Dundalk FC Magazine 2020 Issue 2 Cork City

OFFICIAL DUNDALK FC MAGAZINE | ISSUE 2 - €3

DUNDALK V CORK CITY MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24TH 2020

KICK-OFF 7.45PM

WE’RE IN GOOD HANDS AGAIN FOR ANOTHER GREAT SEASON!

A GREAT TEAM

CLUB DIRECTORY Honorary Club President Des Casey Chairman Bill Hulsizer Vice-Chairman Michael Hughes Board Michael Hughes, Bill Hulsizer, James Baboulas, Martin Connolly, David Samhat & Fred Spencer Chief Operating Officer Martin Connolly Club Secretary Colm Murphy Finance Officer Elaine Duffy Chief Business Officer David Minto Media Content Officer Gavin McLaughlin Projects Manager Aaron Lawless Office Manager Ailish Kelly Office Admin Karen Travers, Gary Cronin Club Ambassadors Padraig McGowan, Paul Brown, Andy Connolly Licensing Officer Simon Blackmore Player Liaison Officer Des Dunleavy Community Officer Liam Burns Press Officer Darren Crawley Social Media Anthony Bravender Child Protection Officer Aoife Burns Event Controller Regina O’Hare Bar Manager Kevin Carthy PA Announcer Michael Duffy DFCTV Chris Clarke

TEAM MANAGEMENT Team Manager Vinny Perth Assistant Coach Ruaidhri Higgins First Team Coach John Gill Goalkeeping Coach Steve Williams Strength/Conditioning Graham Norton Kit Manager Noel Walsh Doctor Dr. David Connolly Physiotherapists Danny Miller & David Murphy Sports Science David Maguire Videographer Harry Taaffe, Shane Taaffe

DUNDALK FC MAGAZINE DFC Magazine Editors: Colm Murphy, Paul Dunne, Gavin McLaughlin DFC Magazine Contributors: Jim Murphy RIP, Ruth Hardy, Darren Crawley, David Farrelly, Tom O’Connor, Sean DeLoughrey, Anthony Bravender Sales: Helen Myers, Jimmy Neary, Roy Mackin, Stephen Neary, Patrick O’Neill Thanks to: David Caldwell Photography: Sportsfile, Ciaran Culligan Programme of the Year 2008 (First Division) / 2010 / 2011 / 2012 / 2013 / 2014 / 2015 / 2016 / 2017 / 2019 Dedication: The 2020 DFC Magazine is dedicated to Jim Murphy.

Note: The views expressed in this magazine are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily shared by Dundalk FC. Especially The Spectator... ©2020 Dundalk FC

DUNDALK FC V CORK CITY | 24.02.20

IN THIS

ISSUE

4

Opening Shot

30 From The Dug Out

6

Autism Awareness

34 2009-2019 Review Part II

8

Freddy Fyffes

36 FAI Football Exhibition

10 Club News

44 Andy Boyle Interview

13 A Quick Word With....

48 Supporter Liasion Officer

17 Welcome To Cork City

50 2020 Player Sponsors

22 Retrospective

55 The Numbers Game

26 Get With The Programme

56 The Spectator

29 Tolka Review

58 Injury Time: Quiz

OPENING SHOT OPENING SHOT

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25TH JULY 2014, FAI COMMUNICATIONS AWARDS, ATHLONE Dundalk Football Club lost a true legend on December 14th with the death of Jim Murphy. As anyone who has supported the Dundalk FC Magazine2020: over the years would know, Jim was a major 14 FEBRUARY Dane Massey scores thesource winnerof against Derry City in Oriel Park into the history contributor to our efforts and a constant support.

His incredible research onofthe opening night of the Airtricity of the club will continue to be a source valuable information for SSE generations to come. We will League. always miss him at Oriel Park. We wish Jim’s family and friends our continued sympathy and support.

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AUTISM AWARENESS

DARAGH’S DAY

The McNally family

Dundalk FC would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who took part in ‘Daragh’s Day’ at the game with Derry City on February 14th.

The initiative, which was held to celebrate the life of 11-yearold Daragh McNally and raise awareness about autism, was a huge success with the bucket collection generating a total of €4,577 which will go to local autism services.

During the warm-up, our players proudly wore blue t-shirts, bearing an image of Daragh in his Dundalk FC kit, while Daragh’s brother Nathan and his father Paul raised the 2019 champions flag in front of the main stand.

Daragh’s mother, Colleen, his two little sisters Naoise and Layla, and his support dog Lenny then joined them to release 60 blue balloons from

the centre circle.

As the balloons were released, the Shed sang ‘There’s only one Daragh McNally’. It was a touching moment and a lovely tribute to a boy whose untimely passing last November

touched the hearts of many people in our town.

Expressing thanks to all those who were involved in organising the event, Colleen said they were ‘overwhelmed’

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by the response from everyone, especially the Dundalk and Derry supporters.

“The last balloon didn’t want to come out, but with help it got out in the end. This was always like our Daragh. If he found something difficult that you or I would find easy, he would keep at it, until he got there in the end. That last balloon was our beautiful Daragh telling us he was there with us.”

Dundalk FC would like to thank our fans for their generosity and support and we would also like to pay tribute to the travelling Derry City fans who made a big contribution to the bucket collection and who raised placards reading RIP Daragh.

It was another sign of the community aspect that lives strong in the League of Ireland.

The McNally family release 60 blue balloons. Inset: Paul and Nathan raise the 2019 champions flag

Our players proudly wore blue t-shirts, bearing an image of Daragh in his Dundalk FC kit

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COMMUNITY PICTURES

FREDDY FYFFES

Freddy Fyffes popped in to say hello to some of our young fans during the game with Derry City on February 14th

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COMMUNITY PICTURES

FREDDY FYFFES

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CLUB NEWS

SHIELDSY’S CONTRACT Dundalk FC midfielder Chris Shields has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Oriel Park until the end of 2021.

The 29-year-old moved to Dundalk ahead of the 2012 campaign and has gone on to become a Lilywhites legend, winning a clean sweep of domestic medals, including five league titles.

The news comes on the eve of the new SSE Airtricity League season and speaking to DundalkFC. com just minutes after putting pen to paper, Shields said that he was thrilled to extend his link with the club.

“Since day one I’ve been

happy to be here and who would have thought I’d be going into 10 years at the club! That’s very rare in the League of Ireland and I take real personal pride in it.

“I’ve seen so many players come and go over the past decade so to be a constant is nice and it’s great knowing that I can just concentrate on my football now for the next two years.”

Lilywhites manager Vinny Perth has never hidden his admiration for Shields and he paid tribute to the Dubliner’s work-ethic which has made him an integral part of the side over the past eight years.

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“Chris Shields sums up everything about Dundalk Football Club,” said Perth.

“He has been through the good times and the bad. He was here for the relegation play-off game in Waterford in 2012 and he has been here for all of the success we’ve had over the past seven years.

“This will be his ninth season at the club and he has gone from being a squad player to becoming one of the most decorated players in the history of the League of Ireland. It’s a testament to Chris and how hard he works, both on and off the pitch. He is a true legend of the club and long may that continue.”

CLUB NEWS

U17 LADIES FINAL It wasn’t to be for the Dundalk FC U17 Girls side on Sunday afternoon as they were narrowly beaten by Shelbourne in the U17 MGL Cup final at the AUL Complex, Coolock.

The Lilywhites controlled the first half but couldn’t find the breakthrough goal as it finished scoreless at half-time.

The second half was an even affair until the 70th minute when Shelbourne broke the deadlock.

Dundalk pushed for an equaliser but it didn’t come and they were

Kevin Mullen RIP Everybody at Dundalk Football Club would like to extend our sympathies to the family and friends of former goalkeeper Kevin Mullen who passed away at the weekend.

After making his debut as an 18-year-old in 1952, Kevin went on to play 11 times for the club during the 1954/55 and 1955/56 campaigns, battling with Eddie McKenna and George Brennan for a place between the sticks.

The picture to the right shows Kevin making a save against Shelbourne.

It was a photo he enjoyed showing his family and friends!

punished on the break with only a few minutes remaining as the Dublin side held on for the 2-0 win.

The Dundalk girls gave their all and left

everything on the pitch. The team and management would like to thank all who travelled to support the girls, it was much appreciated.

Originally from Clones, Kevin’s family moved to Dundalk when he was a boy. He lived in Demesne Terrace on the Carrick Road – right beside Oriel Park – before moving to Rathfarnham in Dublin.

Kevin, his wife Lorna and their nine children remained avid fans of the Lillywhites, and his family will continue to do so in honour of their husband, father and grandfather.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

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COMMUNITY PARTNER OF DUNDALK FC

Supporting You, Supporting Community DUNDALKCU.IE

PLAYER Q&A

DANIEL CLEARY DFC Mag: What club have your supported since childhood?

Dan Cleary: Probably Celtic.

DFCM: What’s your favourite dish?

DC: Sunday Dinner.

DFCM: Who is the best player you have played with?

DC: Luis Suarez.

DFCM: Who is the dirtiest player you have played against?

DC: Mark O’Sullivan is up there.

DFCM: Which teammate spends the longest in the shower?

DC: Pat Hoban is the longest in the shower.

DFCM: Your all-time sporting hero?

DC: Tyson Fury.

DFCM: Your favourite holiday destination?

DC: Dubai.

DFCM: Your favourite sport outside of football?

DC: I don’t really have one, I’ll watch anything.

DFCM: What is the favourite ground you have played in?

DC: It would probably be Stamford Bridge.

DFCM: Who is the best

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dressed in the squad?

DC: That’s a difficult one because there is some shocking gear! But I would probably say Dane.

DFCM: Who is the worst dressed in the squad?

DC: I could probably name five straight away but number one would be Georgie Kelly.

DFCM: Who has the best music taste in the dressing room?

DC: Sean Murray, he can cover all genres.

DFCM: Who has the worst music taste in the dressing room?

DC: Shieldsy – no matter what the music is he always moans!

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COMMUNITY

SPONSORS & MASCOTS

A huge word of thanks to Lenny Mathews and everyone at Cooley Distillery, the producers of Kilbeggan Whiskey, who were our match sponsors for the Derry City game

Thanks to our mascots for the game against Derry City. We hope you enjoyed your night!

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We’ve Got

Your Back!

@tpireland

WELCOME TO

CORK CITY

It’s a new challenge for Cork City in the 2020 season after a huge turnover in players since the end of last season. Club stalwarts such as Conor McCormack (Derry City), Garry Buckley (Sligo Rovers), Karl Sheppard (Shelbourne) have all departed while they have also lost Aaron Barry (Bray Wanderers), Conor McCarthy (St Mirren), Shane Griffin (St Patrick’s Athletic), Graham Cummins (Waterford).

Arriving into the club are Cian Coleman (St Patrick’s Athletic), Liam Bossin (Nottingham Forest), Charlie Fleming (Cobh), Rob Selvin and Corey Galvin (Waterford), Henry Ochieng (Wingate & Finchley), Dylan McGlade (Blyth Spartans), Conor Davis (Derry City), Kyron Stabana (Wimbledon), Reyon Dillon (Corinthians Casuals), Joe Redmond (Birmingham City).

An opening day defeat to Shelbourne, after the concession of an 89th minute goal to Ciaran Kilduff, was a big disappointment for Neale Fenn’s team. Some commentators have mentioned them as relegation candidates, while others still believe Cork possess enough quality to challenge for a European place. The fixture list certainly hasn’t been kind to them this weekend as they travel here tonight after a match in Tallaght Stadium with Shamrock Rovers.

Last season Cork produced to be very difficult opponents for Dundalk. A Michael Duffy goal separated the sides last March while Georgie Kelly got a late winner last September. Cork managed to win the last encounter between the sides in Turner’s Cross with Daire O’Connor scoring the only goal of the game.

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WELCOME TO

CORK CITY FC MEET THE MANAGER

NEALE FENN

Neale Fenn arrived at Cork City replacing John Caulfield.

Undertaking his pro-licence course alongside Vinny Perth, Fenn had taken charge of Longford Town in June 2017 after a short spell as assistant at Leyton Orient and left them to take the top job at Turner’s Cross.

before returning to Ireland to join Waterford United in 2003.

He subsequently won a league title in Cork in 2005 and two at Bohs under Pat Fenlon. After joining Dundalk he announced his retirement in August 2010 before making a brief comeback to senior football a few days later at Shamrock Rovers.

Fenn’s playing career began at Tottenham Hotspur. He made his debut in the FA Cup third Round at Manchester United in 1997. He moved to Peterborough United in 2001

Budget cuts have impacted upon Fenn’s hopes of success but nobody will be writing off Cork City FC from getting back to the top end of the table soon.

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It was a disappointing start for Neale Fenn’s team with a 1-0 defeat to Shelbourne.

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PLAYER PROFILES 2020

CORK CITY

1 MARK MCNULTY

2 CHARLIE FLEMING

Bio: 39, Cork, Goalkeeper.. ..........................................

Vastly experienced goalkeeper who joined City from Cobh in 2003. Played over 300 times for City and was number 1 for their 2016 Cup and 2017 Double success. ..........................................

4 ROB SLEVIN

Bio: 21, Right-Back. ..........................................

Right-back who signed in December after spending five seasons at Cobh Ramblers making almost 90 first team appearances. ..........................................

5 HENRY OCHIENG

Bio: 21, Carrigaline, Centre-Back.. ........................................

Centre-back who joined last December from Waterford FC. He joined the Blues from UCC last summer and made 12 appearances in the 2019 campaign. ..........................................

7 DYLAN MCGLADE

Bio: 21, Redbridge, Centre-Back ........................................

A Kenyan U23 international, Ochieng joined in late January.

Part of the West Ham Academy before playing for Leyton Orient, Welwyn and Wingate & Finchley. .........................................

8 CIAN COLEMAN

Bio: 24, Dublin, Forward. ..........................................

Joined after Christmas from Blyth Spartans. Previously at Longford Town.

Was named in the 2019 PFAI First Division Team of the Year. ..........................................

10 DAIRE O’CONNOR

Bio: 23, Cork, Midfield. ..........................................

Began his career at City before moving to Cobh, Limerick and St Pats. Returned to Turner’s Cross last November after making 26 appearances for Pats. ..........................................

11 CORY GALVIN Bio: 23, Cork, Midfield. ..........................................

Signed from Waterford from Bray.

Previously played for Ipswich Town U18s, Cobh Ramblers and Cabinteely before his spell at the Carlisle Grounds. ..........................................

Bio: 22, Midfield ..........................................

Joined City from UCD at the start of 2019.

Made 29 Premier League apps last season and scored the winner for Cork against Dundalk last October. ..........................................

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3 ALAN BENNETT Bio: 38, Cork, Centre-Back. ..........................................

Experienced defender who won two full International caps in 2007. Began his career with Cork in 2000 before moving to England.

Returned in 2015. ..........................................

6 GEAROID MORRISSEY Bio: 28, Cork, Centre Midfield. ........................................

Has made over 300 appearances for Cork in two spells and also a season at Cambridge United.

Part of the Cork City 2017 Double Winning team. ..........................................

9 CONOR DAVIS Bio: 21, Dublin, Striker. ..........................................

Joined City from Derry City having joined from UCD in the summer transfer window. Scored 8 goals to help UCD win promotion in 2018. ..........................................

14 RONAN HURLEY Bio: 17, Donegal. .

Defender. ..........................................

Boyce made his U19 Ireland debut in the 1-0 defeat to Sligo last October. He made his League of Ireland debut in the 4-0 win over Cork City. ..........................................

PLAYER PROFILES 2020

CORK CITY

15 DARRAGH CROWLEY Bio: 19, Cork, Forward. ........................................

Signed his first professional contract with Cork City last summer while studying for his Leaving Certificate.

Made 12 appearances last season. .........................................

19 REYON DILLON Bio: 22, London, Forward. ........................................

Started his career at Crystal Palace and played most recently for Corinthian Casuals.

.........................................

22 DESHANE DALLING Bio: 21, England, Midfield. .........................................

Signed on loan from QPR. Made his professional debut in the 5-1 FA Cup win over Swansea just six weeks ago. Made his debut in the 1-0 defeat to Shelbourne. .........................................

29 BEINEON O’BRIEN WHITMARSH Bio: 19, Fermoy, Forward. ........................................

Signed his first professional contract last July. Made his debut against Finn Harps last May and scored his first goal in the 3-0 win over Sligo Rovers last July. ........................................

17 KYRON STABANA

16 ALEC BYRNE Bio: 20, Cork, Midfield. ..........................................

Signed his first professional deal with City back in early 2017 after graduating from the u17 and u19 teams after first playing for Carrigaline United. ..........................................

20 JOE REDMOND Bio: 20, Dublin.

Centre-Half. ........................................

Signed on loan from Birmingham until June 30th. He has been there since 2016 and is a regular for their U23 side and signed a new two year deal last July. ........................................

23 JOSEPH OLUWU

Bio: 21, Leicester, Defender ..........................................

Signed on loan from Wimbledon. Previous spells with Derby County and loans with Boston United and Tamworth. Five caps for England U17s. ..........................................

21 LIAM BOSSIN Bio: 23, Brussels, Goalkeeper. ........................................

Having played for White Star, he then joined Anderlecht.

Was capped for Ireland U19s. Played for Nottingham Forest’s U23 side most recently. ........................................

24 CIAN MURPHY

Bio: 20, Ibadan, Centre-Back. ........................................

Joined on loan from Arsenal ahead of the season start. Made his debut against Shelbourne. Has played at U23 level with Arsenal.

Bio: 19, Forward

........................................

........................................

31 CIAN BARGARY Bio: 19, Cork, Winger. ........................................

First joined City in 2017 and signed professionally last year. He made two appearances in the 2019 season. ........................................

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........................................

Signed professionally last July and extended for 2020.

Missed the majority of the 2019 season due to injury.

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

RETROSPECTIVE First Encounter V1 Cork City 4-2 Dundalk October 9th, 1938 Cork City FC replaced Cork FC to play in the League of Ireland between 19381940. They subsequently were replaced by Cork United. The first match between this incarnation of “City” and Dundalk was in the Shield at the Mardyke Sports Ground. City took the lead after 20 minutes when Miller scored from the penalty spot after a handball. Dundalk should have levelled within a few minutes when Joey Donnelly played “Lightning” Brown straight through on goal, but he shot wide of Foley’s goal. Connolly made it 2-0 to the hosts with a header before Murphy made it 3-0.

Donnelly scored from a direct free kick from 25 yards to reduce the deficit.

Davis scored a breakaway

goal to restore the threegoal advantage before Donnelly scored a great individual goal to complete the scoring.

City: Foley, Ross, Mullen, McGowan, O’Kane, Miller, Hughes, Murphy, Davis, Connolly, Carroll.

Dundalk: Tizzard, O’Neill, Hoey, Gaughran, Reid, Lunn, Morrow, McArdle, Byrne, Donnelly, Brown.

First Encounter V2 Dundalk 1-0 Cork City September 16th, 1984 The second version of Cork City FC were formed in 1984 and began their first league season at Oriel Park in the opening match of the 1984/85 season. It wasn’t a great start- their bus broke down on the way to the game and the game was delayed by thirty minutes.

The game itself was a poor affair. The only goal came in the 49th minute when shots

by John Cleary and Barry Kehoe were charged down but eventually the ball broke to Tom McNulty who scored from close range.

Dundalk: Blackmore, Nolan, McConville, Wright, Lawlor, Maher, McNulty, Kehoe, Cleary, Murray. Speake.

City: Mulcahy, Barry Neiland, Ashton, Madden, Curtin, Keane, Barry, Bleasdale, Crowley, Leahy, Tony Neiland. Subs: Woodruff for Barry.

Billy O’Neill

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1990s Classic Dundalk 3-0 Cork City 22nd September 1991 Both sides returned to domestic action a few days after representing the League of Ireland with distinction. Dundalk had travelled to Hungary to play Honved in the European Cup and returned with a 1-1 draw. Cork City had managed to hold the mighty Bayern Munich to a similar scoreline at Musgrave Park.

The match in Oriel Park was played in the midst of a swirling breeze that did it’s best to interrupt the flow of the match. Dundalk took the lead in the 16th minute when Brian Irwin produced a fine defence splitting pass that set up Tom McNulty to score from an acute angle.

The second arrived four minutes later. Irwin was instrumental again making a great run down the right and pulling the ball back to Terry Eviston who hit a magnificent wind-assisted 25 yard shot past Phil Harrington. The conditions played their part in the third Dundalk goal just before the break that completed the scoring for the day.

Dundalk won a free-kick on the left and Mick Shelley spotted that Harrington was off his line and was able to float the ball over his head as he struggled to recover his position.

Dundalk: O’Neill, Mackey,

Shelley, Murphy, Coll, McEvoy, McNulty, Brady, Hanrahan, Eviston, Irwin.

Subs: Purdy for Murphy, Johnston for Hanrahan.

City: Harrington, Murphy, Daly, Napier, Bannon, Conroy, Barry, Kenneally, McCabe, Morley. Caulfield.

Subs: Coughlan for McCabe.

Daly on the right-flank.

There was little danger, but Connor had another rush of blood and ran out of his goal to intercept. Daly got their first and hooked the ball over him to make it 2-0. Denis Behan scored a tremendous goal for City in the 81st minute but Dundalk’s defence stood firm.

City: Connor, Murphy, Murray, O’Halloran, Sullivan, Kiely, Healy, Lordan, Duggan, Silagalis, O’Connor. Subs: Kudozovic for O’Connor, O’Donnell for Lordan, Behan for O’Halloran.

Dundalk: Bennion, Coburn, Kelly, Burns, Heary, Daly, Turner, Rowe, O’Brien, Mansaram, Mulvenna. Subs: McGinley for Burns, Sinnott for Turner.

2010s Classic

Chris Turner

Cork City 1-1 Dundalk 17th September 2017

2000s Classic Cork City 1-2 Dundalk 19th June 2009 Two first half goals from Chris Turner and Michael Daly did the trick for Sean Connor’s side against title chasing Cork City at Turner’s Cross. It was a quiet match until the 34th minute when Dan Connor pole-axed Declan O’Brien while trying to gather a bouncing ball in the box.

Turner put Connor the wrong way from the spot.

Within a few minutes Shane Duggan was sent off for second bookable offence after kicking the ball away.

Then, with two minutes left in the half, Michael Coburn’s long pass was chased by

Cork City blew away all opposition in the 2017 by going unbeaten for 22 games at the start of the season. John Caulfield’s team effectively sealed the title as early as the 2nd June when Sean Maguire scored a hat-trick in Oriel Park in a 3-0 win. However, the needed one more win when Stephen Kenny’s team travelled down to Turner’s Cross for this Monday night match. A full-house of 6,983 were in attendance to witness City’s title success at the hands over the team that had denied them in three consecutive seasons.

It looked like the party was on after 20 minutes when Stephen Dooley crossed for

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Tom McNulty

Garry Buckley to force Gary Rogers into a save. The ball fell as far as Sean Hoare but his attempted clearance rebounded off Brian Gartland into the net in front of the shed. It stayed 1-0 until the 87th minute when Dundalk made sure the champagne was put back on ice. Dylan Connolly delivered a low cross into the path of Robbie Benson who drilled a shot past Mark McNulty. As a consequence, Cork needed to wait another month to win the title after two further draws.

City: McNulty, Keohane, Griffin, Delaney, Bennett, McCormack, Morrissey, Beattie, Sheppard, Buckley, Dooley.

Dundalk: Rogers, Gannon, Massey, Gartland, Hoare, Shields, Benson, Connolly, McMillan, McEleney, Duffy.

Subs: Grimes for Massey, O’Donnell for Shields, McGrath for Duffy.

On This Day: 85 Years Ago 24th February 1935 Dundalk 4-3 Drumcondra The Athletics Grounds on the Ramparts was the venue on this day 85 years ago as a Billy O’Neill hat-trick helped to give Dundalk a 4-3 win over Drums in this Free-State League encounter. With the match played in a downpour, Drums started off in a whirlwind fashion and took the lead within five minutes when Meehan scored. Dundalk got going soon afterwards and Craig Gaughran crossed for O’Neill score his first. O’Neill got his second just before the break and, soon after the restart, Joey Donnelly made it 3-1. Drums didn’t give up and Smith and Jordan scored to bring the game level. But with time running out Mickey Lennon set up O’Neill for the winner.

On This Day: 40 Years Ago 24th February 1980 Waterford United 2 Dundalk 0 A bad day for Jim McLaughlin’s team at Kilcohan Park as Dundalk’s 2-0 defeat cost them ground in the race for the title. Limerick’s win in Finn Harps on the same afternoon put Eoin Hand’s Blues 3 points clear at the top. On this day in Waterford Al Finucane, Ger O’Mahony and Tony Dunphy came out on top against the Dundalk strike force of Terry Harkin and Brian Duff. The goals came in the second half. The first was a Larry Murray penalty and the

Leo Flanagan

second a late effort by Syd Wallace. The Dundalk team that day was: Blackmore, McConville, Lawlor, Keely, Dunning, Flanagan, Byrne, Daly, Duff, Harkin, Braddish.

Subs: Mangan for Keely, Crawley for Duff.

bustling centre-forward Billy Wright set the scene in the opening minutes by crashing into Shamrock Rovers’ Dermot Keely in the opening minute.

Dundalk took the lead after seven minutes when Barry Kehoe’s corner was powerfully headed home past Jody Byrne by Mick Wright. Dundalk should have extended their lead and looked good for the win when King received his marching orders for a foul on Kehoe. However, Rovers grabbed an equaliser in the 80th minute when Mick Neville’s cross was bundled over the line by Jacko McDonagh. The Dundalk team that day was: Willie Byrne, McLoughlin, Lawlor, McConville, M Wright, Maher, McNulty, Kehoe, Cleary, B Wright, Laryea.

On This Day: 35 Years Ago 24th February 1985

On This Day: 10 Years Ago

Dundalk 1 Shamrock Rovers 1

24th February 2010

Noel King was sent off for Rovers and a match that boiled over on several occasions on this day 35 years ago. Dundalk’s

Ballymun United 0 Dundalk 2 On this day 10 years ago Ian Foster began his twoseason reign as Dundalk manager with a 2-0 win

Ciaran Kilduff

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David McMillan and Conor McCormack

over Ballymun United at Whitehall in the Leinster Senior Cup. Cork City manager Neale Fenn also made his debut for the club on this night. The goals were scored by Ross Gaynor and Billy Smith.

The team that night was Peter Cherrie, Shaun Kelly, Nathan Murphy, Liam Burns, Garry Breen, Alan Cawley, Stephen Maher, Ciaran McGuigan, Johnny Breen, Neale Fenn, Ross Gaynor.

Subs: Billy Smith and Wayne Hatswell.

On This Day: 3 Years Ago 24th February 2017 Dundalk 2 Shamrock Rovers 1 On this night three year ago Dundalk got their season off to a great start with a 2-1 win over Shamrock Rovers. Dundalk had lost Andy Boyle and Daryl Horgan in recent months and were also without Chris Shields, David McMillan, Gary Rogers and Sean Hoare – but another new signing did make his league debut with Michael Duffy showing plenty of what was

Robbie Benson ... Scores..!!

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to follow in the seasons ahead. Another three departing Dundalk players – Ronan Finn, Darren Meenan and Michael O’Connor – all featured for Stephen Bradley’s team. Dundalk had a lucky escape when Gabriel Sava’s clearance rebounded off O’Connor and into the net – but the referee judged that the striker had used an arm.

Dundalk took control and then the lead in the 32nd minute. Patrick McEleney and John Mountney linked up before setting Duffy away on the left side of the area. His cross was tapped home from close range

by Robbie Benson. It was 2-0 soon after the break when McEleney’s cross was powerfully headed home

by Ciaran Kilduff. Rovers pulled one back late on

by Graham Burke. The Dundalk team that night was: Sava, Gannon, Massey, Gartland, Barrett, O’Donnell, Mountney, Benson, Kilduff, McEleney, Duffy. Subs: Clifford for O’Donnell, Vemmelund for McEleney, McGrath for Duffy.

FROM THE ARCHIVES:

GET WITH THE PROGRAMME Cork Athletic v Dundalk 1950-51 The relevance: Dundalk have played numerous Cork teams over the years, so we look back on a couple of historic Cork clubs’ programmes.

The facts: Your threepence gets you an austere looking eight page programme.

The content: There’s great coverage of Athletics’ fixtures and stats, and three comprehensive pages of commentary. The programme includes the lyrics of a supporters’ song to be sung at the upcoming cup final!

A word from our sponsors: There’s just one full page ad featuring an awkward looking airborne salmon“I’m like a fish out of water without my Beamish”.

Famous names: Athletic feature Florrie Burke, goalkeeper Ned Courtney, Jack Lennox and Paddy O’Leary. The Dundalk line-up includes Leo McDonagh, Walter Durkan, Joe Ralph, Johnny Fearon and Terry Murray.

The match: Athletic ran out comfortable 5-1 winners (goals from Vaughan 2, O’Leary, Mahoney pen, and Cronin, and Ralph for Dundalk) to stay level with Sligo at the top with a game to go. They won the title by beating Waterford while Sligo dropped points at Transport, and completed the double beating Shels in the cup final.

Famous names: Dundalk line up with Christy Barron, Patsy McKeown and John Murphy, and Leo McDonagh and Joe Martin survive from the Cork Athletic match above. Celtic include the formidable forward duo of Austin Noonan and Donal Leahy among their ranks.

They scored no fewer than 47 league goals between them (in 22 games!).

The match: Dundalk and Celtic opened their Shield campaign with a point apiece after a 0-0 draw.

Celtic were pipped to the league title by Limerick and Dundalk finished fifth.

Dundalk v Cork Celtic 1959-60 Shield competition The relevance: Two Cork clubs for the price of one as Evergreen rebrand as Cork Celtic in August 1959, catching Dundalk’s printers on the hop!

The facts: Threepence buys a substantial feeling 20 pages.

The content: About 10 pages are dedicated to adverts, but there’s plenty of coverage of all aspects of the clubs and plenty of editorial content.

A word from our sponsors: Copious ads are dominated by local shops, pubs and businesses including the many local footwear companies- Rawson, Clarks and Blackthorn.

26

PLAYED FOR BOTH:

ANTO WHELAN As a schoolboy with St Joseph’s Boys, Anto was well used to success, winning League titles at each level from under-14 to youth.

He had also won the FAI Youths Cup and the prestigious Pepsi Cup—in addition he had International Youth caps. He spent his first Bohemians season with the reserves, winning the Reserve’s Player of the Year Award.

Debuting in September 1979 with Bohemians, he had made two appearances in European competition before signing for Manchester United in August 1980 for a fee of £30,000.

He made just one first team appearance at Old Traffic before returning to play with Shamrock Rovers for Jim McLaughlin’s first season at Milltown, in time to collect his first League Championship memento.

He moved to Cork City for the 1985-86 season where he played 22 games and scored four goals. A six-year spell with Shelbourne, from 1988 to 1994, brought plenty of silverware—League Championship in 199192 and the League-Cup Double in the following season.

When Dundalk manager Dermot Keely signed

centre-back Anto Whelan in the summer of 1994, there were mutterings among the fans—Whelan was 35 years of age and had almost 300 League games under his belt.

But Keely knew what he was getting—pure gold— and the delivery of the League Championship provided all the justifications required.

Good on both feet, he was comfortable in any of the back four or five positions.

Beginning the Dundalk season with a five-man defence, Whelan teamed up with James Coll and Mick Doohan but as confidence developed and the prospects of success grew stronger, Keely reverted to a flat back four. This released Doohan for a forward role while Coll and Whelan confidently steered the ship through the treacherous run-in to the finishing line

27

and to the momentous last day heroics against Galway at Oriel Park.

He stayed for an injuryinterrupted second season and after a season as player-manager with Drogheda United, helping them to a second place Division One promotion spot, he closed his career with another promotionwinning effort, calling a halt after seeing Bray promoted in the 1997-98 year, nearly 20 years after he had made his National League debut.

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TOLKA PARK REVIEW

SHELBOURNE 1-2 DUNDALK FC

Dundalk’s first league game at Tolka Park since 2013 ended in victory on Friday night as goals from Andy Boyle and Patrick Hoban sank Shels in the teeming rain.

Boyle opened the scoring against his old club when he found himself ideally placed at the far post to tap home after

Dane Massey flicked a Michael Duffy corner into his path.

Duffy was the provider for Dundalk’s second in the 43rd minute with Hoban’s glancing header whizzing past Shels goalkeeper Jack Brady.

Gary Deegan made a real game of it in the second half with a stunning effort but the Lilywhites dug in deep to

29 79

secure the win.

DUNDALK FC: Gary Rogers; Sean Gannon, Sean Hoare, Andy Boyle, Dane Massey; Chris Shields, Jordan Flores (Darragh Leahy 89); Cammy Smith (Daniel Kelly 58), Greg Sloggett, Michael Duffy (Brian Gartland 85); Patrick Hoban.

Subs not used: Aaron McCarey (GK), Will Patching, Daniel Cleary, Lido Lotefa.

FROM THE DUGOUT

VINNY PERTH I’d like to start by thanking everyone for their efforts in making ‘Daragh’s Day’ a huge success on the opening night of the season against Derry City. There was a very special feeling around the ground and I know Daragh’s family appreciated everything that was done. I’ve seen first-hand what Daragh meant to them and I hope that what we did might be able to help the family’s healing process in some way. What it did show, particularly with the extra support from the Derry City fans, is that football is a great tool for so much in life. I hope people enjoyed the occasion and the money that was raised for local autism services was brilliant and will go towards a great cause.

The support we had against Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Friday night was outstanding.

We sold out our allocation yet again but the special thing for me was the way the supporters got behind the team. At times the players needed it. Considering the conditions, I thought some of the football we played in the first half was our best in a long, long time and the level of professionalism and play from us on that pitch was outstanding. Twonil up at half time, we were well and truly on the road but their goal gave them energy and the whole ground a lift but the 11 players on the pitch and the 800 supporters behind us came through it. It was a fully deserved three points. What I did notice about Tolka Park, and it’s the same with Tallaght Stadium and Dalymount Park, is the council’s input into the ground. As I wrote last week, we need to talk to our local politicians. There are votes to be won at football clubs and the sooner we all work together to make our community stronger then the better it will be for society and football.

It’s been very noticeable over the last couple of weeks that being successful puts you right up there to be shot at. You can see

76 30

that with the overreaction to Liverpool’s performance against Atletico Madrid during the week. This is a brilliant Liverpool team but all people wanted to do in the days that followed was look for the negatives in their display. Atletico’s Diego Simeone is a brilliant coach, of that there is no doubt, but teaching a team to play defensive football is the easiest part of football. The hardest part is setting a team up to break those defences down.

We live in a world of negativity now. That’s been seen in many instances over the past couple of weeks. Before the season had even got underway, one local journalist wrote that people were staying away from Oriel Park because of the ground. I didn’t see that last week at the Derry game and the facts certainly don’t back that up because our season ticket sales continue to grow. Just look at the number of people behind us in Tolka on Friday night. What I see is people supporting our club and getting behind this team.

We then had to listen to a so-called pundit saying that our team is ageing and that we are still in the shadow of other teams and other people. Once you see that stuff, it makes you realise that people are looking for headlines as opposed to facts. We have players like Daragh Leahy, who is 21, Will Patching, 21, Greg Sloggett, 23, Daniel Kelly, 22, Daniel Cleary, 23, Cammy Smith, 23, Stefan Colovic, 25 just to name a few. It should make you question what you listen to.

We also had an agent, who is obviously disappointed with me and the club for not signing one of his players, taking the liberty of using the national newspaper that he writes for to do a two-page spread effectively criticising Dundalk and our budget! We live in a petty world. People say that Dundalk are great because of our

budget but the truth is Dundalk are great because we have great people at the club. In 2016, a back five of Rogers, Gannon, Gartland, Boyle, Massey - with Shields in front of them - put this club on the map in Europe. That’s what we were built on. That wasn’t down to resources or finance, that was down to brilliant people and those brilliant people are still part of a club that continues to grow and reinvest. Those players deserve the highest standards that we can afford to give them and the facilities in the YDC, for example, is part of their rewards for that European run in 2016.

My simple message is be careful of where you get your information from. The world of media - and social media - is toxic so be careful who you listen to and be careful who you read because it’s such a negative world. I believe in positivity and making the very best of what you have. With that in mind, I looked at Tolka Park on Friday night and the ground being sold out and the look of delight on the faces of people who have been supporting Shelbourne to see them back in the Premier Division. I didn’t look at the negatives of two

stands being condemned and not in use. That’s old school. Let’s move on and think positively about ourselves and our league.

Finally, I would like to wish Cork City the very best this season. They have been rivals for many years now and have helped to push us onto the next level. Because of the changes at the club, there is no doubt that Neale Fenn has a difficult job but Cork City is a brilliant club and one that the League of Ireland should one proud of. They will make it hard for a lot of teams this season and I look forward to this evening’s challenge. I’d also like to wish all of their supporters who make the trip up a safe journey home. It’s not easy being in Dublin on a Friday night and then Dundalk on a Monday and I have sympathy for them but we have the prospect of a great game of football ahead of us. I want our supporters to sing loud and sing proud because we’re the champions of Ireland.

We should never forget that and we don’t want anyone to take that away from us.

Enjoy the game.

Vinny Perth

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TOLKA PARK REVIEW

PATRICK HOBAN

Dundalk striker Patrick Hoban hailed the travelling support who got behind the Lilywhites in Friday night’s 2-1 win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

Despite the miserable weather, around 800 Dundalk fans made the journey to Drumcondra and they were rewarded as goals from Hoban and Andy Boyle secured the champions a hard-fought win.

“The support was brilliant,” said Hoban. “On a night like that it was great to see.

Hearing them singing and cheering us on really gave us a lift. They were fantastic and hopefully they all got home safe and sound and happy with the win.”

Boyle set Dundalk on their way with a close-range finish before Hoban opened his

account for the season with a glancing 43rd-minute header from a Michael Duffy free-kick.

“From my point of view, I’m buzzing to get off the mark with the goal,” he said.

“We had a free-kick about 10 minutes before it and I was meant to be in that position but I ended up going somewhere else for different reasons.

“When the second free came around, I said I was going to go where the first one ended up and luckily enough I was there to score! It was great to get a two-goal lead going into half time and I think we did enough just to win the game.”

Gary Deegan’s piledriver hauled Shels back into the game after the break but with the conditions deteriorating even further as the game wore on, Dundalk held firm to see

32 78

it out.

“Considering the state of the pitch, I thought we played some decent stuff in the firsthalf but in the second nobody could keep their footing,” said Hoban.

“It ruined the game really and there wasn’t much quality. It was just a battle and thankfully we came through.

It shows the different qualities we have. Not only can we play pretty football, we can also show the other side to that too.

“No matter how you do it, a win is worth three points and we now have six on the board even though there is still an awful lot more to come from us,” he added. “We’re on the right path and we just have to make sure we keep it going now, starting with tonight’s match with Cork City.”

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2009-2019

PREMIER DIVISION REVIEW Part TWO of the extensive compilation of information covering the last 11 years.

Crosses Dundalk scored 161 goals following a cross in open play. This reached its height in 2018 when 26 goals came from crosses.

Overall, the top five assists from crosses came from:

1

Michael Duffy

19

2

Sean Gannon

17

3

Dane Massey

16

4

Daryl Horgan

11

5

Patrick McEleney

10

30 January 2020; Michael Duffy during the Jim Malone Cup match

Through-Balls There is nothing better than a defence splitting pass that leaves a forward player in a one on one situation with the goalkeeper.

Dundalk have scored 100 goals from such an assist (must present a clear sight of goal with only goalkeeper to beat) since 2009.

The top five providers of through-balls are:

1

Jamie McGrath

9

2

Daryl Horgan

8

3

Michael Duffy

6

=

Ronan Finn

6

=

David McMillan

6

2 September 2019; Jamie McGrath during the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match between Sligo Rovers and Dundalk 34

Corner Assists This category of assists is dominated by two players. Darren Meenan assisted 21 goals from corner kicks. Michael Duffy has done so on 13 occasions.

Opposition Stats From Stanley Aborah to Eamon Zayed, 934 players have played against Dundalk in these 11 seasons. The top ten stats are.

The Top Ten appearances against Dundalk Are:

1

Ian Bermingham

34

2

David Webster

33

3

Gary McCabe

32

4

Brendan Clarke

31

5

Aaron Greene

29

6

Ger Doherty

28

=

Derek Pender

28

8

Raffaele Cretaro

27

=

Billy Dennehy

27

=

Conor Kenna

27

Ian Bermingham

Top Goalscorers Gary Twigg has scored more goals than anybody else against Dundalk in this period with 14 goals. Following him is Jason Byrne with 9 goals.

Clean Sheets Brendan Clarke has kept the most clean sheets against us with 9 shut-outs in his 31 appearances. Our own Gary Rogers is next having kept 8 clean sheets in 20 appearances against us.

Cards 8 players have been booked 8 times against Dundalk in this period. They are Gary McCabe, Gavin Peers, Killian Brennan, Garry Buckley, Greg Bolger, Alan McNally and Kenny Browne.

It’s no surprise who is on top if the red card charts with both Killian Brennan and Conor McCormack being sent off on three occasions.

Eric Foley, Gary McCabe, Conor Kenna, Ger O’Brien, Ian Bermingham, Brian Shortall and Thomas Byrne have been sent off against us twice.

Gary Twigg 35

NATIONAL FOOTBALL EXHIBITION

LAUNCH NIGHT

L-R: Stephen Staunton, Niall Quinn, Stephen Kenny and Ray Houghton

Former Dundalk FC manager Stephen Kenny and hometown hero Stephen Staunton were two of the big names at the launch of the National Football Exhibition in the County Museum on February 13th.

The museum was packed to the rafters for the opening of the exhibition which celebrates the history of Irish football, along with 60 years of the European Championships.

Kenny and Staunton were joined on stage by FAI deputy interim CEO Niall Quinn and National Football Exhibition ambassador Ray Houghton for an entertaining Q&A. Speaking at the event, Quinn said: “The National Football Exhibition is a hugely positive

initiative as part of the 60th year celebrating the European Championships and it is a real thrill to be here to celebrate football in Dundalk and across Louth.

“I am delighted to be asked to celebrate the opening of this leg of the exhibition and proud to stand again beside friends and former teammates in Steve Staunton and Ray Houghton, as well as Stephen Kenny, a man who has contributed so much to football in Dundalk and nationally.

“I would urge as many fans as possible to get down to the County Museum over the coming weeks as it’s a hugely impressive Exhibition and one which will inspire and interest the next generation of football and sports fans throughout

36 56

the area.”

The Football Association of Ireland, Dublin City Council and The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport have joined forces to create a National Football Exhibition as part of the build up to Ireland’s Aviva Stadium playing host to four matches in the UEFA EURO 2020 Championship in June.

The exhibition runs until February 29th. Opening times are as follows: Tuesday – Friday: 10am–5pm; Saturday–Sunday: 10am–1pm & 2pm–5pm. Please note that the museum is closed on Mondays.

Download the National Football Exhibition App from the App Store or Google Play Store for additional information.

Ray Houghton shares a joke with Nicky McCourt and Tony O’Kane at the exhibition

Niall Quinn, pictured with Dundalk FC COO Martin Connolly and chairman Bull Hulsizer

37 57

NATIONAL FOOTBALL EXHIBITION

STEPHEN KENNY

Stephen Kenny talks to Dundalk FC’s Gavin McLaughlin

Former Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny was on familiar ground at the launch of the National Football Exhibition in the County Museum recently.

Gavin McLaughlin caught up with the soon-to-be Irish boss.

GMCL: Stephen, that was an enjoyable night. What do you make of the exhibition?

SK: It’s great and it’s great to have it in Dundalk. The history of Irish football is fascinating, very intriguing, and you can see how different teams and players can influence different eras of people. It’s brilliant that grandfathers, right down to sons and daughters, can all look back at different stages of the history.

GMCL: This time next year you’ll become part of that history.

SK: Yeah, and that will be a tremendous privilege. Its a great honour to be involved

with your country.

GMCL: The last time I interviewed you was at the Aviva Stadium in November 2018 when you were confirmed as the U21 manager. Things have gone really well for you and the team since, probably better than you ever could have imagined?

SK: Yeah, in one year we played 12 competitive internationals. In that time, we’ve played Brazil, Mexico, who won a gold medal at the last Olympics, twice, China, Bahrain, Sweden twice and a great Italian team. I’ve learned so much about international

58 38

football, the 10-day camps and how they work, having two games in the space of 10 days and how to prepare best and peak at the right time. It has been challenging but I’ve really enjoyed it.

GMCL: For the first time, probably ever, the Irish U21 team seems to have caught the imagination of the wider public. The Italy game in Tallaght last October sold out which has never happened before.

SK: Yeah, we sold that game out three weeks in advance.

The on disappointing thing is that the upcoming game with Iceland on March 26th is

L-R: Niall Quinn, Stephen Kenny and Ray Houghton

on a Thursday night at 5pm.

If it was on the Friday, we’d have sold it out but it’s a 5pm kick-off on a Thursday. I hope people come along.

GMCL: You’ve been back to Oriel Park on a few occasions. You must have been impressed with how well Vinny Perth did in his first season in the hot seat.

SK: Yeah, Vinny did brilliant last season. There’s a great backroom team there of Ruaidhri Higgins, John Gill, Steve Williams, Danny Miller and David Connolly, they’re great people and there’s great people throughout the club. The players have

a tremendous mentality.

Experienced players like Stephen O’Donnell have moved on but the likes of Brian Gartland, Dane Massey and Chris Shields have assumed that mantle. They lead by example by setting good habits, how you prepare, how you train and that’s the nature of the players at the club.

GMCL: You mention Chris Shields, he’s heading for 10 years at the club after signing a new contract.

SK: Chris deserves a testimonial. You don’t often get 10 years at a club in Ireland. It’s absolutely

59 39

tremendous.

GMCL: Finally, you also mentioned Stephen O’Donnell who was a great captain for Dundalk. Did you always expect him to become a manager?

SK: He’s a natural leader but you have to learn about management and Stephen has gone straight in. He’s 34 now and I’ve no problem with somebody starting young. Age shouldn’t be a concern. I won a league title with Bohemians when I was 30! Management is tough but he’s at a good club with St Patrick’s Athletic who will give him lots of backing and I’m sure he will do fine.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL EXHIBITION

STEPHEN STAUNTON

With 102 caps, three appearances at the World Cup and an English league title, FA Cup and League Cup winners medal to his name, there is no denying that Stephen Staunton is Dundalk’s most famous son. The 51-year-old was a special guest at the launch of the National Football Exhibition in the County Museum recently and Gavin McLaughlin caught up with the former Irish captain and manager on his return to the town he loves so well….

Stephen Staunton

60 40

GMCL: Stephen, it’s great to see you in Dundalk. How does it feel to be back?

SS: It’s always great to get back to town. We were over for the Six Nations rugby game with Wales and I was asked if I’d be around to come to this. Any excuse for me to come home! It’s a great honour and it’s great for the town to have the exhibition and all of that memorabilia here in the museum.

ball boy the last time we had success in Europe back in the seventies and it’s lovely to see it again. What makes me proud is that everybody around the town is wearing Dundalk coats, jackets and jerseys with the crest on show.

When I was growing up it was Liverpool, Manchester United and Celtic tops so it’s a massive thing that all the locals are wearing Dundalk gear with that sort of pride.

“

long?

SS: No, but I’ll never forget a certain Ronnie Whelan telling me when I was 19 or 20 that before I kew it, it would be over. He was bloody right too!

I’m still here, though, and I’m so proud of the part I played in the Irish story. Jack Charlton did some amazing work, Mick McCarthy continued that on and Stephen Kenny will hopefully keep that going when he comes in.

GMCL: Niall Quinn is also here. He’s after coming in at a difficult time for What makes me proud is that Irish football. How do everybody around the town is you think he’ll do in his wearing Dundalk coats, jackets and new role with the FAI. jerseys with the crest on show. When SS: Niall will be fine.

I was growing up it was Liverpool, There’s a lot of work Manchester United and Celtic tops so to be done and a lot of it’s a massive thing that all the locals things need to be sorted are wearing Dundalk gear with that out but if you wanted sort of pride.

GMCL: The last time I something to be fixed, spoke to you in Dundalk you couldn’t get a better STEPHEN STAUNTON was back in 2010 when person in this country you sat beside the late than Niall Quinn.

Tommy McConville at the GMCL: When people in Crowne Plaza to launch a England Googled the words GMCL: Finally, it must fill you Dundalk Legends v Liverpool ‘Dundalk’ and ‘football’ I’m with real pride seeing your Legends game. Dundalk FC sure you would have been at Irish jersey on display in your has changed immeasurably the top of many lists but that own home town. since then. What have you European run in 2016 really SS: That’s it. I’m very proud made of what has happened put the town and the club on and I’m just glad I was a part at the club over the last seven the football map. of it. It’s great for the people years?

SS: 100%. When you’re with of Dundalk to see but to SS: It’s fantastic. The an English club you’d look actually be a part of that great previous owners, Andy at League of Ireland teams Irish football era is something Connolly and Paul Brown, and think ‘we’re only playing that I can’t really put into brought the club out of the a small club’ but everybody words. We had a fantastic time doldrums from where they who watched that team could and, let’s be honest about it, were. Financially, we knew the see that Dundalk not only it was the best in Irish history, club wasn’t in a great place played brilliant football but first of all getting to Euro 88 but what they did by bringing winning football. The club is and then the three World in Stephen Kenny, and the in a great spot and hopefully Cups. I was very fortunate to success that followed, means Vinny can maintain the be part of that whole time it has been a real rollercoaster. success he had last year. and to have two managers Last year, Vinny Perth came involved who wanted me in in and he has just continued GMCL: It’s 18 years since you the side. It was a great honour what Stephen did before him. retired from the international for me. I was in the right place It’s absolutely fantastic and set-up after the World Cup in at the right time and I was a long-time coming. I was a 2002. Can you believe it’s that aided by a little bit of ability.

GMCL: Do you get back to Dundalk much?

SS: I try and get back as much as possible. All the family are still here, my mother, my brothers and sister and all of their families. I love coming home.

61 41

Light Up Your Nights

SSE Airtricity League

#LightUpYourNights

ONE-ON-ONE WITH...

ANDY BOYLE Andy Boyle was a raw 21-year-old when Stephen Kenny signed him from Shelbourne ahead of the 2013 campaign. Seven years on, with four league titles, a spell in the UK and a Republic of Ireland cap to his name, the Lilywhites centre-back sat down with Dundalk FC Magazine’s Gavin McLaughlin to talk squad rotation, his return to peak fitness and the season ahead.

B

oyle and Gartland?

Gartland and Hoare?

Cleary and Gartland?

Hoare and Boyle? Cleary and Boyle? Cleary and Hoare? If you asked 100 Dundalk fans to pick their number one defensive partnership, you could easily get 100 different answers.

For decades, it was stressed that a successful football team was built on a tried and trusted centre-back partnership but Dundalk’s 2019 campaign defied logic with Sean Hoare (28 league appearances), Daniel Cleary (23), Brian Gartland (22) and Andy Boyle (8) all rotated on a nearweekly basis. Disruption was minimal with Dundalk conceding just 18 goals in 36 matches.

“We have real competition in that centre-back area and it’s hard to know who is the best,” said Vinny Perth last October.

“We rotate because we don’t believe there is a ‘first-team’ in the squad. We weren’t able to do

it over the years and it’s not just a case of me being a tinker man.

It’s because of the quality we have in the group.”

Squad rotation is something of a new phenomenon for Boyle.

The Dubliner was a key figure in the Dundalk side that won three league titles on the spin between 2014 and 2016 with his performances earning him a place on the PFAI Premier Division Team of the Year in each of those campaigns.

Incredibly, Boyle missed just three league games in that spell and his partnership with Gartland will be remembered in these parts as one of the best of all time. In hindsight, it was no surprise that Dundalk struggled to readjust when he departed for Preston North End at the end of the European odyssey in 2016.

Things were a little bit different when he returned from the UK last summer. Instead of slotting back in alongside his old partner, the 28-year-old found himself

44 72

45 73

ONE-ON-ONE WITH...

ANDY BOYLE

Andy Boyle, left, and former Dundalk teammate Daryl Horgan on press duty for the Republic of Ireland in 2016

in a four-man tussle with the club captain and two of the brightest centre-backs the league has produced in some time. Instead of sulking, however, the former UCD and Shelbourne star has embraced the challenge.

“It’s just the way football is these days,” Boyle told the Dundalk FC Magazine. “Every big club in the world has a massive squad nowadays. It is a little bit different to my first spell at the club when I’d play every week but there are four quality central defenders here and that’s just the way it is.

“There’s real, proper competition for places, not just in defence but in every position throughout the squad, and It must be a real headache for the manager trying to pick the team and decide who to leave out each week.”

One of the only positives of the dysfunctional League of Ireland fixture schedule is that it allows players to get back on the horse quickly.

This week is a good case in point with tonight’s game coming just 72 hours after Dundalk played Shelbourne at Tolka Park. It would be no surprise if all four players were rotated across the two matches.

“The fixture list is something we can talk about another day but there are so many games coming up that if you aren’t playing in one, you know that there’s another one just coming around the corner and that’s a good thing,” said Boyle.

“I know it’s an old cliche but you just have to be ready to go when you’re called upon,” he added. “It’s important to try and do yourself justice and

74 46

to make sure you do enough to stay in the team but even then the team can sometimes be picked for the second game so it doesn’t matter what you do!” he smiled.

The 2020 campaign is an important one for Boyle. After deciding to come home, he featured in all six of Dundalk’s European games last summer but the wear and tear of playing for 18 months on the trot meant he struggled to reach peak fitness.

“It’s tough when you come back here in the summer after a full season in England or Scotland because mentally your mind is thinking about a break and physically you do need a break,” he said.

“I was able to go away to Dubai for a few days before I came back to Dundalk and I had a personal trainer out there with me every day. That

REUNITED! Brian Gartland and Andy Boyle, pictured before last July’s game with Derry City

meant I was ready to play in Europe and I was thrown straight in at half-time against Riga when Shields went off with that facial injury.

“I started both games against Qarabag and Slovan Bratislava but after playing right through for almost a year-and-a-half I started to pick up little niggles so it was important that I had a rest, both mentally and physically, at the end of the season,” he said.

Now, after recharging the batteries over the winter and

with a full, uninterrupted preseason behind him, Boyle is hoping to recapture the form that won him an international cap against Iceland back in March 2017.

“I took a couple of weeks off and went on holiday but when I got back before Christmas I was flat out,” he said. “The strength and conditioning coach and the physios gave me a lot of stuff to do and I worked hard on it. Pre-season went well and I’m feeling good.”

Boyle and Cleary were

75 47

selected against Derry City on the opening night of the season but only Vinny Perth knows who will start against Neale Fenn’s side this evening.

One way or the other, Boyle is happy to roll with it.

“It’s disappointing if you don’t play but you have to remember that the fixtures are going to come thick and fast and like this week, we had a game Friday and again tonight. You just have to put your disappointment behind you for the greater good of the club.”

CLUB NEWS:

SUPPORTER LIAISON TEAM As part of a wide-ranging review of club operations, Dundalk Football Club are seeking interested candidates to form a new Supporter Liaison Team.

The aim of this voluntary team, that will be led by a Supporter Liaison Officer (SLO), will be to build and maintain dialogue between Dundalk supporters and the club itself.

The club will work with the SLO team to develop the roles and responsibilities of this group as the season progresses. Initially, the SLO team will be work with the club in the following areas: • Develop a forum to discuss all relevant areas affecting the club and supporters.

This will include security, travel and ticketing arrangements.

• Be able to gather feedback from supporters and identify key issues of concern.

• Assist the club in communicating important information to supporters and the local community.

• Establish and maintain communications with SLOs at other clubs.

Specific Requirements • You must be a passionate Dundalk FC supporter!

• You must have a knowledge of the club’s heritage and have your finger on the pulse of supporter opinions.

• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• At least 18 years of age.

How to register your interest E-mail slo@dundalkfc.com with a short account of why you think you are suitable candidate for this team and we will be in touch!

Supporter Liaison Team

w of club operations, Dundalk 48

Champions of Ireland, we know what we are.

Dundalk FC Advert 2020_ Grandson Design Studio.indd 1

grandson.ie

11/02/2020 14:35

2020 SEASON

TEAM SPONSORS Born: 25 Sept 81 Ex-clubs: Drogheda Utd, Dublin City, Bray Wanderers, Galway, St Patrick’s Athletic, Sligo Rovers

Home Sponsor Haughey’s Pharmacy

Away Sponsor Available

Born: 11 Jul 91 Ex-clubs: St Kevin’s Boys, Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic

Home Sponsor Paddy Fitzpatrick

Born: 15 Mar 94 Ex-clubs: Castleknock Celtic, Home Farm, Shelbourne, St Patrick’s Athletic

Away Sponsor Home Sponsor Bellurgan Precision Bellurgan Precision Engineering Engineering

Away Sponsor Derek Pepper

Home Sponsor Sing Li

Away Sponsor Available

Born: 04 Oct 95 Ex-clubs: Wigan Athletic, Blackpool, Chesterfield, AFC Fylde, Ostersund

Home Sponsor Padraig McGowan

Born: 22 Feb 93 Ex-clubs: Kiltimagh / Knock Utd, Ballina Town, Mervue Utd

Home Sponsor Eamonn Laverty

Born: 03 Jul 96 Ex-clubs: UCD, Derry City

Away Sponsor Aislinn & Erin Farrelly

54 50

Away Sponsor James Rogers

Born: 28 Jul 91 Ex-clubs: Mervue U (twice), Bristol City, Clevedon T (loan), Dundalk, Oxford U, Stevenage (loan), Grimsby T (loan), Mansfield T Home Sponsor Lumper’s Bar

Away Sponsor Gerry & Verona Lennon

12 GEORGIE KELLY

Born: 26 Sep 92 Ex-clubs: Sunderland, Derry City, Dundalk, Oldham Athletic

Home Sponsor Brian & Neil McQuillan

Away Sponsor Kaylon & Sean Cunningham

9 PATRICK HOBAN

11 PATRICK MCELENEY

10 GREG SLOGGETT

Home Sponsor Dean Arrowsmith

Born: 27 Dec 90 Ex-clubs: St Francis, Bray Wanderers

Born: 28 Jul 94 Ex-clubs: Derry City, Celtic, Alloa Athletic (Loan), Dundee (loan)

Away Sponsor Sing Li

Born: 04 Nov 86 Ex-clubs: Bray Wanderers, Shelbourne, Monaghan Utd, Portadown

6 JORDAN FLORES

8 JOHN MOUNTNEY

7 MICHAEL DUFFY

Home Sponsor David & Daniel Humphries

Away Sponsor Tommy Kelly Fan Club

5 CHRIS SHIELDS

4 SEAN HOARE

Home Sponsor The McCabe Family

3 BRIAN GARTLAND

2 SEAN GANNON

1 GARY ROGERS

Away Sponsor Derek Pepper

Born: 12 Nov 96 Ex-clubs: Derry City, UCD

Home Sponsor Away Sponsor Lucy Toal & Gavin Paul & Niall Brown Kelly

IF YOU WISH TO SPONSOR AN AVAILABLE PLAYER, PLEASE CONTACT ORIEL PARK. EMAIL office@dundalkfc.com CALL 042 93 35894

16 SEAN MURRAY

15 DARRAGH LEAHY

14 DANE MASSEY

Born: 15 Apr 98 Ex-clubs: Coventry City, Nuneaton Borough (loan), Bohemians

Born: 17 Apr 88 Ex-clubs: Bray Wanderers

Home Sponsor Cillian/Anita/ Mary/Olivia

Away Sponsor James Scully

Away Sponsor Jade Taaffe

Home Sponsor James Leahy

Born: 18 Oct 98 Ex-clubs: Man City, Notts County

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Born: 14 Jan 92 Ex-clubs: Monaghan Utd, Wolverhampton Wanders, Telford, York City, Portsmouth, Bury, Ross County, Warrenpoint Town Home Sponsor Available

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Born: 21 May 96 Ex-clubs: Bohemian FC, Bray Wanderers, St Pats CY, Crumlin United

Home Sponsor Nicky McCourt

Away Sponsor Brendan & Saoirse Kelly

Away Sponsor The Hughes Family

Home Sponsor Derek Pepper

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Born: 7 Mar 91 Ex-clubs: Crumlin Utd, UCD, Shelbourne, Preston North End, Doncaster Rovers, Dundee, Ross County

Home Sponsor Highbury Concrete

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VINNY

RUAIDHRI

JOHN

PERTH

HIGGINS

GILL

Assistant Head Coach

First Team Coach

Manager

Home Sponsor Gerry McNamee

Born: 9 Mar 96 Ex-clubs: Liverpool, Birmingham City, Solihull Motors (loan)

Born: 24 Aug 95 Ex-clubs: Aberdeen, Dundee United, St Mirren

Home Sponsor Available

Away Sponsor Niall MacClancy

44 ANDY BOYLE

23 CAMMY SMITH

27 DANIEL KELLY

Home Sponsor Shane Taaffe

21 DANIEL CLEARY

20 AARON MCCAREY

18 WILL PATCHING

Born: 11 Oct 93 Ex-clubs: Watford, Wigan Athletic, Swindon Town, Colchester United, Vejle BK

Away Sponsor Dermot Hanratty

Home Sponsor Available

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55 51

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x

FAIC: Extra.ie FAI Cup UCL: UEFA Champions League UEL: UEFA Europa League EASC: EA Sports (League) Cup LSC: Leinster Senior Cup PRC: President’s Cup UUCC: Unite the Union Champions Cup TOTAL APPS/GOALS (excl. friendlies)

52

x x

Jordan FLORES

Michael DUFFY

John MOUNTNEY

Patrick HOBAN

6

7

8

9

t u u n

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12 George KELLY

Chris SHIELDS 5

u u n

11 Patrick McELENEY

Seán HOARE

W

4

1-0

Brian GARTLAND

Res. 7-1 W 1-2 L 0-2 L 2-0 W 2-1 W 0-1 L

3

K-O 7:45 5:00 4:00 7:45 7:30 7:45 PP 7:45 7:45 7:45 8:00 8:00 tbd 7:45 7:45 7:45 7:45 7:45 tbd 7:45 7:45 7:45 7:45 7:45 tbd 7:45 7:45 7:45 7:45 7:45 7:45 7:45 tbd tbd 8:00 8:00 7:45 tbd tbd 7:45 tbd tbd 7:45 tbd 7:45 tbd tbd tbd tbd 7:45 tbd 7:45 tbd 7:45 tbd 7:45 tbd 7:45 7:45 7:45 7:45 tbd

Seán GANNON

Opponents UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN CFR Cluj CSKA Moskva DROGHEDA UNITED Crusaders LONGFORD TOWN SHAMROCK ROVERS DERRY CITY Shelbourne CORK CITY Shamrock Rovers Finn Harps tbd [R1] SAINT PATRICK’S ATHLETIC Bohemians WATERFORD Sligo Rovers Derry City tbd [R2] SHELBOURNE Cork City SHAMROCK ROVERS FINN HARPS Saint Patrick’s Athletic tbd [QF] BOHEMIANS Waterford SLIGO ROVERS Bohemians DERRY CITY Shelbourne CORK CITY [QR1 DRAW] [QR2 DRAW] Shamrock Rovers Finn Harps SAINT PATRICK’S ATHLETIC tbd [QR1] tbd [QR1] WATERFORD [QR3 DRAW] tbd [QR2] Sligo Rovers tbd [QR2] Derry City tbd [SF] tbd [QR3] tbd [R1] tbd [QR3] SHELBOURNE tbd [R2] Cork City tbd [QF] SHAMROCK ROVERS tbd [F] FINN HARPS tbd [SF] Saint Patrick’s Athletic BOHEMIANS Waterford SLIGO ROVERS tbd [F] xLGE: SSE Airtricity League

2

Comp.

Frie Frie Frie Frie Frie Frie PRC LGE LGE LGE LGE LGE EASC LGE LGE LGE LGE LGE EASC LGE LGE LGE LGE LGE EASC LGE LGE LGE LGE LGE LGE LGE UCL UCL LGE LGE LGE UCL UCL LGE UCL UCL LGE UCL LGE EASC UCL FAIC UCL LGE FAIC LGE FAIC LGE EASC LGE FAIC LGE LGE LGE LGE FAIC

Gary ROGERS H/A H N* N* H A H H H A H A A H A H A A H A H H A H A H A H A H A A H H A A H A H H A H A H N H

1 Date Fri 17 Jan Wed 22 Jan Fri 24 Jan Thu 30 Jan Mon 03 Feb Tue 04 Feb Sun 09 Feb Fri 14 Feb Fri 21 Feb Mon 24 Feb Fri 28 Feb Fri 06 Mar Mon 09 Mar Fri 13 Mar Fri 20 Mar Fri 27 Mar Sat 04 Apr Fri 10 Apr Mon 13 Apr Fri 17 Apr Mon 20 Apr Fri 24 Apr Mon 27 Apr Fri 01 May Mon 04 May Fri 08 May Fri 15 May Fri 22 May Mon 25 May Fri 29 May Fri 5 Jun Fri 12 Jun Mon 16 Jun Tue 17 Jun Fri 26 Jun Mon 29 Jun Fri 03 Jul Wed 08 Jul Wed 15 Jul Fri 17 Jul Mon 20 Jul Wed 22 Jul Sat 25 Jul Wed 29 Jul Fri 31 Jul Mon 03 Aug Wed 05 Aug Fri 07 Aug Tue 11 Aug Fri 14 Aug Fri 14 Aug Fri 28 Aug Fri 28 Aug Fri 11 Sep Sat 12 Sep Fri 18 Sep Fri 25 Sep Fri 02 Oct Fri 09 Oct Fri 16 Oct Fri 23 Oct Sun 01 Nov xApps/Goals

10 Greg SLOGGETT

TEAMSTATISTICS

2020 SEASON MATCH DATA

t n t u

u1

n

u

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44 Andy BOYLE

29

28 Lido LOTEFA

27 Daniel KELLY

26

25

24

23 Cameron SMITH

22

u u u u

33 Taner DOGAN

u1 tu

21 Daniel CLEARY

20 Aaron McCAREY

19

t

18 Will PATCHING

t

33 Gabriel SAVA

u

17 Cameron DUMMIGAN

t1 u

16 Seán MURRAY

15 Darragh LEAHY

14 Dane MASSEY u t n n n

t n

u

t

l

n

Standings Team Bohemians

Pld W 1 1

D 0

L 0

F 1

A 0

+/- Pts 1 3

Cork City Derry City

1 1

1 1

0 0

0 0

1 1

0 0

1 1

3 3

DUNDALK Finn Harps St Patrick’s Athletic Shamrock Rovers Shelbourne

1 1 1 1 1

1 1 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0

0 0 1 1 1

1 1 0 0 0

0 0 1 1 1

1 1 -1 -1 -1

3 3 0 0 0

Sligo Rovers

1

0

0

1

0

1

-1

0

Waterford 1 0 0 1 0 1 -1 0 Note: Data correct until Thursday 20 February 2020 (11pm)

Fixtures Date Mon 24 Feb

Match Bohemians v Sligo Rovers Dundalk v Cork City St Patrick’s Athletic v Derry City Waterford v Shamrock Rovers Finn Harps v Shelbourne (8:00) Note: Kick-offs are 7:45 unless otherwise stated Statistics Goals scored Total goals 5 (average: 1.00) Home goals 2 (average: 0.40) Away goals 3 (average: 0.60) Results Home wins 2 (40%) Draws 0 (0%) Away wins 3 (60%) Over/Under 2.5 goals Over 0 (0%) Under 5 (100%) Note: Players: Squad numbers not used in pre-season matches Starting: n / Not used: l / Player in: t / Player out: u / Captain: © Order of substitutions: 1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5 and subsequent Goals: Listed by quantity (1, 2, 3, etc) Venue (H/A): N: Aviva Stadium, Dublin H*: Tallaght Stadium, Dublin Other player/venue data Wed 22 Jan: Dundalk 1-2 CFR Cluj N*: Played at Oliva Nova, Spain Fri 24 Jan: Dundalk 0-2 CSKA Moskva N*: Played at Hotel Campoamor, Spain Thu 30 Jan: Dundalk 2-0 Drogheda United t Mark Hanratty t Andrew Quinn Mon 03 Feb: Crusaders 1-2 Dundalk t Mark Hanratty t Ronan Kilkenny t Jamie Wynne l Jamie Barry Tue 04 Feb: Dundalk 0-1 Longford Town u Josh Gatt t Mark Hanratty t Jamie Wynne t Val Adedokun t Andrew Quinn t Ronan Kilkenny l Jamie Barry

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53

0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0

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0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0

�

0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0 0/0

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE FIGURES...

THE NUMBERS GAME With it being league game number three, there was only one number going to appear in this column this week.

3

- The number of goals scored by Seánie Maguire in one leg against Levadia Tallinn. While Michael Duffy’s angled volley at Oriel Park is one which will live long in the memory of Dundalk supporters, it’s their former striker’s hat trick in Turner’s Cross which leaves him as the last Irish player to score a trio in European competition.

Incidentally, Sergei Lepmets- the Estonian national keeper- was in goal on both occasions and has also been part of squads which faced Drogheda Utd and Northern Ireland.

number 6 (Flores) have all provided assists directly from corner kicks.

3

- The number of years, prior to the Derry City game, it had been since Dundalk had won on the opening night. In 2019, Sligo Rovers travelled to Oriel Park and earned a 1-1 draw courtesy of a Jack Keaney free kick and an Ed McGinty penalty save while the previous year saw Bray Wanderers arrive and earn a goalless draw at Oriel Park. Incidentally, three years after trialling at Galway Utd, Seagulls’ goalkeeper Aaron Dillon was making his debut on loan from Blackburn Rovers and Dundalk had three left footed players in their back four- Dane

Massey and Stephen Folan were centre halves with Dean Jarvis at left back and the right footed Sean Gannon at right back.

3

- Both number threes tonight are central defenders who have raised silverware while captaining their current side and are widely revered by fans of their club, as well as being respected voices within both local and national media. Another thing both Alan Bennett and Brian Gartland have in common is that they both have Third Level degrees in business, Bennett’s is in Business Management while Gartland’s is in Sports Management.

3

- The number of corner takers Dundalk used during Friday’s Oriel Park meeting with Derry City. Cammy Smith started with the first before Michael Duffy took over and then Jordan Flores took the corner from which Dane Massey scored the winning goal.

Incidentally, it means that Dundalk’s number 8 (John Mountney, number 7 (Duffy) and

25 March 2017; Cork’s Alan Bennett and Dundalk’s Brian Gartland lead their teams out for the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division game between Cork City and Dundalk.

55

EXTRA TIME:

THE SPECTATOR IT WOULD BE EASY- AND THEREFORE TEMPTINGFOR THE SPECTATOR TO RIFF ON CORK CITY’S CURRENT DIFFICULTIES. AFTER HALF A DECADE OF TITANIC, TUMULTUOUS, TOE-TOTOE, TIT-FOR-TAT TIFFS THE CORK-DUNDALK BIG TWO RIVALRY PETERED OUT SOMEWHAT IN 2019.

An article ostensibly profiling the away team could report gleefully on City’s slide down the table, the end of the John Caulfield era, the lack of European football and the challenging new financial reality facing our Corkonian friends, but frankly The Spectator doesn’t have the heart or the appetite to wallow in Munsterian schadenfreude. Perhaps it’s a sign of old age and maturity. Perhaps, more damningly, it reflects on City’s temporarily reduced status. Perhaps it’s just that The Spectator, whisper it, has a tiny, microscopic, infinitesimal soft sport for Cork. Not for Cork City FC so much as for Cork the city.

The fact is that, despite the regular demise of its clubs, Cork is and always really has been a soccer hotbed. Indeed The Spectator has enjoyed many a football related trip to Ireland’s second city- well Ireland’s third city once the North realises, post-Brexit, the error of its ways and rejoins the rest

29 March 2019; Cork City and Dundalk players shake hands prior to the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match between Dundalk and Cork City at Oriel Park.

of us. The Spectator is not old enough to have gone to see Cork Celtic, Cork Hibernians, Cork United, the other Cork United, the first Cork City, Cork FC, Fordsons, Cork Athletic, Cork Bohemians, Evergreen United, Cork Alberts, Cork Argyle or Cork and Hove Albion, but has enjoyed many a convivial trip to the Paris of Munster. (Naturally The Spectator could not resist a little dig at the smorgasbord of clubs that Leeside has produced over the decades, but then The Spectator has never been one to shy away from an easy joke. Add in the fact that a list of Cork’s exLeague of Ireland has an added attraction as filler when The Spectator has controversially been tasked with filling a second page of Dundalk FC Matchday Magazine by an editorial team showing all the sophistication and preplanned guile of a Jack Charlton, Dermot Keely or John Caulfield throwing Gary Doherty, Mick Doohan

56

or Damien Delaney up front as an emergency striker while chasing the game.)

Cork is proof that Ireland is a small country, big enough for one decent sized city in Dublin and one mediumsized city in Belfast, but too small a population to accommodate anything else but glorified towns.

That is not a criticism. The fact that Cork is effectively a large town means that it is more homely and manageable than a bigger city. You can even make the argument that Cork is Ireland’s finest big town.

It is less self-consciously, cloyingly “craic” than Kilkenny or Galway, more sophisticated, cosmopolitan and entertaining than any place outside Dublin, and with enough atmosphere, history and character to ensure a distinctive experience. Cork has all this and yet is small enough to traverse on foot for the most part. Turner’s Cross is a 20 minute stroll from

the centre, pretty much everything you’d want to do or see in Europe’s most underwhelming Capital of Culture is within striking distance. Even dear, bizarre, introverted, unique Cobh and it’s equally unique Ramblers are a mere 24 minutes away by train. (Of course any overnighter to see Dundalk at Cobh must be based in Cork city, because let’s face it, staying overnight in Cobh is the starting point for contemporary horror movie directed by M Night Shaylaman.)

From a football point of view Leeside has it’s attractions too. The Cross is a fine little ground that almost looks like a proper football stadium, when viewed from the right angle. The

city drips with football history, the Mardyke and Flower Lodge, now deconsecrated as Pairc Ui Rinn, both hosted Ireland internationals, and the names of Roy Keane, Denis Irwin, Noel Cantwell, Florrie Burke, Seanie McCarthy, Miah Dennehy, Frank O’Farrell and Liam Miller among many, many others lend weight to Cork’s soccer tradition.

From a Dundalk FC point of view Cork holds much historical significance.

Dundalk’s first League of Ireland game was played at Ballinlough against the Ford tractor factory works team Fordsons. The league title was sealed at Turner’s Cross against Cork Celtic in 1977 and unforgettably against Cork City in 1991. In recent years the Cross has

witnessed many an epic battle with Richie Towell, Brian Gartland, Chris Shields and Daryl Horgan helping Dundalk to more silverware while Seanie Maguire, Conor McCormack and the beloved Mark McNulty have endeavoured to thwart the white tide.

It’s been emotional, entertaining, frustrating, thrilling, appalling, wonderful, devastating and exciting- it’s been a longdistance rivalry to savour.

At the end of 2012 The Spectator was one of seven Dundalk fans in Cork to watch a dismal side slide towards a relegation playoff. Football is cyclical, Cork will be back at the business end before too long. Sure you’d miss them if they weren’t.

6 September 2019; Georgie Kelly celebrates after scoring Dundalk’s first goal during the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match between Dundalk and Cork City at Oriel Park.

57

HALF-TIME CHALLENGE

THE QUIZ

Dundalk 1. Which Dundalk FC player has a degree in Business Management from UCD? 2. What number jersey did Richie Towell wear in last few seasons at the club?

3. Who is the only player currently at club to have scored for the Lilywhites in European competition?

2

4. How many different Dundalk players took a corner kick in the Derry game?

5. Where does ex Lilywhite goalkeeper Gabriel Sava now ply his trade?

Cork City 6. Which Cork City player scored the winner against Dundalk in their last league encounter?

7. Cork goalkeeper Liam Bossin was born in which country?

5

8. Who manufactured Cork’s kit before Adidas?

9. Former Cork City midfielder Garry Buckley is now playing where?

10.What nationality is former City goalkeeper Phil Harrington?

Mixed Bag 11. Which EPL club are known as ‘The Hammers’?

12. Who was the first Welsh player in Serie A?

10

13. Former St Patrick’s Athletic player Jake Carroll is at which SPL side?

14. How many teams are in the Northern Irish Premier League?

15. In what year were Liverpool founded?

1. Brian Gartland 2. 17 3. Patrick Hoban 4. 3- Smith, Duffy, Flores 5. Warrenpoint Town 6. Daire O Connor 7. Belgium 8. Nike 9. Sligo Rovers 10. Welsh 11. West Ham 12. John Charles 13. Motherwell 14. 12 15. 1892

13

ANSWERS 58

OUR GAME KNOWS YOUR NAME

NEO X ELITE

THE OFFICIAL MATCH BALL OF THE 2020 SSE AIRTRICITY LEAGUE, FEATURING BESPOKE BALLS MADE FOR EACH CLUB.

UMBRO.IE

DUNDALK

CORK CITY

1

GARY ROGERS

1

MARK McNULTY

2

SEAN GANNON

2

CHARLIE FLEMING

3

BRIAN GARTLAND

3

ALAN BENNETT

4

SEAN HOARE

4

ROB SLEVIN

5

CHRIS SHIELDS

5

HENRY OCHIENG

6

JORDAN FLORES

6

GEARÓID MORRISSEY

7

MICHAEL DUFFY

7

DYLAN McGLADE

8

JOHN MOUNTNEY

8

CIAN COLEMAN

9

PATRICK HOBAN

9

League of Ireland Champions (14): 1932/33, ‘62/63, ‘66/67, ‘75/76, ‘78/79, ‘81/82, ‘87/88, ‘90/91, ‘94/95, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019

First Division Champions (2): 2000/01, 2008

FAI Cup Winners (11):

10 GREGORY SLOGGETT

10 DÁIRE O’CONNOR

11

11

PATRICK McELENEY

HONOURS

CORY GALVIN

1942, 1949, 1952, 1958, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1988, 2002, 2015, 2018

12 GEORGIE KELLY

12

13

13 DAVID HARRINGTON

14 DANE MASSEY

14 RONAN HURLEY

15 DARRAGH LEAHY

15 DARRAGH CROWLEY

16 SEAN MURRAY

16 ALEC BYRNE

17

17 KYRON STABANA

18 WILL PATCHING

18 JOSH HONOHAN

19

19 REYON DILLON

1977/78, ‘80/81, ‘86/87, ‘89/90,

20 AARON McCAREY

20 JOE REDMOND

2014, 2017, 2019

21 DANIEL CLEARY

21 LIAM BOSSIN

22 STEFAN COLOVIC

22 DESHANE DALLING

23 CAMERON SMITH

23 JOSEPH OLUWU

24

24 CIAN MURPHY

25

25

26

26 DALE HOLLAND

27 DANIEL KELLY

27

28 LIDO LOTEFA

28

29

29 BEINEÓN O’BRIENWHITMARSH

30 31 44 ANDY BOYLE MANAGER VINNY PERTH

30 RORY DOYLE 31 CIAN BARGARY MANAGER NEALE FENN

Top Four Cup Winners (2): 1963/64, ‘66/67 League of Ireland Shield Winners (2): 1966/67, ‘71/72 League Cup Winners (7):

FAI President’s Cup Winners (2): 2015, 2019 Leinster Senior Cup Winners (7): 1951/52, ‘60/61, ‘70/71, ‘73/74, ‘76/77, ‘77/78, 2015 Leinster FA President’s Cup Winners (9): 1930/31, ‘51/52, ‘63/64, ‘64/65, ‘79/80, ‘80/81, ‘81/82, ‘88/89, ‘89/90 Dublin City Cup Winners (5): 1937/38, ‘42/43, ‘48/49, ‘67/68, ‘68/69

MATCH OFFICIALS

Women’s FAI Cup Winners (1): 2005

REFEREE: PAUL McLAUGHLIN ASSISTANT REFEREE: DARRAGH KEEGAN & CONOR FITZGIBBON FOURTH OFFICIAL: ROB HENNESSY

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