corcoran Fourth Official: Alan Patchell

TONIGHT’S MATCH SPONSOR:

77 Clooney Road, Campsie www.mckenziesni.com

PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR SPONSORS

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MESSAGE FROM THE MANAGER

I’d like to welcome Damien Duff and his players and staff to the Brandywell tonight for the final league game of this season.

Unfortunately it isn’t going to be the ending we were desperately hoping for, and the disappointment around that is being felt within the squad as much as it is among our supporters.

As a group, and as a club, we will take stock of the entire season in due course, but for now we have to dust ourselves down as there are two very big games that need our full attention.

Tonight’s game is important for us as there is still european qualification at stake and we also want to go into next Sunday with a bit of momentum.

There are obviously cup final places to play for as well, so

I’d expect to see a reaction to our disappointment of last weekend.

We’ll get ready for the final after this, but before that, our focus has been entirely on tonight’s game, and that’s been the message in training this week.

We’re well aware we still have a job to do tonight and we have to put our dis-

appointment behind us for now and look to close out our home campaign with a big performance.

And while this wasn’t the league finale that any of us had been hoping for, I do want to thank our supporters who have stuck with us through thick and thin.

As I said, the players, like ourselves are hurting and it’s now up to us to finish the season in the best way we can.

Ruaidhrí Higgins, Manager

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DERRY CITY VS LEICESTER CITY 1990 English Second Division Leicester City had visited the Brandywell in August 1987 and departed with a comfortable five nil victory but they found things more difficult when they returned in January 1990, in front of 6,000 spectators, to officially open the new floodlights erected at the ground at a cost of £180,000.

The Foxes arrived in the city on the back of a three one defeat to Shelbourne on the Tuesday night. The match programme gives the date of the game as Thursday 25th but bad weather and a waterlogged pitch saw the encounter moved back twenty-four hours to Friday 26th.

Derry fielded three guest players: Manchester United’s Steve Bruce who was recovering from a hernia operation, local lad David Campbell who was at Bradford City and recently retired Glentoran player Jim

By Francie McCauley Cleary. In the Leicester line-up was Paul Ramsey another Derry lad.

The Candystripes’ recent form hadn’t been great but on the night they put on a confident display of intelligent, controlled football and were worthy of their win. Liam Coyle put in a very skilful performance on his return to the team and Campbell, who was Man of the Match, dictated play from midfield.

City’s opener on nineteen minutes saw Jonathan Speak latch onto a superb defence splitting pass from Coyle and he drove home a low shot from the edge of the area past Hodge. Leicester’s equaliser came on the hour mark. A cross from Mills found the unmarked Kevin Campbell who steered the ball past Tim Dalton from close range.

Substitute Liam Curran had only been on the pitch a minute when Bruce headed on a Campbell corner and Curran at the back post acrobatically turned the ball over the line to put Derry back in front.

The visitors thought they had equalised for a second time when, in the dying minutes, an effort from Mills appeared to have crossed the line but the referee waved play on.

The usual twenty-four-page (six of adverts) programme

was available for 50p. It had messages from the Mayor, Tony Carlin, and Chairman, Ian Doherty. Two pages were given over to pen pictures of the Leicester squad and one page for Derry. ‘Let There be Light’, reflecting on the introduction of floodlights to Irish football, was written by Derry Good. This was followed by ‘A Previous Visit by Leicester City.’

Centre pages had photos from the recent game against Bohemians. A Crossword, Foyleman’s ‘Bits &Pieces’ and a Half Time Quiz were included.

Pat Chesters who was a founder member of the Omagh Derry City Supporters’ Club was featured in the ‘Out of Towners’ item There was also a piece on ‘Tonight’s Ballboys’ who were from Tristar FC and a phot of ‘Brandywell Under Floodlights’. Line ups were on the back page.

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MATCH OF THE DAY Last Saturday night I happened to switch Chanels to find that “Match Of The Day“ was just starting. I hadn’t watched it for years so I thought I would have a quick look and then go channel hopping. The host was Gary Lineker assisted by Alan Shearer & Theo Walcott and the 5 Premier League games played that day plus the Friday evening match were all featured in the hour plus slot.The BBC programme is literally an institution having graced our screens for over 60 years making it one of the longest running shows.

This was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records in 2015 when it was declared the longest running televised football programme in the world.

It was broadcast for the first time on 22nd August 1964 at 10pm on BBC 2. The showing however was confined to the London area with an audience of around 20,000 (under half the crowd of over 40,000 at Anfield to see the home side take on Arsenal) The current presenter is assisted by various ex players (analysts) and he has been on the couch weekly since 1999. Other famous faces who have acted as host were Kenneth Wolstenhome , David Coleman, Jimmy Hill & Des Lynam to name but a few. Current & past analysts include Alan Shearer, Ian Wright, Frank Lampard as well as several Irishmen down the years such as Danny Blanchflower, Mark Lawrenson, Mick McCarthy & Kevin Kilbane. It was broadcast from the Television Centre

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By Sean McGillan

in London until 2012 when it was then presented from the Dock 10 studios in Media City, Salford. The programme was moved to BBC 1 after the 1966 World Cup and the first colour showing occurred on 2nd November 1968. The following year saw the introduction of slow motion replays. The show moved to Sundays afternoons in 1980 - 1982 when it had to be shared with ITV! Then in 1988 the commercial station got exclusive rights and MOTD league highlights only returned to BBC in 2004. Match of the Day 2 appeared in that season with Sunday game highlights. At the end of last year a deal was done between the Premier League for highlights to be broadcast on MOTD, Match the Day 2 & Football Focus up to the end of the 2028/29 season. Returning to my viewing last Saturday I enjoyed watching “snippets” from the 6 games which produced 20 goals. 3 of the games were drawn , 2 were home wins

with 1 away win. The highlight of the evening for me was the clash between Brentford and Ipswich, their first time to meet in top flight history. The 16 minutes that followed was highlights of a cracker of a game.

The newly promoted Tractor Men , although missing some key players, led 2-0 after 31 minutes only to see the Bees go 3-2 up. The visitors equalised a few minutes before the end but Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo got a winner in added time. Delap who got the equaliser then hit the post in the 99th minute and to compound matters Ireland’s Ogbene was carried off after 35 minutes with a suspected Achilles tear. Last November Lineker announced that over 4 million viewers switched on to watch the show both live and on I player. As the old saying goes “old habits die hard “ so I can now tune in anytime and hopefully catch some more great excerpts of the beautiful game.

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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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Shamrock Rvrs

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St. Pat’s Athletic

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DERRY CITY

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55

Galway United

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51

Sligo Rovers

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Waterford

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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 25th OCTOBER St Pats Athletic 1-0 DERRY CITY Galway United 2-2 Sligo Rovers Waterford 1-1 Bohemians Shelbourne 2-1 Drogheda Utd SUNDAY 27th OCTOBER Dundalk 0-1 Shamrock Rovers

NEXT GAME:

FAI CUP FINAL, AVIVA STADIUM

This Round’s Fixtures: FRIDAY 1st NOVEMBER DERRY CITY v Shelbourne Bohemians v Galway United Sligo Rovers v St Pat’s Athletic Shamrock Rovers v Waterford Drogheda United v Dundalk

Derry City vs Drogheda United Sunday 10th November, 3.00pm

FOOTBALL FOR ALL: TOGETHER FOR THE CUP FINAL Planning for a cup final involves a lot of work for management, players and staff and it goes without saying that it also includes a lot of goodwill across the community.

In 2022, Advanced Care (Derry) offered to sponsor the team’s travel to and from Dublin- an offer that was warmly welcomed by the club.

Managing Director Niall Smyth is no stranger to either Derry City FC or the local community and this year he has gone a step further in his efforts in preparation the FAI Cup Final.

Advanced Care Derry will once again sponsor the coach to take the team to Dublin

this weekend but there is also a very special second bus leaving the city on Sunday morning.

That one has been offered by Niall and his team to transport an array of special needs supporters to the big match.

Service users from the likes of Ardnashee School and the Foyle Down’s Syndrome Trust have been offered the opportunity to travel to the Avivawith their carer- to experience the cup final atmosphere at close quarters.

There is no charge involved; the package also includes lunch, and a match ticket- giving supporters and carers a chance to enjoy a very special

day out.

It is an ideal opportunity for supporters who may not otherwise have been able to travel to the game to enjoy what will hopefully be a wonderful occasion.

Robert Martin and Karen Pyne are the club’s points of contact for this offer and either they or Niall will be happy to handle any enquiries for as long as places remain available.

Derry City FC wish to thank Advanced Care Derry for what is a fantastic addition to the club’s cup final experience and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.

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LAST FRIDAY NIGHT’S GAME...

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC 1 - 0 DERRY CITY: A very disappointing night to forget for Derry City last Friday night as our league title hopes disappeared within 90mins and saw us drop to fourth in the table going into the last game.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC 1 - 0 DERRY CITY: A goal from former Candystripe Brandon Kavanagh on the 44th minute dealt the lethal blow to his former side. Derry City now need to win tonight, or win the Cup Final to earn a Europa League spot next season.

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C IS FOR CHILDHOOD...

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

ANDRE WISDOM

Liverpool of course! I always loved hearing GERRRRRRARD on Match Of The Day!!

D IS FOR DRESS SENSE...

Which Derry City team mate has the worst fashion sense?

Arlo Doherty! The young lad just rolls out the bed!

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?

Danny Mullan! He’s a great guy but don’t know whether to believe him or not with anything! And the worst smells ever come from his direction!!

B IS FOR BOX...

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

Probably Game Of Thrones for the best of all time.

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

The CD I’d play is Masicka, a Jamaican artist DVD would be Man On Fire.

Denzel Washington is the GOAT!

Which footballer did you idolise as a boy?

No one in specific. I just loved football. It was my escape!

J IS FOR JOKER...

Who is the biggest practical joker in the team?

That’s a tough one! Ronan or Danny I’d say!

K IS FOR KIT...

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

Red Bull Salzburg I’d say. I felt like I played my best football there. And the kit was Nike!

F IS FOR FUNNY...

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

Probably the time I saw a pitch invader get the sickest clothesline WWE style!

G IS FOR GOAL...

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

Luis Suarez against Newcastle at Anfield. Chest, round the keeper, and tap in. Unreal.

H IS FOR HOLIDAY...

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

Costa Rica. Unbelievable. I’ve never felt peace like it!

I IS FOR IDOL...

L IS FOR LIFE AFTER PLAYING...

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

Not sure. I live in the now , so whatever happens after football happens.

M IS FOR MEMENTO...

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

I have a few medals and a few

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shirts and things like that that I’ll hold onto for life.

N IS FOR NEXT BIG THING...

T IS FOR TEAM MATES...

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

Got to be Steven Gerrard!

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

I’m interested to see how young Glenn McCourt does when he starts puberty! Haha! Na, seriously though, he’s a good player and he has a massive future ahead of him.

P IS FOR PASSTIME...

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

I love boxing and all-round fighting so I do sparring and pads a lot!

THE TIME...

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

Not much! I just watch Married At First Sight and then get to sleep! Haha

X IS FOR EXCHANGE...

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

I’d swap with Canelo Alvarez to try some professional boxing!

O IS FOR OPPOSITION...

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

No one in particular. Every other team is prey! We have to go hunting!

W IS FOR WHILE AWAY

U IS FOR UNPARALLELED...

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

Eden Hazard at Chelsea! He was frightening to play against!

Q IS FOR QUIZ...

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

Young Aaron Heaney! The lad doesn’t know up from down!!

Y IS FOR YOUTH...

R IS FOR RESULT...

Which result meant the most to you in your career?

I think winning the double with Salzburg. No better feeling!

S IS FOR SKILLS...

Who has the best skills in the team?

That’s a tough one as well! I’d either say Sean, Sadou, or Micky Duffy!

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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 at the minute. I think I’m happy enough with it though!

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

I started at Yorkshire Amateurs in Leeds when I was young. But, no, I think I’ve played everywhere like most of the lads!

Z IS FOR ZERO CHANCE...

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

I wouldn’t support Everton! But I’d play for anyone! I love footy!

ORDER THE NEW DERRY CITY BOOK NOW!!

For any fans of the A-Z feature that we do every week, there’s a new Special Edition one-off Derry City book out 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!

We hear amazing stories from over 30 past players 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.

GET YOUR COPY NOW!!

The book is available online now priced at £12.99. Scan the QR code to the right to get your book delivered.

30 YEARS OF MISSING A-Z INTERVIEWS

ON SALE NOW!!

ANDREW CASSIDY

You can also buy locally at: - Ferry Clever, Bishop Street - Paul Martin Menswear - Claude’s Café, Shipquay St - Bookmark, Letterkenny - Foyle Books, Magazine St - Little Acorns, Gt. James’ St - Amazon.co.uk

about the club legends of the past.

Contact andrew@derrycityfc. net for more information

It’s the perfect Christmas present for any Derry City fans who remember all these club legends, or even younger fans that want to learn more

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TONIGHT’S SQUADS DERRY CITY F.C.

SHELBOURNE 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 20 - ANDRE WISDOM 21 - DANNY MULLEN 23 - CAMERON DUMMIGAN 25 - DUNCAN IDEHAN 26 - TADHG RYAN 27 - DANIEL KELLY 28 - ADAM O’REILLY 29 - SEAN ROBERTSON 31 - TIERNAN MCGINTY 33 - AARON HEANEY 35 - GLENN MCCOURT 39 - CONOR BARR 40 - CALUM MCCAY

1 - CONOR KEARNS 2 - SEAN GANNON 3 - TYREKE WILSON 4 - KAMERON LEDWIDGE 5 - SHANE GRIFFIN 6 - JONATHAN LUNNEY 7 - HARRY WOOD 8 - MARK COYLE 9 - SEÁN BOYD 10 - JOHN MARTIN 11 - MATTY SMITH 14 - ALI COOTE 15 - SAM BONE 16 - JOHN O’SULLIVAN 19 - LORCAN HEALY 22 - DEAN WILLIAMS 27 - EVAN CAFFREY 29 - PADDY BARRETT 33 - DERINSOLA ADEWALE 41 - LUCA CAILLOCE 42 - CIAN DOYLE 44 - DANIEL RING 45 - TAYLOR MCCARTHY 48 - AIDEN O’BRIEN 50 - ALI TOPCU 67 - LIAM BURT 77 - RAYHAAN TULLOCH

Manager: RUAIDHRÍ HIGGINS

Manager: DAMIEN DUFF

Tonight’s Match Sponsors:

77 Clooney Road, Campsie www.peakenvironmental.co.uk

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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: Pat Hoban (9) + Danny Mullan (21) - Ronan Boyce (2) = Adam O’Reilly (28) SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: 1) Writing has disappeared from sponsor board on left; 2) Ball has disappeared; 3) Goalpost has appeared; 4) St Pat’s shirt number has changed to 8; 5) Fencing at the back has grown

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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 A familiar face to most in the Brandywell, tonight’s entrant in the Fanzone has been a Derry City supporter since 1985 and in recent years has been covering matches from the press box.

Into the Zone tonight we welcome Martin Holmes.

Best opposition player you’ve seen play?

Stephen Geoghegan Why? There were so many. I always looked at the strikers. Vinny Arkins, Glen Crowe, Dessie Gorman, were useful. Stephen Geoghegan was a standout during his Shelbourne years. A great forward. He could be invisible, then one chance, goal What’s the best ground, apart from the Brandywell, that you’ve seen Derry play in?

The Aviva/Lansdowne Road, means it’s a final. Always a great occasion

Name: Martin Holmes How long have you been supporting Derry City?

I have been attending games since September 1985, so that’s 39 years Where do you sit in the Brandywell?

I sit in the media section at the back of the Southend Stand

flew into the net to win it for Derry, 3-2. He got married that week and captained Derry to a League Cup Final win that same week!

Name your best Derry City team (you can pick from any era) One to Eleven with Three subs Tim Dalton, Eddie McCallion, Mick Neville, Stuart Gauld, Kevin Brady, Felix Healy, Paul Doolin, Paddy McCourt, Jonathan Speak, Liam Coyle, Paul Carlyle.

Subs - Owen DaGama, Paul Curran, David Kelly Best manager you’ve seen at Derry City?

Jim. The one and only Jim McLaughlin

What goal sticks out in your mind?

Paul Mooney’s freekick against Shelbourne in December 1991

Favourite half time snack?

Tea like tar from Lawrence Moore and a treat from his biscuit bag

Why? A. It was a great game.

Mooney got the ball and was a good 35 yards out, as he attacked the Showgrounds end.

He launched this shot that just

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

A scoreboard with a clock!

Best Player you’ve seen playing for the Candystripes?

Stuart Gauld Why? He was everything in defence that Liam was in attack. Skill, poise, elegance, ability to read the game, see a pass, intercept, create. Value for money, he was the best signing Derry have made, for me

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SHELBOURNE: THE EARLY DAYS Tonight we welcome our old Dublin rivals, Shelbourne, to the Brandywe for our last crucial League encounter of the season. This was anticipated to be the final game to decide which team would win the league, but unfortunately for us, it hasn’t quite worked out that way. The second half of the season has witnessed hot favourites, Shels and Derry, contrive to cave in during the run in, leaving the door wide open for Shamrock Rovers to leap frog over us with a late run to pinch the Title!

However, a win for Shels tonight will give them the Title, but any slip ups may see the trophy going to the Tallaght side! For our part we need a win to restore morale before our upcoming Cup Final and even a win may not ensure that we will have a place in the Euros next season!.

With an amazing late run of wins also bringing St.Pat’s into the Euro frame, it’s HOW all to play for and results elsewhere may, decide our fate!

EARLY DAYS In our early days in the League of Ireland, in 1986, we were having the upper hand against Shelbourne. We did not meet them in our first year as we were in the newly formed First Division, but Shels found themselves in our division the following year following relegation. Let me take you back then to January 1987 when things were fairly buzzing at Brandywell. Derry were storming the First Division, hotly pursued by Shelbourne, Drogheda and Finn

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Mick McBride Strolls Down Memory Lane...

Harps and we had just signed former Arsenal star Alan Sunderland, with an eye to a good Cup run. We had drawn Shels away in the Cup, but one week before that tie, we had to travel to Harold’s Cross to meet them in a vital League game. A win for Derry would kill off Shels and virtually make us champions, whilst a defeat would see us all back in the ‘melting pot’.

Sunderland made an inspired debut in that thrilling game at a packed Harold’s Cross and scored the winning goal only two minutes from time and just two minutes after Shels had equalised a Krstic goal through Tierney. Shades of Man. Utd. verses Arsenal in the 1979 F.A. Cup Final! With only a few games remaining, that result, in effect, as good as clinched the Title for City, and the huge travelling support were ecstatic!

UP FOR THE CUP!

The following week we were on our travels again, this time to Dalymount for our Cup tie with Shels. The Dublin club had switched to the bigger venue to accommodate the anticipated mass exodus from the Maiden City. The huge attendance of noisy, colourful fans witnessed yet another nail-biting epic encounter, with a very skilful Shels causing an unusually hesitant Derry side some early problems. However it was Derry that struck first through a bullet header from Alex Krstic. Shels struck back when McDermott headed home and the travelling red army were stunned to silence, some six minutes later when Dom Tierney rose to head a corner kick wide of Roberts to put Shels in front.

However, the second half saw a revitalised City come at the Dublin side in wave after wave of attacks in search of an equal-

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SHELBOURNE: THE EARLY DAYS continued... iser, which, when it did come, came in a most unexpected manner. Centre-halt Tierney went for a high bap, and instead of heading it away, opted to flick it backwards to his keeper Edmunds. Tragically for him and to our delight, the ball agonisingly sailed over the advancing ‘keeper’s head to nestle in his net, The remaining twenty five minutes saw Deny, roared on by their fanatical support, lay siege on the Shels goal but despite coming close on several occasions, were unable to snatch that elusive winner, but we lived to fight another day.

The replay was set for eleven days later to accommodate an Irish Olympic fixture, and the town was at fever pitch when the day finally arrived. In between times, Derry had disposed of Drogheda in celebrating our Title win and were on a high.

REPLAY The packed Brandywell was a cauldron of tense, anxious emotions as the teams kicked off.

Derry lived up to their ‘favourites’ tag as we tore into SheIs with a vengeance. We did, however get an early scare when a Yeates header was pushed onto the bar by Roberts. The ball came down. struck the ‘keeper on the back and bobbled along the line, before being scrambled clear by the alert Jack Keay.

This let-off instilled the Candy Stripes with a new sense of urgency as we grabbed a firm hold on the game with some brilliant attacking football.

After 25 minutes the much awaited goal arrived, courtesy of Owen Da Gama, who glanced a perfectly lighted ball from that man, Sunderland, into the net to send the home fans wild. More was to follow only five minutes later when Alex Krstic picked up the ball some 25 yards out. Whilst the Shels defence hesitated, he suddenly unleashed a cracking shot that nestled in the Shels net before their ‘keeper could react. What a goal! Worse was to come for them after the half-time respite when Deny turned on the style with Da Gama adding another after 58 minutes, after running through the Shels defence. It was exhibition stuff after this as Deny pushed the ball around the pitch with great assurance whilst the dispirited Shels players were chasing shadows. With seven minutes remaining, the South African, Da Game provided the final goal in a one-sided encounter when he rounded Tierney to slide home the ball, and complete his hat-trick.

The final whistle brought the expected pitch invasion from the delirious home fans as we celebrated Derry’s fourth win, and one draw, against Shel-

bourne that season.

This was one of the best ever performances that a City side had produced. and in fairness to Shels, there wasn’t a team in Ireland that could have lived with us on that particular day.

However, Shels did manage to finish runners-up to Derry in the League and gain promotion to the Premier League, as Finn Harps incredibly lost their FIVE remaining games to narrowly miss out. Deny had in fact beaten them away in the final game in the League to create a record of our own, of winning every game away from home. We also had only lost one game at home that season, to UCD. Ah, Happy Days!

DERRY CITY:

Roberts, McLaughlin, Quigg, Sunderland, Keay, Gauld, King, Mahon, Da Gama, Krstic, Carlyle. (both games) Subs: McKechnie and McDowell (not used).

SHELBOURNE:

Edmonds, Mackey, McCarthy, McCabe, Tierney, Gaffney, Scully, Yeates, McDermott, Barrett.

REFEREE: Pat Daly

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MEMORABLE FINAL GAMES

By Pól O’Hare

0 Longford Town 3 Derry City 1985/86 League of Ireland First Division Shield Final: This one may not be a league game, but Derry City finished the 1985/86 season by securing silverware in their first campaign competing in the League of Ireland after withdrawing from the Irish League in October 1972. As well as 1985/86 being City’s first season playing in the LOI, it was also saw the inaugural edition of the League of Ireland First Division Shield, a competition competed between First Division sides which ran from 1985 to 1998. In the first leg of the ’86 Shield final, City defeated their midland’s opposition Longford Town 3-1 in the Brandywell, with the goals coming from Owen da Gama, Stuart Gauld and a Martin Smyth OG. The second leg, played in the Sligo Showgrounds, saw City legend Owen da Gama bag himself a hat-trick in a 3-0 win for the Candystripes. After thirteen years in the footballing wilderness, Derry City were back, and they meant business.

2 Derry City 0 Cobh Ramblers 1988/89 season Thirteen games unbeaten and going into the penultimate fixture of the 1988/89 campaign, Derry City needed just a point against Shamrock Rovers to clinch the League of Ireland title for the first time in the club’s history. Noel King, who became

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Rovers manager in 1988 following a stint at Derry, led his side to victory in the Brandywell – spoiling City’s party. Cobh Ramblers awaited the Candystripes in the final game of the season.

With a 4-0 League Cup final victory over Dundalk already under the belt, Derry again needed just a point to clinch the double. Paul Doolin’s brace did just the trick as City beat the Munster side 2-0 and got their hands on the League of Ireland trophy for the first time – just three seasons after coming into the league. After a 0-0 draw in the FAI Cup final, a solitary goal from Felix Healy in the replay saw Derry City beat Cork City to win a historic domestic treble in what was undoubtedly the finest season in the club’s history.

2 Derry City 1 Finn Harps Promotion/Relegation Play-Off 2003: On the 10th of December 2003, Derry City made the short trip to Ballybofey to meet rivals

Finn Harps in the first leg of the promotion/relegation play-off.

City finished the league season in ninth place, just one point behind Drogheda United in eighth. After beating Limerick 4-0 on aggregate in the semifinal of the play-offs, City met a Harps side which finished third in the First Division and had beaten Bray Wanderers to reach the final. The game in Finn Park ended goalless, meaning the tie would be decided in the Brandywell. Mark Farren gave City an early lead and, despite hanging on for most of the match, Kevin McHugh netted for Harps in injury time to send the game to extra time. Derry’s then record goal scorer Liam Coyle bagged his 112th and final Derry City goal in the 101st minute to ensure City’s survival.

It was a vital goal which kept the Candystripes in the Premier Division. Within two years they had bounced back and finished second, losing to eventual winners Cork City on the final day in 2005. Similar heartache followed a year later as City lost

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MEMORABLE FINAL GAMES continued... the league on goal difference on the final day, seeing Shelbourne pick up the trophy following a win over Bohemians.

The champions, however, were relegated to the First Division and withdrew from the UEFA Champions League and Setanta Cup for the following season following financial difficulties.

0 - Monaghan United 1 - Derry City 2010 Season After being expelled from the League of Ireland due to financial issues in 2009, Derry City entered into the First Division for the 2010 season. Under the tutelage of Stephen Kenny, Derry lost just four games all season and knew that three points on the final day would clinch promotion back to the Premier Division. City travelled to Monaghan United and secured victory through a goal from Mark Farren. The Moville man netted twenty goals that season, claiming the First Division top scorer award, but took a break from football after the season

finished in order to fight a brain tumour. Farren returned to play for Derry in September 2011 before overtaking Liam Coyle as City’s all-time leading scorer a year later. He moved to Glenavon in 2013 but sadly passed away aged 33 in February 2016.

A Derry City legend – the club retired the number 18 in his honour following his passing.

4 - Derry City 0 - Finn Harps 2019 Season Declan Devine returned to Derry City for a second spell as manager ahead of the 2019 campaign. After an 8th place finish under Kenny Shiels the year before, the 2012 FAI Cup winning manager had the task of rebuilding nearly the entire playing squad. Shrewd business in the transfer window saw a mix of experienced League of Ireland stalwarts, young talent and local players come through the door. A derby win on the final day of the season would’ve secured fourth place and European football. Colches-

ter United loanee Junior OgediUzokwe, who quickly became a fan’s favourite on the wing, netted a hat-trick against local rivals Finn Harps, claiming the Premier Division golden boot in the process. Grant Gillespie netted the fourth to put the icing on the cake. It was a successful campaign for Devine, who’s new look side bagged Europa League football for 2020 in style.

1 Dundalk 2 Derry City 2021 Season After a poor start to the season, which saw Derry City lose four and draw two of their first six games, Ruaidhrí Higgins replaced Declan Devine as manager. Derry lost just one of Higgins’ first eleven games at the helm, bringing back a feel-good factor which would propel City up the table. The Candystripes travelled to Dundalk on the final day, needing a win to finish fourth and have a chance of European football in 2022. City hadn’t won in Oriel Park since April 2013 before this game, but goals from Ciaron Harkin and Jamie McGonigle saw Higgins’ men finish the season with a win. That fourth placed finish, alongside St. Patrick’s Athletic’s FAI Cup final win over Bohemians, guaranteed a European trip for the City faithful in 2022. After relegation fears in the early part of the campaign, City’s revival to finish fourth marked a hugely impressive first season in management for Ruaidhrí Higgins.

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This week... Derry City fan... ADAM DUFFY 1. Derry City won 3-0 in our last game of last season here at the Brandywell. Who were our opponents?

4.

2. Man City won the EPL, St Pats won the FAI Cup, Shelbourne’s Sean Gannon won the league with Dundalk, and Germany won the World Cup. What was the year?

3. Which club did Patrick Viera sign for when he left Arsenal in 2005?

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

5. The Derrynane RoadStand is one of the stands at

8. which League Of Ireland stadium?

6. Shelbourne also met a team from Gibraltar in this season’s UEFA Europa Conference League, what was their name?

7. Which manager won the 2024 Men’s Coach of the Year Award at the Ballon d’Or awards this week?

8. Manchester City’s Rodi won the main Ballon d’Or this week, but who was the last EPL player to win it?

ADAM’S ANSWERS: 1) Wasn’t it St Pats? for second place or something?; 2) Germany last won in 2014; 3) Can’t remember, Marseille?; 4) Danny Ings; 5) Turners Cross, Cork; 6) Can’t remember!; 7) Pep Guardiola; 8) Must have been Ronaldo?

ADAM’S SCORE: 5 out of 8! Can you beat it?

ANSWERS: 1) St Patrick’s Athletic; 2) 2014; 3) Juventus; 4) Danny Ings; 5) Turners Cross, Cork; 6) St Joseph’s FC; 7) Carlo Ancelotti; 8) Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United (2008)

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BE THE CHALLENGER! CONTACT ANDREW@DERRYCITYFC.NET

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